Are you craving a hearty and delicious pizza that’s more than just your average thin crust? The Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is the perfect solution! This iconic Chicago-style pizza features a buttery, thick crust that’s loaded with cheese, savory sauce, and all the toppings you love. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or someone looking to try something new, this recipe will take your pizza night to the next level. Let’s dive into how you can make this comforting dish at home!
What is Deep-Dish Pizza?
Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago classic, known for its tall, deep crust that resembles a pie more than a traditional pizza. It’s filled with layers of cheese, meat, vegetables, and a chunky tomato sauce that is typically spread on top rather than underneath the cheese. The result is a pizza that’s more like a savory, cheesy casserole. The unique aspect of this pizza is its thick, buttery crust, which acts as a vessel to hold all the rich ingredients together.
Ingredients for Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for a creamier texture)
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting the pan)
How to Make Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that your dough will rise properly.
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Toppings
While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
In a skillet, sauté the bell pepper and onion until softened. Add the cooked sausage and mix well. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Transfer the dough to the pizza pan, pressing it into the sides to form a high crust. The dough should extend up the sides of the pan, creating a “pie” shape.
Layer the mozzarella cheese evenly at the bottom of the crust, followed by a generous layer of the sausage, bell pepper, and onion mixture. Pour the tomato sauce over the top and spread it out evenly. If you’re using ricotta cheese, you can dot it on top for added creaminess.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
Bake the deep-dish pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. You may need to cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil if it’s browning too quickly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The deep-dish pizza pie can be quite filling, so serve it with a simple salad or some garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
- Use high-quality cheese: The cheese is a key element in a deep-dish pizza, so opt for fresh mozzarella and other premium cheeses for the best flavor and texture.
- Customize your toppings: While sausage, peppers, and onions are classic choices, feel free to get creative with your toppings. Mushrooms, olives, and pepperoni are great additions.
- Let the dough rest: The dough needs time to rise to achieve that perfect flaky, buttery texture, so don’t rush the rising process.
- Serve fresh: Deep-dish pizza tastes best when served right out of the oven. The crust can become soggy if it sits too long, so enjoy it while it’s fresh!
Conclusion
The Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is a filling and flavorful twist on the classic pizza that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. With a buttery crust, gooey cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite toppings, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a fun pizza night with friends. Plus, it’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Don’t wait any longer—give this deep-dish pizza pie recipe a try and enjoy the taste of Chicago in your own kitchen!
Serving and Storage Tips for Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
Serving Tips:
- Slice with Care: Deep-dish pizza is thick and loaded with layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings, so it’s best to let it cool slightly before cutting. Use a sharp pizza cutter or a serrated knife to ensure clean slices.
- Pair with Sides: Serve your deep-dish pizza with a simple side salad, such as a mixed green salad or a Caesar salad. The freshness of the greens complements the rich and indulgent pizza.
- Add a Drizzle: For extra flavor, drizzle a little olive oil or balsamic glaze over the top before serving. You can also sprinkle some fresh basil or Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor.
- Serve Hot: Deep-dish pizza is best enjoyed while it’s hot and freshly baked, as the cheese is gooey, and the flavors are vibrant.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To preserve the crust’s crispiness, reheat your deep-dish pizza in an oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is warm. If you’re short on time, you can reheat individual slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze leftover deep-dish pizza. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating from Frozen: When you’re ready to enjoy frozen deep-dish pizza, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your delicious deep-dish pizza pie for days to come!
- What makes deep-dish pizza different from regular pizza?
Deep-dish pizza is characterized by its thick, buttery crust that forms a “pie” shape, holding layers of cheese, toppings, and a chunky tomato sauce. Unlike traditional pizzas with a thin crust, deep-dish pizza is more like a savory pie, often requiring a longer baking time to ensure the layers cook evenly. - Can I customize the toppings for my deep-dish pizza pie?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about deep-dish pizza is that it’s highly customizable. You can add your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, or olives. The beauty of deep-dish pizza is that the thick crust holds all of the toppings securely, allowing you to experiment with flavors and ingredients. - How long does it take to cook deep-dish pizza?
Deep-dish pizza typically takes longer to bake than regular pizza due to its thickness. Expect a baking time of around 45 to 60 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This allows the crust to become golden and crispy while ensuring that the cheese and toppings are perfectly cooked. - Can I make deep-dish pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare deep-dish pizza ahead of time! You can assemble the pizza up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled pizza and bake it directly from frozen—just make sure to add extra baking time.
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This deep-dish pizza pie is a hearty, indulgent take on classic pizza. With a buttery crust, layers of cheese, flavorful toppings, and rich tomato sauce, it’s the perfect dish for pizza lovers who want something extra filling and comforting.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 2 cups (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (75 g) cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni (or toppings of choice)
- 1/2 cup (75 g) sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers (optional)
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Add the warm water, milk, olive oil, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
- Assemble the pizza pie:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pan or a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with olive oil.
- Roll out the dough into a large circle and press it into the pan, making sure it covers the bottom and goes up the sides.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the crust. Add the sausage, pepperoni, or other toppings. Pour the tomato sauce on top and spread it evenly.
- Bake the pizza pie:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the pizza pie cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with a side of salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- Toppings: Customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings, like olives, spinach, or grilled chicken.
- Crust: For a richer crust, replace the water with more milk.
- Sauce: Use store-bought pizza sauce if short on time.