Rustic Hearty Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering deep-dish pizza pie that promises a flavor explosion in every bite.

Rich tomato sauce and melted cheese nestle between layers of golden, crispy crust.

The robust combination of premium ingredients creates a culinary masterpiece that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Layered with savory meats, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese, this pizza transcends ordinary expectations.

Each slice delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to the streets of Chicago.

You’ll want to gather your closest friends and savor every delectable moment of this incredible meal.

This pizza isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience that will leave everyone craving more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need for That Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

• Flour: Provides structure and texture, choose unbleached all-purpose for best results.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness, helps with browning.
• Yeast: Creates rise and airy texture, ensure it's fresh and active.
• Warm Water: Activates yeast, should be lukewarm to prevent killing yeast.
• Milk: Adds richness and softness to dough, whole milk works best.
• Olive Oil: Increases dough's flexibility and adds subtle flavor.
• Melted Butter: Contributes richness and depth to the crust.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides robust base, select ripe, high-quality canned tomatoes.
• Garlic: Adds intense aromatic flavor, fresh cloves are most potent.
• Oregano: Brings classic Italian herb note, dried works well.
• Basil: Introduces fresh, bright herbal taste, use fresh or dried.
• Sugar: Balances tomato acidity, use sparingly.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances overall sauce seasoning.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates classic stretchy texture, fresh is creamiest.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertone, freshly grated preferred.
• Sausage: Provides savory protein element, choose spicy or mild.
• Pepperoni: Adds spicy, meaty flavor, opt for thin-sliced.

Gear to Nail a Chicago-Style Pizza Pie

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and kneading dough ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for flour, salt, sugar, and liquid ingredients.
• Saucepan: Perfect for preparing and simmering the rich tomato sauce.
• Rolling pin: Helps spread dough evenly for the perfect deep-dish crust.
• Deep-dish pan or 9-inch round cake pan: Crucial for creating the signature deep-dish pizza shape.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for mixing dough and stirring sauce.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for rolling out dough and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing the pizza after baking.

How to Put Together a Deep-Dish Pizza

• Craft the Dough

Mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Pour warm water, milk, olive oil, and melted butter into the mixture. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise in an oiled bowl for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

• Create the Sauce

Warm olive oil in a saucepan and sauté minced garlic briefly. Add crushed tomatoes, herbs, and seasonings. Simmer the sauce until it thickens and develops rich flavors, about 15-20 minutes.

• Build the Pizza Masterpiece

Heat the oven to 425F. Grease a deep-dish pan generously. Stretch the dough to cover the pan’s bottom and sides. Layer cheese across the crust, sprinkle your favorite toppings, and drizzle the homemade sauce evenly over everything.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza into the hot oven. Bake until the crust turns golden and the cheese becomes bubbly and irresistible, around 20-25 minutes.

• Serve and Enjoy

Allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes. Slice, serve, and savor your delicious deep-dish creation with a fresh side salad or crispy garlic bread.

Bold Tips for Baking a Pizza Pie That Stands Tall

• Perfect Dough Rising: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on for optimal rising.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pizza dough and sauce a day ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day.
• Cheese Lover's Trick: Layer cheese both underneath and on top of other toppings to create a deliciously gooey, melted cheese experience with every bite.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to help maintain the dough's structure and texture.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace meat toppings with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a hearty plant-based deep-dish pizza alternative.

Serving Up a Slice of Deep-Dish Goodness

• Party Platter Paradise: Slice this deep-dish pizza into wedges and arrange on a large wooden board with colorful garnishes like fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan for a stunning presentation.
• Dipping Delight: Serve alongside small ramekins of ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or garlic aioli for guests to customize their pizza experience with extra flavor bursts.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad topped with Italian vinaigrette or serve with crunchy garlic bread to create a complete, satisfying meal that fills hungry bellies and delights taste buds.
• Wine and Dine Combo: Match this rich pizza with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the robust tomato sauce and savory meat toppings.

Saving Leftovers from Your Pizza Pie Night

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pizza pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Wrap each slice separately to maintain moisture and prevent flavor mixing.
• Freezing Magic: Slice pizza into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Brilliance: Restore crispy crust by using a preheated oven at 375F. Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Quick Lunch Prep: Pack cold slices in lunch containers with a small ice pack. Keep separate from other foods to maintain pizza's distinct flavor and prevent sogginess.

Hearty Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Indulgent Chicago-style deep-dish pizza pie offers a delectable journey through layers of melted cheese, robust tomato sauce, and savory toppings. Crisp buttery crust and hearty fillings provide comfort for pizza enthusiasts seeking a memorable culinary experience.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (120 ml) warm water
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 cups (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni
• ½ cup (75 g) sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Blend flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate warm water, milk, olive oil, and melted butter, mixing until a unified dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 7-8 minutes, creating a smooth, elastic consistency.
2. Proofing and Sauce Creation: Let the dough rise in a greased container, covered, for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size. Simultaneously, craft the sauce by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then adding crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until rich and thickened.
3. Crust and Layering: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Oil a deep-dish pan and carefully stretch the dough to cover bottom and sides. Layer mozzarella and Parmesan cheese as the base, then distribute sausage or pepperoni evenly across the surface.
4. Sauce and Finishing: Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the toppings, ensuring complete coverage. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust turns golden and cheese becomes bubbly and slightly crisp.
5. Serving: Rest the pizza for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Slice and plate with a complementary side like a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Dough Hydration Matters: Adjust water and milk quantities slightly based on flour type and humidity to achieve perfect dough elasticity and prevent dryness or stickiness.
• Proofing Precision: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like near a preheated oven to ensure optimal rising and develop complex flavors.
• Cheese Layer Strategy: Spread cheese directly on the crust before sauce to create a moisture barrier, preventing soggy bottom and maintaining crisp texture.
• Temperature Control: Use a pizza stone or preheated cast-iron pan for extra crispiness and even heat distribution, elevating the crust’s golden-brown finish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg