Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
If you’re a fan of pizza, you’ve probably heard of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza—often referred to as “pizza pie” due to its pie-like crust and layers of savory goodness. Unlike the traditional thin crust, deep-dish pizza is a hearty, satisfying meal that can easily serve as both the main course and dessert for pizza lovers. Whether you’re planning to cook for a family dinner, a gathering of friends, or just treating yourself to a comforting meal, this deep-dish pizza pie recipe will not disappoint.
In this detailed guide, I’ll take you through every step of creating a perfect deep-dish pizza, including the dough, filling, and tips on how to achieve that signature golden, crispy crust with all the savory layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- What is Deep-Dish Pizza?
- Ingredients for Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
- How to Make the Deep-Dish Pizza Dough
- Preparing the Toppings
- Assembling the Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
- Baking the Deep-Dish Pizza
- Serving Suggestions and Tips
- Variations of Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What is Deep-Dish Pizza?
Before we begin, let’s take a moment to explore what deep-dish pizza is and why it’s such a beloved dish. Originating in Chicago, this pizza style is known for its thick, buttery crust and layers of cheese, meats, vegetables, and a chunky tomato sauce. It’s not like your usual pizza; the crust is more like a pie crust—thick and sturdy enough to hold all the delicious toppings and sauce, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
The key to deep-dish pizza is the construction: the dough forms a bowl-like structure that holds cheese on the bottom, followed by meat, vegetables, and a chunky tomato sauce. This pizza is often baked in a round, high-sided pan that allows it to hold all of these ingredients without overflowing. When baked to perfection, the result is a flavorful, hearty, and filling meal.
Ingredients for Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
Making a deep-dish pizza pie requires a few special ingredients, particularly for the dough and the rich, chunky sauce. Below, I’ll break down everything you’ll need.
Dough Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 ¼ tsp)
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup olive oil (you can use vegetable oil as well)
- 1 tbsp cornmeal (for dusting)
Filling Ingredients:
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (preferably whole milk mozzarella)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped (green or red)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tbsp tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- Olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
How to Make the Deep-Dish Pizza Dough
The dough is an essential component of any great deep-dish pizza. The dough should be buttery, slightly sweet, and able to hold up to the weight of the toppings. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t froth, your yeast may be expired, so make sure to use fresh yeast.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a spoon or your hands until the dough begins to come together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Grease a large bowl with a little olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Punch Down and Rest
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles. Allow it to rest for an additional 10 minutes before using it. This will make it easier to stretch and fit into the pan.
Preparing the Toppings
While your dough is rising, you can prepare the filling for the deep-dish pizza pie. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until it is browned and crumbled. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
In a separate saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Assembling the Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
Now that your dough, sausage, and sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble your deep-dish pizza pie.
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan or deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil. You can also sprinkle the pan with cornmeal for extra flavor and texture.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter. The dough should be thick enough to create a sturdy crust. Transfer it carefully to the greased pan, pressing it into the sides and bottom of the pan, ensuring it forms a “bowl” shape.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Start with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the dough. This helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Next, add the cooked sausage, followed by the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the top, making sure it covers everything evenly.
Step 4: Top with Parmesan
Finish off the pizza by sprinkling a layer of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This will create a deliciously crispy and golden layer when baked.
Baking the Deep-Dish Pizza
Now that your deep-dish pizza pie is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection.
Step 1: Bake the Pizza
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted. The pizza should have a deep, golden color and a crispy edge.
Step 2: Let It Rest
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions and Tips
Deep-dish pizza is a substantial meal that stands well on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes.
Side Dishes to Serve with Deep-Dish Pizza:
- Caesar Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad with a tangy dressing complements the rich flavors of the deep-dish pizza.
- Garlic Bread: For extra indulgence, serve some crispy garlic bread on the side to soak up the sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: If you’re looking for something healthier, roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini can be a great option.
Tips for Perfect Deep-Dish Pizza:
- Use a high-quality mozzarella: The cheese is the star of the show, so use the best mozzarella you can find. Fresh mozzarella works beautifully, but make sure to drain any excess moisture before adding it to the pizza.
- Rest the dough: Letting the dough rise properly is crucial for a fluffy, light crust. Don’t rush this step.
- Bake on the lower rack: For a perfectly cooked crust, bake the deep-dish pizza on the lower rack of your oven. This ensures that the crust gets crispy and golden, while the filling cooks evenly.
Variations of Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
One of the beautiful things about deep-dish pizza is its versatility. You can easily customize the toppings and flavors to suit your preferences. Here are some variations to try:
1. Vegetarian Deep-Dish Pizza
Replace the sausage with a variety of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and eggplant for a delicious meatless version.
2. Meat Lovers’ Deep-Dish Pizza
For those who enjoy a hearty meat lover’s pie, layer the pizza with a mix of sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and ground beef.
3. White Deep-Dish Pizza
If you prefer a white pizza, skip the tomato sauce entirely and replace it with a creamy garlic sauce. Add ricotta cheese, spinach, and mozzarella for a rich, satisfying alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought dough for deep-dish pizza?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can absolutely use store-bought pizza dough. However, homemade dough will give you a more authentic, buttery, and flaky crust.
2. Can I freeze deep-dish pizza?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked pizza. Assemble the pizza in the pan, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply remove from the freezer and bake as directed (may need extra time in the oven).
Conclusion
Making a deep-dish pizza pie from scratch is a rewarding experience, and the end result is nothing short of amazing. With its golden, buttery crust, layers of cheese, savory sausage, and a rich, chunky tomato sauce, this Chicago-style pizza will surely become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to an indulgent meal, this deep-dish pizza pie recipe is sure to impress.
Take your time with the dough, enjoy the layering process, and bake until it’s golden perfection. Happy cooking!
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast or 2 ¼ tsp
- ¾ cup warm water about 110°F
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp cornmeal for dusting
For the Filling:
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
- 1 large bell pepper chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 tbsp tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional:
- Olive oil for greasing the pan
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir to combine and form a dough.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
- Grease a bowl with olive oil, place dough inside, and cover. Let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Toppings
- Brown sausage in a skillet, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Step 6: Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch round pan with olive oil. Roll dough into a 12-inch circle and place in the pan, pressing it along the sides.
- Layer mozzarella cheese on the bottom, followed by sausage, sautéed vegetables, and sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Bake the Pizza
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Let the pizza rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- You can use store-bought dough for a quicker option, but homemade dough provides a more authentic, buttery crust.
- This pizza can be frozen before baking. Assemble the pizza, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
- For a vegetarian version, swap sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite vegetables.