If there’s one dish guaranteed to impress and delight, it’s this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe. With a buttery, golden crust stuffed edge to edge with gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings, this crowd-pleaser really delivers comfort by the slice. Whether you’re hosting game night, a casual family dinner, or just craving something extra hearty, this classic Chicago-inspired pizza pie will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each item in the Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe plays an important role, coming together for layers of flavor and texture. Using just a handful of essential ingredients, you’ll find that great taste starts with quality and a few secrets in your pantry.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of that legendary deep-dish crust; don’t substitute for best results.
- Yellow cornmeal: Adds irresistible crunch and a hint of sweetness to the dough.
- Active dry yeast: Helps our crust rise to the right heartiness and chewiness.
- Olive oil: Gives a tender, golden finish; don’t be afraid to use the best you have!
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and sweetens the crust just the right amount.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Warm water: Activates the yeast for a perfectly risen dough.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty heart of the Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe.
- Pepperoni or sausage (optional): For added savory bite—customize your pie!
- Crushed tomatoes: Choose good-quality canned tomatoes for a bright, zesty sauce.
- Garlic: Brings depth to the pizza sauce.
- Dried oregano and basil: Classic herbs for that unmistakable Italian aroma.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it crisps up beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, and salt. Whisk together your warm water and yeast in a measuring cup, let it stand for about 5 minutes until bubbly, then pour it into the dry ingredients with the olive oil. Stir, and knead until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky. Let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size—this is when the crust gets its signature heartiness.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While your dough is rising, make the rich tomato sauce. In a saucepan, simmer crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, a glug of olive oil, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes. You want a thick, spoonable sauce that won’t make your pizza soggy.
Step 3: Shape and Parbake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously oil a deep 9-inch round or square baking dish. Gently press and stretch your dough into the pan, letting it climb the sides high and thick—this is the hallmark of the Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe! Prick the base with a fork, then bake for 10 minutes. This parbake step guarantees no soggy bottoms.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Layer in the mozzarella cheese first, followed by your cooked sausage, pepperoni, or any other favorite toppings. Then ladle that homemade tomato sauce over the cheese, spreading it edge to edge. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan right before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Return the assembled pie to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the sauce is bubbling gently around the sides. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to set up—this is the hardest part, but it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, I love a generous dusting of extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil, and a drizzle of good olive oil. A crack of black pepper or chili flakes can also add just the right kick to each slice of your Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe.
Side Dishes
This pizza pie is hearty, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian dressing, or maybe some roasted garlic broccoli. If you’re feeling fancy, offer a tangy Caesar salad on the side for a little more decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe straight from the pan at the table for a true Chicago feel, or slide slices onto a wooden board for buffet-style serving. For parties, cut into smaller squares for pizza “bites” you can pass around—watch them disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Deep-dish pizza keeps well! Wrap slices tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle and deepen overnight, making for an extra-tasty next-day lunch.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your pizza, let the baked pie cool completely, then wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To enjoy, defrost overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven, crispy-bottomed magic, reheat slices on a baking sheet at 375°F until piping hot and the cheese melts again—usually about 10 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch but the crust stays crispier in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, you can, but to truly capture the classic Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe experience, the homemade dough makes all the difference. Store-bought dough will work in a pinch but may lack that signature buttery texture.
What’s the best cheese for this pizza pie?
Mozzarella is the traditional choice for that classic stretch, but feel free to add a little provolone or fontina for extra flavor and richness. Always use block cheese and shred it yourself for the best melt.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even caramelized onions all make delicious additions. Just make sure to cook veggies first and squeeze out any extra moisture so your Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe doesn’t get soggy.
Is it possible to make the dough ahead?
Definitely! You can let the dough rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before pressing into your pan to keep the crust light and fluffy.
What’s the secret to a crispy deep-dish crust?
It’s all about the parbake: baking the crust before adding toppings ensures the base is set and turns out perfectly crisp every time. A heavy, well-oiled pan also helps develop that golden bottom.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to make a meal that’s pure comfort, joy, and a slice of something special, give this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and making it from scratch fills your kitchen with irresistible smells and your table with happy faces. Enjoy every gooey, cheesy, saucy bite—this is one recipe you’ll return to again and again!
Print
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 deep-dish pizza pie 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie recipe takes the classic flavors of pizza and transforms them into a hearty, comforting pie. With a buttery crust, savory tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, onions)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, pulse the flour and salt. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Assemble the Pie: Roll out the dough and press into a deep-dish pie pan. Add the tomato sauce, cheese, and desired toppings.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pizza pie for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings to suit your preferences.
- This recipe is great for gatherings and can be easily doubled for a larger crowd.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
