Description
This Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie recipe features a rich, hearty crust filled with layers of mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and flavorful pizza sauce. Baked to golden perfection with a buttery, flaky crust, this pizza pie delivers a delicious, comforting meal perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp)
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and set it in a warm place. Allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or a similarly sized baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the risen dough to fit the deep-dish pan, allowing some excess dough to hang over the edges for sealing.
- Layer Ingredients: Begin the filling by layering shredded mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the crust. Next, spread the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, followed by pepperoni slices, diced bell pepper, and diced onion. Pour pizza sauce evenly over the filling, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil on top.
- Seal and Brush: Fold the excess dough edges over the top of the filling, sealing the pie completely. Brush the dough crust with melted butter to enhance flavor and browning. Optionally, brush with a beaten egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the assembled deep-dish pizza pie into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbly and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the filling to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the water used for activating the yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- For a crisper crust, you can bake the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.
- The egg wash is optional but adds a beautiful golden sheen to the crust.
- You can customize the toppings with your favorite vegetables or meats.
- Allowing the dough to rise fully ensures a light and airy crust texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
