The Ultimate Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe for Homemade Bliss

Pizza lovers have dreamed about this hearty deep-dish pizza pie since chicago first crafted its iconic culinary marvel.

Layers of melted cheese and robust ingredients create a mouth-watering masterpiece that defies ordinary flatbread expectations.

Thick and golden crusts embrace rich toppings with unparalleled comfort.

Generous fillings stack inside a buttery shell, promising pure deliciousness in every single bite.

Crispy edges hint at the delectable journey waiting inside this substantial meal.

Midwest cooking traditions shine through with each carefully constructed slice.

Regional pride meets ultimate satisfaction – you’ll want to savor every single morsel.

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie With Layers You Can’t Miss

• Conquer Complex Cooking: This deep-dish pizza transforms intimidating culinary challenges into a delightful home cooking adventure, making professional-level cuisine accessible to everyone.
• Quick Personalization Paradise: Easily customize toppings to match family preferences, creating a flexible meal that welcomes creativity and ensures everyone's satisfaction with their perfect slice.
• Weekend Comfort Showstopper: Perfect for lazy weekend gatherings, this hearty pizza delivers restaurant-quality taste directly from your kitchen, impressing friends and family with minimal professional cooking skills required.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare components in advance, allowing busy home cooks to assemble and bake quickly, making dinner preparation stress-free and enjoyable for those with packed schedules.

Deep Dish Pizza Pie Essentials

• Flour: Essential for the pizza dough structure, provides foundation for the entire pizza.
• Water: Activates the yeast and helps bind the dough ingredients together, best when warm.
• Yeast: Crucial for dough rising, creates light and airy texture for the crust.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity, important for dough development.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, elastic dough texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with browning of the crust.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Primary sauce base, provides rich, tangy foundation for pizza.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the sauce, enhances overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Brings intense aromatic flavor, classic pizza sauce component.
• Oregano: Traditional Italian herb that gives authentic pizza sauce taste.
• Basil: Fresh herb that adds brightness and classic Italian sauce character.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing sauce flavors.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Classic pizza cheese, melts beautifully and provides creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps create golden cheese crust.
• Pepperoni: Optional protein topping, classic pizza meat with spicy flavor.
• Vegetables: Optional fresh toppings for added nutrition and personal preference.

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Baking Method

Step 1: Kickstart the Dough

Grab a cozy bowl and mix warm water, sugar, and yeast.

Give it a few minutes to get bubbly and alive.

In another big mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.

Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

Stir until a soft, pillowy dough comes together.

Dust a surface with flour and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.

Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for an hour or until it puffs up beautifully.

Step 2: Craft the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium flame.

Toss in onions and garlic, cooking until they turn soft and fragrant.

• Crushed tomatoes
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir these ingredients into the pan and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes.

Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Build the Pizza Masterpiece

Crank up the oven to 425°F.

Roll out the dough into a circle slightly bigger than your deep-dish pan.

Gently press the dough into the pan, letting it climb up the sides.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Layer half the cheese on the crust bottom.

Add your favorite toppings like pepperoni or veggies.

Spread the tomato sauce over the toppings and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown crust and bubbly, melted cheese.

Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice up your pizza pie and serve piping hot.

Pair with marinara sauce or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Prep Made Easy

• Use a warm, draft-free spot like inside a turned-off oven to help the dough rise faster and more evenly.
• Place cheese at the bottom of the crust to prevent a soggy base and create a delicious, crispy foundation for your pizza pie.
• Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened to prevent a watery pizza and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
• Choose toppings that complement each other and avoid overloading to maintain a balanced texture and prevent a soggy crust.
• Allow the pizza to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set, making it easier to cut clean, beautiful slices without falling apart.

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Keep Fresh

• Store leftover deep-dish pizza in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen pizza can last up to 2 months without losing quality or taste.
• Restore crispy crust by preheating oven to 375°F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and edges become golden.
• For quick reheating, use 50% power for 30-45 seconds per slice. Add a small cup of water nearby to prevent dryness and maintain pizza's moisture.

Meals That Go With Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

• Savor the Perfect Pairings with Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
• Complement Wine Selection: Choose robust red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese to match the pizza's rich, hearty flavors and cut through the cheesy goodness.
• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pizza's heavy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Craft Beer: Select medium-bodied amber ales or hoppy IPAs that can stand up to the pizza's intense flavor profile and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve Chilled Appetizer: Prepare a light antipasto platter with marinated olives, cured meats, and pickled vegetables to enhance the Italian-inspired dining experience.

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Ideas With A Twist

• Gluten-Free Pizza Pie: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using almond or rice flour. Use cornstarch as a binding agent to maintain the dough's texture.
• Vegetarian Deep-Dish: Swap meat toppings with roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. Add plant-based cheese alternatives for a protein-rich option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crust: Create a base using riced cauliflower, eggs, and cheese instead of traditional dough. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a crispy texture.
• Vegan Deep-Dish Pizza: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes like cashew or nutritional yeast-based cheese. Replace traditional sauce with homemade marinara using organic tomatoes and plant-based ingredients.

FAQs

• What makes deep-dish pizza different from regular pizza?

Deep-dish pizza has a thick, high-edged crust that creates a pie-like structure, allowing more layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings compared to traditional thin-crust pizzas.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough up to 24 hours in advance. After kneading, place it in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove and let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

• How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?

Pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings, and layer cheese on the bottom to create a barrier between the sauce and dough. This helps keep the crust crispy.

• What are the best cheeses for deep-dish pizza?

A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan works best. Mozzarella provides melty texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp, tangy flavor to enhance the overall taste.

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Chicago’s legendary deep-dish pizza pie brings comfort and indulgence to your table with its thick, buttery crust and layers of rich ingredients. Cheese, sauce, and toppings meld together in a hearty slice that promises pure satisfaction for pizza enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Ingredients

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (591 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons / 7 grams) active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup (177 ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) olive oil

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped bell peppers or spinach (optional)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a touch of sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and alive with fermentation for 5-10 minutes.
2. Create a sturdy dough foundation by combining flour and salt, then integrating the activated yeast and olive oil until a cohesive mass forms.
3. Transform the dough through vigorous kneading on a flour-dusted surface, developing its elasticity and strength for 5-7 minutes until achieving a silky, smooth texture.
4. Nurture dough development by placing it in an oil-coated vessel, covering it, and allowing it to rise in a warm environment until it doubles in volume, approximately one hour.
5. Craft a robust sauce by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until they become translucent and fragrant.
6. Enhance the sauce with crushed tomatoes, infusing it with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, then allowing it to simmer and meld flavors for 15 minutes.
7. Prepare the pizza vessel by heating the oven to 425°F, ensuring a perfectly crisp crust environment.
8. Stretch the dough into a circular shape slightly larger than the deep-dish pan, gently pressing it to line the entire surface, including the sides.
9. Construct the pizza’s foundation by layering half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese directly onto the crust, creating a protective barrier.
10. Distribute selected toppings like pepperoni or vegetables across the cheese layer for maximum flavor integration.
11. Ladle the prepared sauce evenly over the toppings, ensuring complete coverage.
12. Finish with a generous sprinkle of remaining cheese, creating a golden, bubbling crown.
13. Bake the pizza until the crust transforms to a rich golden hue and the cheese becomes molten and inviting, approximately 25-30 minutes.
14. Allow the pizza to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the layers to settle and making clean slicing easier.
15. Serve the pizza piping hot, accompanied by marinara sauce or a crisp salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Always use warm water (not hot) when activating yeast to ensure proper fermentation without killing the yeast.
• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which creates a chewy and elastic pizza crust with great texture.
• Allow sufficient rising time for the dough, as this develops deeper flavor and lighter, more airy crust structure.
• Consider using a cast-iron skillet instead of a traditional deep-dish pan for enhanced heat distribution and crispy bottom crust.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better binding.
• Precook heavy vegetable toppings like mushrooms or zucchini to prevent excess moisture in the final pizza.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg