If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and that unmistakable wow-factor, look no further than this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe. More than just a meal, this pizza pie is a showstopper—perfect for dinner parties, game nights, or treating yourself to something truly special. With a flaky, buttery crust, hearty tomato sauce, a generous helping of cheese, and your choice of toppings, this deep-dish pizza turns an ordinary dinner into a celebration of flavor.
In this post, we’ll walk you through every step of making an authentic deep-dish pizza pie from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying this style of pizza for the first time, this guide will help you bake a pie that rivals even the best Chicago pizzerias.
What Is a Deep-Dish Pizza Pie?
The deep-dish pizza pie is a thick, layered pizza baked in a deep, round pan—similar in shape to a cake tin. Unlike thin-crust or New York-style pizzas, deep-dish pizza is more of a “pizza casserole” with a rich crust that forms tall, buttery walls to contain layers of cheese, toppings, and a chunky tomato sauce.
This dish originated in Chicago in the 1940s and has since become an iconic representation of American pizza culture. The order of ingredients is also unique: cheese goes first (to prevent the crust from becoming soggy), followed by meats or veggies, and finally a robust tomato sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
- Rich and filling: One slice is enough to satisfy a big appetite.
- Customizable: Choose your own toppings or keep it classic.
- Perfect for sharing: A great dish for entertaining guests or feeding a hungry family.
- Can be made ahead: Prepare the dough and sauce in advance for easier assembly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1¼ tsp salt
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1¼ cups warm water (about 43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the pan)
For the Cheese Layer
- 450g shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
For the Tomato Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 800g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- 200g Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- Sliced pepperoni
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Sliced green bell peppers
- Black olives
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add in the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together, then knead it for about 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Place a rack in the lower third of the oven to help ensure the bottom crust cooks through.
Step 4: Roll and Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and let it rest for 5 minutes. Roll it out into a large circle about ⅓-inch thick.
Grease a 9- or 10-inch round deep-dish pan (cast iron or cake pan) with olive oil. Press the dough into the pan, pushing it up the sides to form a deep bowl. Trim any excess dough from the rim.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Start with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese at the bottom. This acts as a barrier to keep the crust crisp. Next, add your chosen toppings—sausage, pepperoni, vegetables—then sprinkle the Parmesan.
Finally, spoon the tomato sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot—the sauce will reduce during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza Pie
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the sauce is bubbling. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
Tips for Perfect Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
- Use a deep, heavy pan: A cast-iron skillet or springform pan provides even heat and crispier crust.
- Don’t skimp on resting time: Letting the pizza cool before cutting prevents it from becoming a cheesy mess.
- Add semolina for extra crunch: Substitute ¼ cup of the flour with semolina for a crispier base.
- Freeze the dough: You can freeze the dough after the first rise for up to 1 month.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out meat toppings for grilled eggplant, spinach, roasted red peppers, or artichokes.
- Four Cheese Pie: Combine mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and Parmesan for an ultra-cheesy experience.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce and top with spicy sausage or jalapeños.
- Breakfast Style: Add scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar for a unique brunch option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your deep-dish pizza pie with:
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- Garlic knots or breadsticks
- A glass of red wine, lager, or sparkling water with lemon
For dessert, try something light like fruit sorbet or tiramisu to balance out the heavy meal.
Storage and Reheating
To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Bake in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make the crust soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is everything a comfort food should be—warm, filling, cheesy, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for the first time or perfecting your technique, this guide gives you the tools and confidence to create a pizza masterpiece in your own kitchen. The best part? It’s customizable enough to suit every taste and occasion.
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Description
This Chicago-style deep-dish pizza pie is a thick, cheesy, and hearty meal layered with buttery crust, gooey mozzarella, rich tomato sauce, and savory Italian sausage. It's the ultimate comfort food and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for pizza lovers.
Ingredients
For the Dough
For the Cheese Layer
For the Meat Layer
For the Sauce
For the Toppings
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a stand mixer or large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add melted butter and the yeast mixture. Knead on medium speed (or by hand) for about 6–8 minutes until smooth. Grease a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours or until doubled.
Make the Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer uncovered on low heat for 20–30 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
Preheat and Prep the Pan
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F). Grease a 23 cm (9-inch) round deep-dish or cast-iron pan with olive oil. Punch down the dough, then press it into the pan, pushing it up the sides to form a 2.5–4 cm (1–1.5 inch) wall. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
Assemble the Layers
- Start with the mozzarella layer at the base (this prevents soggy dough). Add cooked sausage and optional pepperoni. Pour the thick tomato sauce on top and spread evenly. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the sauce.
Bake the Pizza
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. If the edges brown too fast, cover with foil halfway through baking.
Rest and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Slice and serve warm.
Note
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10–12 minutes for best results.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dough or a fully baked pizza slice (wrapped well).
Variations: Use cooked spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version. Try a blend of cheeses like provolone or asiago for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead Tip: The dough can be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept in the fridge for a slow rise.
