If you dream of gooey, molten cheese, a thick buttery crust, and a rich, herby sausage-tomato filling all piled high, then Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the glorious union of pizza night and comfort food, baked up in a sturdy pie that slices beautifully and satisfies every craving for savory flavor and hearty texture. With a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside crust and layers of gooey mozzarella and zesty sausage, every bite brings you right to the heart of Chicago—without having to leave your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of Deep-Dish Pizza Pie lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient works its magic. Each of these components adds depth of flavor, satisfying texture, or that melty goodness we can’t resist. Gather everything below to build your own masterpiece!
- Olive oil: For sautéeing sausage and veggies, giving a fruity flavor and helping everything brown just right.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, casings removed): The heart of your filling; choose spicy or sweet depending on your preference.
- Small onion (diced): Adds essential sweetness and savory undertones to the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A must-have for depth and aroma in your pizza pie sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes (28-ounce can): They make up the juicy, rich sauce layer—opt for good quality canned tomatoes for best results.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): The classic herb that gives your sauce that unmistakably Italian flavor.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Sweet, peppery, and adds brightness to every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Heightens and balances all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and sharpness to the filling.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): If you like a little heat in your Deep-Dish Pizza Pie, this is the way to go!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Stretchy, melty, and the backbone of any irresistible pizza pie.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): For savory depth and that nutty, salty finish right on top.
- Pizza dough (1 pound, store-bought or homemade): The vehicle that holds it all together—make sure it’s soft and elastic for easy shaping.
- Cornmeal (1 tablespoon, for dusting): The secret to a crisp bottom with a hint of crunch.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Brushed on for a golden, rich crust that shines as much as it tastes good.
How to Make Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or a cast-iron skillet—if you have one, it’s magic for crust! Sprinkle cornmeal all over the bottom and sides, tilting the pan to coat evenly. This not only keeps the pizza from sticking, but also gives that signature crunch you crave in a Deep-Dish Pizza Pie.
Step 2: Make the Sausage Filling
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook, stirring often to break it up, until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink—about 5 to 7 minutes. Toss in your diced onion and let it simmer until soft and fragrant before adding the minced garlic for that final pop of flavor. The garlic just needs a minute here; you don’t want it to burn!
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then sprinkle the oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) right over the top. Stir everything together and let it bubble away for 10 minutes—just enough time for the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. You want it big enough to fit your pan with a generous overhang for that iconic deep-dish rim. Drape the dough over your prepared pan, gently pressing it into the corners and up the sides. Fix any little tears or thin spots—this is your pizza pie’s crown!
Step 5: Layer the Cheese and Filling
Here’s where Deep-Dish Pizza Pie magic happens! First, scatter half the shredded mozzarella directly onto the bottom of the dough. This creates a cheesy barrier against a soggy crust. Then, spoon the sausage-tomato mixture evenly across, spreading right to the edges. Next, layer on the rest of the mozzarella and finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, for that irresistible golden top.
Step 6: Brush & Bake
Gently roll or fold the dough that hangs over the edge to form a thick, rustic border. Brush the exposed crust edges with melted butter—this makes them taste like pure heaven and turn a gorgeous golden brown. Slide the pie into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and the crust is deeply golden.
Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Let your Deep-Dish Pizza Pie rest for 10 minutes out of the oven. It’s tempting to dive right in, but this step helps everything set for perfect, clean slices. Use a sharp knife to cut wedges and serve while it’s hot and melty—ideally with lots of napkins!
How to Serve Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or sliced basil over the finished Deep-Dish Pizza Pie adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you love spice, a final shower of red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of hot honey can be a real game changer. For more umami, a few extra shavings of Parmesan right before serving are always a hit.
Side Dishes
This hearty pie begs for something crisp and simple alongside it. Whip up a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or serve classic garlic knots to make the meal complete. A chilled Italian soda or a cold beer will always complement the bold flavors of Deep-Dish Pizza Pie.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Deep-Dish Pizza Pie straight from the skillet for a dramatic, crowd-pleasing centerpiece. For fun individual portions, bake the pizza pie in mini cast-iron pans or ramekins. Or, cut the cooled pie into bite-sized squares and skewer with toothpicks as a party appetizer—instant conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your Deep-Dish Pizza Pie to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Wrap slices tightly in foil or seal in an airtight container, and they’ll stay delicious for 3 to 4 days. The sturdy crust and gooey center reheat surprisingly well, so leftovers are a delight.
Freezing
If you want to really get ahead, you can freeze fully baked or unbaked Deep-Dish Pizza Pie. Wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time after thawing overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring slices of Deep-Dish Pizza Pie back to life, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices directly on a baking sheet and heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and the cheese is bubbling again. This way, you get that signature hot and melty interior without any sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat or make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage. You can skip the meat entirely and load your Deep-Dish Pizza Pie with roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a colorful vegetarian version that’s equally satisfying.
What makes Deep-Dish Pizza Pie different from regular pizza?
Unlike a typical thin crust pizza, Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is all about that tall, buttery crust and generous, casserole-style layers—cheese on the bottom, hearty sauce in the middle, and a thick dome of melted cheese and Parm on top. Every bite is a perfect cross-section of flavor and texture!
Do I need a special pan for this recipe?
While a classic deep-dish pizza pan is great, a well-seasoned 9-inch cast iron skillet or any deep pie dish works beautifully. The key is making sure the sides are tall enough to catch all those delicious layers and let the crust rise up.
How do I know when the Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is done baking?
Watch for a deeply golden-brown crust around the edges and bubbling cheese on top. If you gently lift the pie with a spatula, the bottom should feel crisp and sturdy. Most ovens get the job done in 25 to 30 minutes.
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Definitely! If you’re comfortable with homemade dough, use your favorite pizza dough recipe. The key is rolling it just thin enough to fit the pan but thick enough for that signature deep-dish bite. Store-bought dough saves time and bakes up wonderfully, too!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about slicing into a Deep-Dish Pizza Pie and seeing those layers of cheese and sauce tumbling onto your plate. It’s the ultimate comfort food to share (or not!) with friends and family. Give it a try—you might discover a new star for your pizza nights!
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Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the hearty goodness of a Deep-Dish Pizza Pie, featuring layers of savory Italian sausage, zesty tomato sauce, and gooey cheeses all nestled within a golden crust. This Chicago-style pizza pie is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a cozy night in with loved ones.
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or cast-iron skillet and dust with cornmeal.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Prepare the sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the pizza: Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and press it into the prepared pan. Layer half the mozzarella cheese, followed by the sausage-tomato mixture, and then the remaining mozzarella. Sprinkle with Parmesan and brush the crust edges with melted butter.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the sausage with ground beef or a vegetarian alternative.
- Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
