Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort!

This deep-dish pizza pie is my ultimate comfort food. With a thick, buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, hearty sausage or veggies, and a rich tomato sauce on top, every bite is a satisfying, flavor-packed experience. It’s the kind of dish I make when I want something cozy, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pizza pie flips the script—cheese goes in first, sauce on top, and the crust is thick and golden, almost like a savory pie. It’s great for feeding a crowd, and the filling options are endless. Whether I stick with classic pepperoni or load it with veggies, this deep-dish masterpiece never disappoints.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• All-purpose flour
• Cornmeal (for a hint of crunch)
• Active dry yeast
• Warm water
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Sugar

For the filling:

• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled) or pepperoni
• Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions (optional)

For the sauce:

• Crushed tomatoes
• Garlic (minced)
• Olive oil
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. I start by activating the yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar. After 5–10 minutes, when it’s foamy, I mix it with flour, cornmeal, salt, and olive oil to form a dough.

2. I knead it until smooth and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until doubled in size.

3. While the dough rises, I cook the sausage and sauté any veggies I want to include.

4. For the sauce, I sauté garlic in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes and herbs, and simmer for 20 minutes until thick and flavorful.

5. I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and oil a deep-dish pizza pan or a 9-inch cake pan.

6. I press the dough into the pan, pushing it up the sides like a pie crust.

7. I layer in mozzarella first, then the sausage and veggies, and finally spoon the tomato sauce generously over the top.

8. I bake it for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

9. I let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing—this helps everything set.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 hearty slices. It takes around 20 minutes to prep, 1 hour to rise, and 30 minutes to bake—so I usually plan for about 1 hour and 50 minutes total.

Variations

• I make a vegetarian version with spinach, mushrooms, olives, and artichokes.

• Sometimes I swap the red sauce for a white garlic cream sauce.

• I love adding a layer of ricotta under the mozzarella for extra creaminess.

• For spice, I use hot Italian sausage or a dash of crushed red pepper.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to get the crust crisp again. It also reheats well in an air fryer or skillet with a lid.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I make the dough the night before and refrigerate it. I just bring it to room temperature before using.

Do I need a special pan?

I use a deep cake pan, springform pan, or cast-iron skillet—anything with high sides that holds shape well.

Can I freeze this pizza pie?

Yes, I freeze baked slices in airtight containers. To reheat, I bake from frozen at 375°F until hot through.

Why is the sauce on top?

That’s the deep-dish signature! It prevents the cheese from burning and gives the pie its layered texture.

What kind of cheese works best?

I stick with low-moisture mozzarella—it melts beautifully without making the crust soggy.

Conclusion

This deep-dish pizza pie is everything I want in comfort food—rich, cheesy, saucy, and completely satisfying. It’s the kind of meal I love making for a weekend dinner or a cozy night in. Once I slice into that golden crust and see the layers of melted cheese and hearty fillings, I know I’ve made something truly special.

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort!

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 hearty slices
• Category: Dinner, Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a buttery, thick crust layered with gooey mozzarella, hearty sausage or veggies, and a rich tomato sauce on top. Baked to golden perfection, this pizza pie delivers all the bold, cheesy flavor of your favorite pizzeria—right from your own oven. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or indulgent weekends!

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Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornmeal
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• For the filling:
• 2–3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (or pepperoni slices)
• Optional: sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions
• For the sauce:
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add flour, cornmeal, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead until a smooth dough forms (about 8–10 minutes).

3. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Meanwhile, cook sausage and sauté any vegetables if using.

5. For the sauce, sauté garlic in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes and herbs, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.

6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and oil a 9-inch deep-dish pan or cast-iron skillet.

7. Press dough into the pan, going up the sides like a pie crust.

8. Layer mozzarella, sausage/veggies, and spoon the sauce over the top.

9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.

10. Cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

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Notes

• Use low-moisture mozzarella for best texture.

• Add ricotta under the cheese for a creamier version.

• Try a white garlic sauce for a twist on the classic.

• Swap in your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian version.

• For extra crispiness, bake on a preheated pizza stone or heavy baking sheet.