If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food experience, look no further than Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie. This glorious, over-the-top pizza is loaded with layer after layer of gooey cheese, savory sausage and pepperoni, sweet bell peppers, and a rich homemade tomato sauce—all tucked inside a buttery, golden crust. It’s a showstopping centerpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and it captures all the best flavors of pizzeria-style pizza in one hearty, sliceable pie. Gather your favorite people, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list—every ingredient for this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie has a special role, working together to create the signature cheesy, saucy, and perfectly seasoned layers. With a few pantry staples and some classic pizza toppings, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to craft this showstopper.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base for a sturdy, chewy crust that can hold all those delicious fillings.
- Active dry yeast: Gives your dough that essential rise and airy texture.
- Sugar: A little helps the yeast bloom and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
- Salt: Brings out the flavor in both the crust and the fillings.
- Warm water (110°F): The perfect temperature to activate the yeast and make the dough come together easily.
- Olive oil: Adds flavor and tenderness to the dough, plus a bit for the sauce.
- Melted butter: Brushed on the crust for that classic, golden, deep-dish shine.
- Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled): Juicy, savory, and packed with flavor—an absolute must for a true pizza pie.
- Pepperoni: Brings a spicy, crowd-pleasing kick to every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): The star of the show, providing that irresistible cheese pull.
- Ricotta cheese (optional): For an extra creamy, dreamy layer—totally up to you!
- Green bell pepper (chopped): Adds color, crunch, and a mild sweetness.
- Red onion (thinly sliced): Brings a gentle bite and gorgeous color contrast.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses your tomato sauce with rich, aromatic depth.
- Crushed tomatoes (15-ounce can): The heart of your sauce—choose a good-quality brand for the best flavor.
- Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that make your sauce sing.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish.
- Sugar (for the sauce): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out all the flavors in your sauce.
How to Make Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie
Step 1: Make the Dough
Let’s start with the foundation! In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let that sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy and alive—this is your yeast waking up and getting ready to work its magic. Stir in the flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size. This step ensures your Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie crust is pillowy yet strong enough to hold all the fillings.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
While your dough is rising, you’ll whip up the most fragrant homemade tomato sauce. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant (about 30 seconds—don’t let it burn!). Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, reducing to a thick, robust consistency. The flavors will deepen, and your kitchen will smell like an Italian trattoria!
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F and generously grease a 9-inch deep-dish or springform pan. Punch down your risen dough and divide it into two portions—one slightly larger than the other. Roll out the larger piece and press it into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared pan, creating a deep well for all your fillings. Layer half the mozzarella on the bottom, then add the cooked sausage, pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, and dollops of ricotta (if you’re using it). Pile on the rest of the mozzarella for that gooey, melty center.
Step 4: Top and Seal
Roll out your remaining dough and gently lay it over the filling, tucking it in and pinching the edges with the bottom crust to seal everything in. Trim away any excess dough for a neat edge. Don’t forget to cut a few small slits in the top crust to let steam escape—this keeps your Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie from getting soggy inside.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully remove from the oven. Spread your prepared tomato sauce evenly on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Return the pie to the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. When it’s done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps all the cheesy, saucy layers set up beautifully.
How to Serve Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie
Garnishes
Turn your Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie into a restaurant-worthy dish with a sprinkling of fresh basil or chopped parsley over the top just before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of red pepper flakes can add a pop of color and a kick of flavor, too. Serve each slice with a little extra grated Parmesan on the side for cheese lovers.
Side Dishes
This hearty pizza pie is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic knots, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of minestrone soup also make lovely accompaniments, balancing out the richness of the Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake individual pizza pies in mini springform pans for personal servings—perfect for parties or family pizza nights. You can also slice the pie into wedges and arrange them on a large board with dipping sauces like garlic butter or spicy marinara. It’s a showstopper whether you serve it straight from the pan or dressed up on a fancy platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie keeps wonderfully! Once completely cooled, cover slices with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The crust will retain its texture and the flavors get even better as they meld together.
Freezing
This pizza pie is freezer-friendly! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese is melty. This method keeps the crust crisp and the filling luscious—much better than the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, high-quality store-bought dough will work in a pinch. Just make sure you have enough to cover both the bottom and the top, and let it come to room temperature for easier handling.
What other fillings can I use in Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie?
The possibilities are endless! Try adding mushrooms, olives, spinach, cooked ground beef, or even roasted garlic. Customize the fillings to fit your family’s favorites or whatever you have on hand.
Is the ricotta cheese necessary?
No, it’s totally optional. The ricotta adds a creamy, luxurious layer, but your Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie will still be deliciously cheesy and satisfying without it.
Can I make the dough and sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Both the dough and the sauce can be made up to a day in advance. Store the dough in the fridge, covered, and bring it to room temperature before assembling. The sauce can be refrigerated for several days or even frozen for later use.
How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake the pie on the lower rack of your oven and don’t overload with too many wet ingredients. Letting the pie rest before slicing also helps the layers set and keeps the crust crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried baking a Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie at home, now’s your moment! It’s an undeniably impressive dish that brings people together, brimming with gooey cheese, savory meats, and a golden, buttery crust. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and let the good times (and cheese) stretch on. You’re going to love every delicious layer!
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Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus 1 hour rise time
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie offers a hearty and delicious twist on traditional pizza, featuring a thick, golden crust filled with layers of Italian sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, and vegetables, all topped with a rich homemade tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe brings the bold flavors and comforting textures of Chicago-style pizza right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 pound sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a 9-inch deep-dish or springform pan. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two portions, making one slightly larger than the other.
- Assemble the Pie: Roll out the larger dough portion and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan to create a crust. Layer half of the mozzarella cheese evenly on the bottom of the crust, followed by the cooked sausage, pepperoni, chopped bell pepper, sliced red onion, and ricotta cheese if using. Finish the filling with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Seal the Pie: Roll out the smaller portion of dough and place it over the filled crust. Pinch the edges together to seal and trim any excess dough. Cut several small slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the pie and spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the top crust. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese topping is melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Slice and enjoy your stuffed deep dish pizza pie!
Notes
- You can swap out the green bell pepper, sausage, or pepperoni with your favorite ingredients such as mushrooms, olives, or cooked ground beef.
- Ricotta cheese provides a creamy texture in the filling but is optional based on preference.
- Leftover pizza can be reheated effectively in the oven to preserve crispiness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
