Craving a hearty, cheesy, fully loaded pizza that eats like a meal? This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is everything you love about classic pizza—layers of melty cheese, savory toppings, rich tomato sauce, and a buttery crust—but baked in pie form for maximum comfort. Thick, indulgent, and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or when you simply want something warm and satisfying.

Unlike traditional thin-crust pizza, a deep-dish pizza pie uses a tall, sturdy crust that holds generous layers of cheese, meats, vegetables, and a slow-simmered tomato topping. Every slice is a complete, filling meal.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

• Comfort-food classic
• Thick, cheesy, and hearty
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
• Perfect make-ahead or freezer meal
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing

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Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons softened butter (for the pan)

For the Filling

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound Italian sausage (or ground beef)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni or cooked bacon (optional)

For the Tomato Sauce Topping

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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⭐ How to Make Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

Follow these simple steps for a perfect, golden pizza pie that slices beautifully and tastes incredible.

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Step 1: Make the Dough

In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Add:

• Flour
• Salt
• Olive oil

Mix until the dough forms a ball. Knead for 4–5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 45–60 minutes.

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Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a skillet.

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in:

• Crushed tomatoes
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Sugar
• Chili flakes

Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

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Step 3: Cook the Sausage

In another skillet, cook Italian sausage and onions until browned. Drain excess fat.

If using vegetables like mushrooms or peppers, sauté them lightly at this stage.

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Step 4: Press the Dough into the Pan

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Butter a deep-dish pie pan or cast-iron skillet generously.

Press the risen dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, creating a tall crust.

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Step 5: Assemble the Pizza Pie

Deep-dish pizza layers are different from regular pizza. Follow this order:

Layer 1: Cheese

Spread mozzarella evenly across the bottom. This creates a moisture barrier.

Layer 2: Meat and Veggies

Add the cooked sausage, onions, and optional toppings.

Layer 3: Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle a generous layer over the fillings.

Layer 4: Tomato Sauce

Spoon the thick tomato sauce evenly over the top.

(Deep dish always has cheese on the bottom, sauce on top!)

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Step 6: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the sauce is bubbling.

If the edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

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Step 7: Rest Before Cutting

Let the pizza pie cool for 8–10 minutes to allow layers to set.

Slice into wedges and serve warm.

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⭐ Topping Ideas & Variations

Classic Chicago Style

Use mozzarella + sausage + chunky tomato sauce + a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Meat Lover’s

Add:

• Pepperoni
• Sausage
• Bacon
• Ham

Veggie Version

Use:

• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Black olives

Four Cheese

Combine mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Romano.

Chicken Alfredo Deep Dish

Replace tomato sauce with creamy Alfredo and use grilled chicken + spinach.

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⭐ What to Serve with Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

This dish is rich and hearty, so pair it with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Mixed greens with balsamic dressing
• Roasted vegetables
• Minestrone soup

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⭐ Tips for Success

• Let the dough rise fully for a light, airy texture.
• Butter the pan generously for authentic deep-dish flavor.
• Add cheese first to prevent the crust from getting soggy.
• Allow the pizza to rest before slicing for clean layers.
• Use a sturdy knife or pizza cutter for easy serving.

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⭐ Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate:

Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze:

Deep-dish slices freeze well for 2–3 months.

Reheat:

• Oven: 350°F for 12–15 minutes
• Air fryer: 375°F for 5–6 minutes
• Microwave: Quick but softens crust

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⭐ Final Thoughts

This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie delivers big flavor, a comforting texture, and layers upon layers of cheesy, saucy perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a relaxed pizza night, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s easy to customize and impossible not to love.

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