If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy, and downright irresistible pizza experience, the Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. This version takes everything you love about classic deep dish pizza and layers it high with Italian sausage, pepperoni, fresh veggies, and gooey mozzarella, all tucked inside a buttery, golden crust. The rich tomato sauce on top adds the perfect tangy finish, making each slice a savory masterpiece that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Trust me, once you try this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe, it’s going to be a dish you crave over and over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is simpler than it seems, and each one plays a crucial role in bringing together that perfect combination of taste, texture, and color. From the tender crust to the spicy filling and rich sauce, you’re about to assemble something truly special.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your dough, ensuring a sturdy yet soft crust.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: Helps your dough rise and get that light, fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and balances the dough’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and tightens the gluten for structure.
- 1 cup warm water (110°F): Activates the yeast and brings the dough together smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps with elasticity.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing): Brushed on the crust for a golden, flaky finish.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled: Adds a savory, spiced kick to the filling.
- 1/2 pound sliced pepperoni: For classic pizza flavor with a nice spicy punch.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, stretchy cheese that makes every slice heavenly.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional): Adds a creamy, luscious layer inside the pie.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: For a fresh, crunchy contrast and a splash of vibrant color.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a sweet, slightly sharp bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce): Forms the base of the rich tomato sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and flavorful, the secret to a mouthwatering sauce.
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Creates the thick, tangy tomato sauce layer.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings classic Italian herb notes to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity in the tomato sauce perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to highlight all the vibrant flavors of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish after baking.
How to Make Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
The magic starts with your dough. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl, and let it sit until foamy—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to do its job. Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil and knead it on a floured surface until your dough is smooth and elastic. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes of hands-on love. Then, pop it into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about an hour until it has doubled in size. This is where your crust starts to get that perfect airy texture.
Step 2: Cook the Sauce
While your dough is rising, get a saucepan warm and pour in olive oil. Gently cook the minced garlic for just 30 seconds to release its amazing aroma without burning. Then stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until it thickens into a rich, flavorful sauce that will crown your pizza brilliantly.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F and grease your 9-inch deep-dish pan. Punch down the dough and split it into two—one a little bigger than the other. Roll out the larger portion and press it firmly into the pan, up and around the sides to create that classic deep-dish case. Then, layer half of the mozzarella, followed by sausage, pepperoni, chopped bell pepper, sliced onion, and if you’re using it, ricotta cheese. Finish that first layer with the rest of your mozzarella piled on top. It’s like building a savory tower of joy!
Step 4: Seal and Bake
Roll out the smaller dough portion and carefully drape it over your stacked fillings. Pinch the edges tightly to seal all those goodies inside, trimming any excess dough so the fit is neat. Make a few small slits on top to let steam escape while baking. Bake for 20 minutes, then take it out and generously spread your thick tomato sauce over the top, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Pop it back in for another 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and perfectly cooked. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow all the flavors to settle beautifully.
How to Serve Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Bring a little extra flair to your pizza pie by sprinkling freshly chopped basil or a handful of arugula on top right before serving. This adds a peppery freshness that brightens every rich, cheesy bite and makes the dish feel even more vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this hearty pizza. The greens lighten things up while the garlic bread complements the Italian flavors and soaks up extra sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, family-style vibe or slice into wedges and arrange on colorful plates with small ramekins of marinara for dipping. You can also sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle a spicy olive oil over slices for a fun kick that everyone will talk about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, making it an ideal choice for next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to make this pizza well in advance, freeze it before baking by assembling it as usual, wrapping tightly, and storing in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen but add a bit of extra time in the oven to ensure it heats through.
Reheating
To revive leftover pizza, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep that crust texture just right.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise once, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. Take it out an hour before you bake to come to room temperature and rise a bit more if needed.
Is ricotta necessary for this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe?
Ricotta adds a creamy richness that balances the bold flavors, but it is totally optional. You can omit it or substitute with cottage cheese or extra mozzarella if you prefer.
What are good alternatives to Italian sausage?
If you want to switch things up, try ground beef, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative to suit your preferences. Mushrooms and olives also make delicious fillings that blend well.
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of homemade?
Definitely! While the homemade sauce is fresh and flavorful, a quality store-bought pizza sauce works perfectly in a pinch and will speed up your prep time.
How thick should I roll the crust?
Try to keep your dough about 1/4-inch thick when rolling out to achieve a crust that’s sturdy enough to hold all the fillings but still soft and tender after baking.
Final Thoughts
The Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is one of those dishes that brings everyone together around the table with smiles and satisfied appetites. It’s comforting, fun to make, and endlessly customizable, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or weekend gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe yourself — prepare to fall in love with deep dish pizza all over again!
Print
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: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie is a hearty and indulgent Italian-American classic featuring a buttery, thick crust filled with layers of savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of cheeses. Topped with a rich tomato sauce and baked to golden perfection, it’s a perfect dish for family dinners or special occasions.
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
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water (110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Then, stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Make the tomato sauce: While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened and flavors meld together.
- Assemble the pizza pie: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a 9-inch deep-dish or springform pan thoroughly. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two portions with one slightly larger than the other. Roll out the larger portion and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, creating the crust base. Layer half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, cooked Italian sausage, sliced pepperoni, chopped green bell pepper, sliced red onion, and optional ricotta cheese inside the crust. Then top this with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Top with second dough layer: Roll out the smaller portion of dough and carefully place it over the filling to cover completely. Pinch the edges together to seal the pie and trim off any excess dough. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake, sauce, and finish baking: Place the deep dish pizza pie in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove it from the oven and evenly spread the prepared tomato sauce over the top crust. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the filling set, making slicing easier and the flavors more cohesive. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to swap mushrooms, olives, or cooked ground beef for your favorite fillings to customize the pizza to your taste.
- The ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture to the center but can be omitted if preferred or dairy-free.
- Leftover pizza reheats well in the oven to maintain crispiness—avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
- Make sure to let the dough rise fully for that delicious, airy crust characteristic of stuffed deep dish pizza.
