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
Scale
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.
