Easy & Flavorful Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe for Family Night

Melted cheese, rich sauce, and golden crust converge in this mouthwatering deep-dish pizza pie recipe that captures the essence of Chicago’s culinary magic.

Layers of savory ingredients stack up in a bold, hearty creation that redefines pizza perfection.

The thick, buttery crust cradles a symphony of flavors waiting to tantalize your taste buds.

Authentic ingredients blend seamlessly to create a pizza experience that goes beyond ordinary slice expectations.

Each bite promises a delicious journey through robust textures and intense flavors.

Restaurants might charge a premium, but you can craft this incredible dish right in your own kitchen.

Prepare to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Is a Showstopper

• Crush Convenience: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this dessert a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a quick sweet treat.
• Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Delight: The combination of Oreo cookies, chocolate pudding, and Cool Whip creates an irresistible dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Chill and Serve Simplicity: No baking required means you can prepare this dessert ahead of time, allowing it to set in the refrigerator while you focus on other party preparations or enjoy relaxing downtime.
• Texture Sensation: The creamy pudding mixed with crunchy Oreo cookies provides a delightful contrast of smooth and crisp textures that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients for Chicago-Style Pizza Pie

• Flour: The primary structural ingredient that forms the foundation of the pizza crust.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps create a soft, elastic dough.
• Yeast: Provides leavening and helps the dough rise, creating a light and airy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a tender crust.

• Ground Beef, Sausage: Provides protein and hearty flavor to the pizza filling.
• Pizza Sauce: Adds moisture and classic pizza flavor to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a creamy, melty texture and classic pizza cheese flavor.
• Mushrooms, Bell Peppers: Add vegetable variety and nutritional value to the pizza.
• Pepperoni (Optional): Provides additional flavor and traditional pizza topping appeal.

Steps to Bake Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Easily

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Mix warm water with yeast in a small bowl. Let the mixture sit and become foamy, which typically takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt

Blend the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Rise the Dough

Work the dough on a floured surface, kneading thoroughly until smooth and elastic.

Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise for one full hour.

Step 4: Prepare the Meat Filling

Brown ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat.

Drain any excess fat. Pour in pizza sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, then set aside.

Step 5: Shape the Crust

Roll out the dough into a large circle and press it carefully into a greased deep baking dish or springform pan. Trim any overhanging edges.

Step 6: Layer the Pizza

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Meat filling
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers

Repeat the layering process as desired.

Step 7: Add Final Toppings

Sprinkle additional mozzarella on top.

Decorate with pepperoni slices or extra vegetables.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the pizza for 25-30 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and cheese becomes bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the pizza to cool slightly before removing from the pan.

Slice and serve hot.

Tips for Baking Cheesy Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

• Check yeast's freshness by ensuring it becomes foamy and frothy within 5 minutes, which indicates active fermentation for a perfect pizza dough.
• Spend 810 minutes kneading to develop gluten, creating a smooth, elastic dough that will result in a tender, chewy crust.
• Start with cheese on the bottom crust to create a moisture barrier, preventing soggy bottoms and ensuring a crisp texture.
• Use a deep baking dish or springform pan to contain all the delicious fillings and prevent messy oven spills during baking.
• Allow the pizza to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps set the cheese and makes cutting cleaner and easier.

Mixes for Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Lovers

• Vegetarian Deep-Dish Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and spinach for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Pizza Feast: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using almond or rice flour to create a celiac-friendly crust that's just as tasty.
• Spicy Mediterranean Style: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and oregano to transform the classic recipe into a Greek-inspired pizza pie with a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crust: Create a low-carb alternative by using a cauliflower-based crust instead of traditional dough, perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

What to Pair With Pizza Pie Slices

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the deep-dish pizza's rich, hearty flavors and cuts through the cheese's richness.
• Chill Classic Beer Companion: Choose a crisp amber ale or hoppy IPA that balances the pizza's meaty, savory profile and refreshes the palate between bites.
• Match Zesty Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy, fresh contrast against the pizza's heavy, cheesy texture.
• Serve Herb-Infused Sparkling Water: Prepare a refreshing drink with fresh basil or rosemary sprigs to cleanse the palate and enhance the pizza's herbal undertones.

Storing Deep-Dish Pizza Pie For Later

• Store leftover deep-dish pizza in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze individual slices by placing them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Pizza can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore the crispy crust and melty cheese.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this deep-dish pizza?

Yes, you can easily swap ground beef or sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even create a vegetarian version using plant-based meat alternatives.

• How thick should the crust be for a deep-dish pizza?

The crust should be pressed firmly into the deep baking dish, creating about 1-2 inches of thickness to hold all the delicious fillings securely.

• Is it possible to make this pizza dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and assembling the pizza.

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza pie delivers pure comfort with its thick, buttery crust cradling layers of gooey cheese and robust tomato sauce. Hearty slices promise a delicious journey through classic Midwestern culinary tradition you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Dough):

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Yeast Component:

• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water

Oil and Moisture:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast by dissolving in warm water and allow to foam for 5 minutes.
2. Create dough by combining flour, sugar, salt, yeast mixture, and olive oil until a cohesive texture forms.
3. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until achieving a smooth, elastic consistency. Transfer to a greased bowl and let rise in a warm environment for 1 hour.
4. Brown ground meat in a skillet over medium heat, draining excess fat after cooking.
5. Incorporate pizza sauce into the meat, simmering for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Roll out dough and carefully press into a deep baking dish, trimming edges for a neat presentation.
8. Create a foundational layer of mozzarella cheese on the crust.
9. Distribute meat mixture, mushrooms, and bell peppers evenly across the cheese base.
10. Add additional cheese layers and arrange pepperoni or extra vegetables on top.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust turns golden and cheese becomes thoroughly melted and bubbly.
12. Allow pizza to rest for 5-10 minutes before removing from pan and cutting into serving portions.

Notes

• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, ensuring a stretchy and elastic texture that creates a perfect pizza crust.
• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and faster rising of the dough, which helps achieve a lighter, more airy crust.
• Try alternative proteins like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier or vegetarian version of the deep-dish pizza.
• Prevent a soggy bottom by pre-baking the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings, which helps create a crisp and sturdy base for your pizza pie.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 190kcal
• Sugar: 0.1g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg