If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and impress your family or friends, nothing delivers quite like a Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie. This showstopper combines pillowy homemade dough, gooey layers of cheese, plenty of savory sausage and pepperoni, and all the classic pizza flavors you love — but baked up in a big, hearty pie that’s made for sharing. It’s the ultimate comfort food and, honestly, one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie comes from simple pantry staples and a few fresh favorites. Each ingredient plays a starring role, building up layers of flavor, melty texture, and that irresistible golden crust. Here’s what you’ll need and a few tips for each:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your crust — use quality flour for the best texture.
- Sugar: Just a touch helps feed the yeast and gives the crust a subtle sweetness.
- Active dry yeast: This is what makes your dough rise and gives it that bakery-fresh flavor.
- Warm water: Make sure it’s not too hot — you want to activate the yeast, not kill it!
- Olive oil: Adds richness and makes the dough extra tender.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors in the dough and balances the richness of the fillings.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives you that signature pizza stretch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick to the top of your pie.
- Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled: Go for spicy or mild, whichever you prefer — just make sure it’s fully cooked.
- Pepperoni slices: Classic, zesty, and totally optional if you want to swap in your favorite meat.
- Bell pepper, diced: Adds color, crunch, and a sweet flavor.
- Onion, diced: Brings a savory, aromatic bite to your filling.
- Pizza sauce (15 oz can): Pick a good-quality sauce or make your own for extra flavor.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the pie with irresistible garlicky flavor.
- Dried oregano: Classic pizza herb — don’t skip it!
- Dried basil: Adds a sweet, herby note to round out your sauce.
- Melted butter (for brushing): Makes the crust extra golden and flavorful.
- Egg (for egg wash, optional): Gives the crust a glossy, bakery-style finish.
How to Make Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start things off by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns foamy — that’s your sign the yeast is alive and primed to make your crust light and fluffy!
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the flour, salt, and olive oil. Pour in your foamy yeast mixture and stir until a rough dough forms. Now, get your hands in there and knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic — this is what gives your Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie its perfect chewy bite.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Transfer your dough to an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise somewhere cozy and warm for about an hour. You’re looking for it to double in size — this is where the magic happens, so don’t rush it!
Step 4: Prep the Pan and Preheat
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan (or a similar baking dish). This step ensures your pizza won’t stick and the crust gets that delicious golden edge.
Step 5: Roll and Fit the Dough
Roll out the dough wide enough to fit your pan, with extra overhang for sealing. Press it gently into the corners, letting that excess drape over the edges — this will help you create the signature sealed pie look.
Step 6: Layer the Fillings
Time for the fun part! Start with a bed of mozzarella cheese (the more, the merrier), followed by your cooked sausage, pepperoni, diced bell pepper, and onion. Pour the pizza sauce evenly over everything, then sprinkle on Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and basil to fill your kitchen with classic pizza aromas.
Step 7: Seal and Brush the Crust
Fold the dough edges over the top of your filling, pinching to seal the pie. Brush the exposed dough with melted butter, and if you want that shiny, golden crust, brush on a bit of beaten egg as well.
Step 8: Bake and Rest
Slide the Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbling. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing — this lets the filling set and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie
Garnishes
A final flourish can take your Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie from delicious to unforgettable! Sprinkle fresh basil or chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. A little extra grated Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper gives each slice a personalized kick.
Side Dishes
This hearty pie is a meal all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a platter of roasted vegetables. Garlic knots or a simple Caesar salad are always crowd-pleasers and help balance out the richness of the pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie into a party centerpiece! Slice it into wedges and serve on a big wooden board, or cut into smaller squares for a fun appetizer spread. For a playful twist, serve with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy marinara, or garlic butter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap slices tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld overnight, making the next-day Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie just as irresistible.
Freezing
This pizza pie freezes like a dream! Wrap cooled slices individually in plastic wrap and then foil before popping them in the freezer. They’ll keep for up to two months, perfect for a quick-fix dinner or midnight snack.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat your Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie slices in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes. The crust will crisp up, and the cheese will melt all over again. Avoid the microwave if you can — the oven is worth the extra time!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a quality store-bought dough works well. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out for your Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Omit the sausage and pepperoni, and load up on your favorite roasted or sautéed veggies. Mushrooms, spinach, and artichoke hearts are all fantastic in a Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie.
What’s the best way to prevent a soggy crust?
The key is to use drained ingredients and not overload the sauce. Pre-cook your sausage thoroughly and pat your bell peppers and onions dry before adding them to the filling.
How do I know when the pizza pie is done?
Look for a deeply golden crust and bubbling cheese. If you gently lift the edge, the bottom should be browned and crisp — that’s when you know your Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie is perfectly baked.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the pizza pie up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit out at room temperature while you preheat the oven, then bake as usual.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a meal that brings people together and delivers pure, cheesy comfort, this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie is it. Gather your favorite toppings, roll up your sleeves, and get baking — you’re about to become everyone’s favorite pizza chef!
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Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie is a hearty and flavorful homemade pizza featuring a rich combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and fresh vegetables baked inside a golden, buttery crust. Perfect for a family meal or gathering, this deep dish recipe offers a satisfying blend of cheesy, savory goodness with a hint of Italian herbs and spices.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp)
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
For Finishing
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil. Add in the yeast mixture and stir until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or an equivalent size baking dish with butter or oil.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to fit the pan ensuring some excess dough hangs over the edges to seal the pie later.
- Assemble the pizza filling: Layer the bottom of the dough-lined pan with shredded mozzarella cheese, then add the cooked crumbled sausage, pepperoni slices, diced bell pepper, and diced onion. Pour the pizza sauce evenly on top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil for added flavor.
- Seal and brush the crust: Fold the excess dough edges over the top of the filling to fully enclose it. Brush the surface of the dough with melted butter. Optionally, brush with a beaten egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden finish when baked.
- Bake the pizza: Place the stuffed deep dish pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheeses are bubbly and melted.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set slightly.
Notes
- Make sure the water for the yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Feel free to substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a leaner option.
- The egg wash is optional but recommended for a shiny, golden crust.
- Use a deep-dish pan to get the proper thickness and stuffing effect.
- You can customize the toppings by adding mushrooms, olives, or other vegetables.
- Letting the pizza rest before slicing helps prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 pizza)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
