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
Scale
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
