If you love thick, cheesy, and flavor-packed pizza, then this deep dish pizza recipe is exactly what you need. With a buttery, flaky crust, layers of gooey cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, this pizza is a must-try for any pizza lover. Unlike traditional thin-crust pizzas, a deep dish pizza has a thick, sturdy base that holds up to plenty of cheese, toppings, and a hearty sauce. Each bite is a perfect combination of crispy crust, melted cheese, and bold flavors, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
One of the best things about this deep dish pizza recipe is how simple it is to make at home. You don’t need to travel to Chicago to enjoy this iconic dish when you can easily recreate it in your own kitchen. The process involves making a rich, slightly flaky dough, layering it with cheese and toppings, and finishing it off with a robust homemade tomato sauce. The result is a deep, hearty, and incredibly delicious pizza that will impress your family and friends.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, experiment with different cheeses, and even tweak the sauce to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a fan of classic pepperoni, sausage, or a veggie-packed version, this deep dish pizza recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy your cravings. Plus, it’s great for meal prep since leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Deep Dish Pizza
There are many reasons why this deep dish pizza recipe will become a favorite in your home. First, the crust is unlike any other pizza crust—it’s thick, buttery, and has a slightly crisp outer layer while remaining soft and tender inside. The method of layering the ingredients in reverse order (cheese first, then toppings, and finally sauce) ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced. The cheese melts beautifully beneath the sauce, preventing it from becoming too greasy while maintaining the ultimate gooey texture.
Another great aspect of this pizza is its homemade sauce. Instead of using store-bought pizza sauce, this recipe includes a rich, flavorful tomato sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The slow-cooked sauce enhances the overall taste and perfectly complements the crust and cheese. The sauce is slightly chunky, full of bold flavors, and has just the right amount of sweetness and acidity to make this pizza taste authentic.
This recipe is also incredibly fun to make. Whether you’re making it for a family pizza night, a special dinner, or just to satisfy your craving for a hearty meal, the process of layering the ingredients and baking the pizza until golden brown is both enjoyable and rewarding. Plus, this pizza can be made ahead of time, stored for later, and reheated without losing its texture or flavor.
Ingredients for the Best Deep Dish Pizza
To make this deep dish pizza recipe, you’ll need a few essential ingredients for the dough, sauce, and toppings:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups (410g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture.
- ½ cup (120ml) warm water (110°F/43°C) – Helps activate the yeast.
- ½ cup (120ml) warm milk – Adds richness to the dough.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Enhances the dough’s flavor and helps create a slightly flaky texture.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – Adds a buttery flavor to the crust.
- 1 teaspoon sugar – Helps activate the yeast and balances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Brings out the flavors in the dough.
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – The base for a rich, thick sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds depth and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Provides classic Italian seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – Enhances the herbaceous flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- ½ teaspoon sugar – Adds a slight sweetness to cut the acidity.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Gives a mild heat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps sauté the garlic and enhances flavor.
For the Toppings:
- 3 cups (300g) shredded mozzarella cheese – Creates the perfect cheesy base.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, savory element.
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage or pepperoni (optional) – Adds a hearty, meaty flavor.
- ½ cup sliced bell peppers (optional) – Provides a slight sweetness and crunch.
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional) – Enhances the umami flavor.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
To make this deep dish pizza recipe, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowl – For preparing the dough.
- Stand mixer (optional) – Speeds up the dough-making process.
- Rolling pin – Helps roll out the dough evenly.
- Deep-dish pizza pan (or cast iron skillet) – Essential for baking a true deep-dish pizza.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accuracy in ingredient proportions.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Deep Dish Pizza
- Prepare the dough – In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, melted butter, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Make the sauce – In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan with butter or oil.
- Roll out the dough – Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large circle, about 1 inch larger than your pan. Press the dough into the pan, making sure it comes up the sides.
- Assemble the pizza – Start by layering mozzarella cheese on the dough, covering the entire base. Add your choice of toppings, such as Italian sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Pour the pizza sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the pizza – Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Cool and serve – Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion
This deep dish pizza recipe brings the flavors of a Chicago-style pizza right into your kitchen. The buttery, flaky crust, gooey layers of cheese, and rich, flavorful sauce make this dish an absolute must-try. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a weekend treat, or a pizza night with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, making it a go-to recipe for any pizza lover. Try it today and enjoy a homemade deep dish pizza that rivals any pizzeria! If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it and subscribe for more delicious homemade meals.
Print
Ultimate Deep Dish Pizza Recipe for a Perfect Homemade Meal
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This deep dish pizza recipe is cheesy, thick, and full of flavor! Learn how to make the perfect homemade Chicago-style pizza with a buttery crust and rich sauce.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups (410g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture.
- ½ cup (120ml) warm water (110°F/43°C) – Helps activate the yeast.
- ½ cup (120ml) warm milk – Adds richness to the dough.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Enhances the dough’s flavor and helps create a slightly flaky texture.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – Adds a buttery flavor to the crust.
- 1 teaspoon sugar – Helps activate the yeast and balances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Brings out the flavors in the dough.
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – The base for a rich, thick sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds depth and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Provides classic Italian seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – Enhances the herbaceous flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- ½ teaspoon sugar – Adds a slight sweetness to cut the acidity.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Gives a mild heat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps sauté the garlic and enhances flavor.
For the Toppings:
- 3 cups (300g) shredded mozzarella cheese – Creates the perfect cheesy base.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, savory element.
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage or pepperoni (optional) – Adds a hearty, meaty flavor.
- ½ cup sliced bell peppers (optional) – Provides a slight sweetness and crunch.
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional) – Enhances the umami flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the dough – In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, melted butter, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Make the sauce – In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan with butter or oil.
- Roll out the dough – Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large circle, about 1 inch larger than your pan. Press the dough into the pan, making sure it comes up the sides.
- Assemble the pizza – Start by layering mozzarella cheese on the dough, covering the entire base. Add your choice of toppings, such as Italian sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Pour the pizza sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the pizza – Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Cool and serve – Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Bread Flour for Extra Chewiness – While all-purpose flour works well, bread flour gives the crust a slightly chewier texture, making it more authentic.
- Let the Dough Rise Properly – Allowing the dough to rise for at least an hour ensures a light and airy crust. For even better flavor, refrigerate the dough overnight before baking.
- Grease the Pan Generously – Buttering the pan gives the crust a crispy, golden bottom while preventing it from sticking.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600
