Ultimate Deep Dish Homemade Pizza Pie Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this deep dish homemade pizza pie is the answer. With its thick, buttery crust, layers of gooey mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce, this pizza feels special yet totally doable at home. It’s perfect for family pizza night, weekend cooking with kids, or anytime you want something cheesy, saucy, and deeply satisfying without ordering delivery.
Why You’ll Love This Deep Dish Homemade Pizza Pie
This recipe checks all the boxes for comfort food lovers. The crust is tender inside with a lightly crisp edge, thanks to butter and cornmeal. The sauce is zesty and fragrant with garlic and oregano, balancing perfectly with the richness of the cheese. Best of all, this deep dish pizza is endlessly customizable. Go veggie-packed, keep it classic, or add turkey pepperoni for a family-friendly twist. It’s cheaper than takeout and even more rewarding to make yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour
- Yellow cornmeal
- Sugar
- Kosher salt
- Instant yeast
- Warm water
- Melted butter
- Olive oil
For the Sauce
- Crushed tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Kosher salt
- Fresh basil
For Assembly
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Turkey pepperoni or mixed vegetables
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Butter for greasing the pan
How to Make Deep Dish Homemade Pizza Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm water, melted butter, and olive oil, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth, then cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
Step 3: Prep the Pan and Dough
Generously butter a deep-dish pan or cast-iron skillet. Press the dough into the pan, pushing it up the sides to form a tall crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Sprinkle most of the mozzarella directly onto the dough first. Add turkey pepperoni or vegetables. Spoon the sauce evenly over the top, then finish with Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30–35 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing — this helps the layers set.
Tips & Variations
- Extra crispy crust: Brush the dough edges lightly with olive oil before baking.
- Veggie boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Cheese swap: Mix mozzarella with provolone for deeper flavor.
- Make ahead: The dough can be refrigerated overnight.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this deep dish homemade pizza pie with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the oven for a crisp crust.
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Ultimate Deep Dish Homemade Pizza Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 deep-dish pizza (6–8 slices)
Description
Skip delivery and make this Deep Dish Homemade Pizza Pie at home. It has a thick, buttery crust, zesty tomato sauce, and layers of melty mozzarella. Perfect for family pizza night and easy to customize with turkey pepperoni or your favorite veggies.
Ingredients
FOR THE DOUGH
• 3 ¼ cups (415g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (70g) yellow cornmeal
• 1 ½ tsp (9g) sugar
• 1 tbsp (12g) kosher salt
• 2 ¼ tsp (7g) instant yeast
• 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• ½ cup (115g) butter, melted (slightly cooled)
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
FOR THE PAN
• 4 tbsp (55g) butter, softened (for greasing)
FOR THE SAUCE
• 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• Fresh basil, torn (for garnish)
FOR ASSEMBLY
• 1 lb (450g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ lb turkey pepperoni OR 2–3 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms, onions)
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add liquids: Pour in warm water, melted butter, and olive oil. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead: Knead by hand (8–10 minutes) or mixer (5–6 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
4. Rise: Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, 60–90 minutes.
5. Simmer the sauce: Warm olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds.
6. Add tomatoes & seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (optional), and salt. Simmer 15–20 minutes to thicken slightly. Set aside.
7. Prep the pan: Generously butter a deep-dish pan or 10–12 inch cast-iron skillet (bottom and sides).
8. Shape the crust: Press dough into the pan, pushing it up the sides to form a tall rim.
9. Layer cheese first: Add most of the mozzarella directly on the dough (this protects the crust).
10. Add toppings: Layer turkey pepperoni or vegetables over the cheese.
11. Sauce on top: Spoon sauce evenly over toppings, then sprinkle Parmesan.
12. Bake: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30–35 minutes, until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.
13. Rest & slice: Cool 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with torn basil and serve.
Notes
Pan size: A 10–12 inch cast-iron skillet or deep-dish pan works best.
Topping options: Keep it veggie, add turkey pepperoni, or use cooked chicken sausage (no pork).
Extra-crispy edges: Brush the crust rim lightly with olive oil before baking.
Make-ahead: Dough can be made and refrigerated overnight; bring to room temp before pressing into the pan.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best crust.
Freezing: Freeze slices tightly wrapped up to 2 months; reheat from thawed or bake straight from frozen until hot.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Chicago-style inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pizza)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Final Thoughts
This ultimate deep dish homemade pizza pie brings everyone to the table. It’s fun to make, easy to customize, and delivers that classic pizza-parlor comfort right from your own oven. Once you try it, family pizza night will never be the same.