Deep Dish Pizza

Why You’ll Love Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

• Features a thick, buttery crust with a crisp golden exterior.
• Uses a slow-rising dough for a flavorful and tender texture.
• Loaded with layers of cheese, sausage, and tomatoes.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Easier to make at home than traditional deep-dish pizza may seem.
• The dough can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
• Creates a hearty, satisfying meal with simple ingredients.
• Great for customizing with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pizza Dough

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled off
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1¾ teaspoons salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2¼ teaspoons instant or rapid-rise yeast
• ½ cup corn oil
• 1 cup warm water

For Greasing the Pan

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Toppings

• 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
• 12 ounces sliced whole-milk mozzarella (not part-skim)
• ½ pound (8 ounces) raw Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Pinch of salt
• Heaping ¾ cup (3 ounces) freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cream of tartar, and yeast.
2. Add the corn oil and warm water, then stir with a spoon until the dough comes together into a shaggy mixture.
3. Knead the dough briefly by hand for about 30 seconds, just until it forms a cohesive dough. Avoid overmixing, as the dough should remain soft and slightly sticky.
4. Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Turn the dough once to coat the surface with oil, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 5 to 6 hours.
5. For a make-ahead option, allow the dough to rise in the refrigerator overnight. Let chilled dough sit at room temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour before shaping.
6. Preheat the oven to 450°F with the rack positioned in the lowest position.
7. Generously grease two 9-inch cake pans or one 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan with softened butter, coating the bottom and sides well.
8. Prepare the sauce by placing the tomatoes and their juices in a colander. Drain away excess liquid, then crush the tomatoes by hand and set aside.
9. Divide the dough according to your pan size. Press the dough evenly into the pan, spreading it across the bottom and about 1½ inches up the sides. Keep the sides thinner than the base.
10. Cover the dough with an even layer of sliced mozzarella.
11. Break the raw sausage into small pieces and scatter it over the cheese.
12. Spread the crushed tomatoes evenly over the sausage, then sprinkle with oregano and salt.
13. Finish with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
14. Bake on the lowest oven rack for 25 to 35 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the top is lightly browned.
15. Let the pizza rest in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes after baking so the cheese can set and the crust can firm up.
16. Run a thin spatula around the edges, carefully remove the pizza from the pan, transfer it to a cutting board, and slice before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 slices
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Dough Rising Time: 5–6 hours
• Bake Time: 25–35 minutes
• Resting Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour active preparation and baking, plus rising time

Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
• Replace Italian sausage with cooked ground beef, chicken, or pepperoni.
• Add fresh basil after baking for a bright finish.
• Use a combination of mozzarella and provolone for a richer cheese flavor.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Make a vegetarian version with spinach, roasted vegetables, or olives.
• Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for an even more indulgent pizza.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover deep-dish pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place slices in a 375°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the crust becomes crisp again. You can also reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat with a lid to help warm the toppings while keeping the crust firm.

For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

What makes deep dish pizza different from regular pizza?

Deep dish pizza has a thick, buttery crust that is pressed into a pan and filled with generous layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce.

Why is the cheese placed before the sauce?

The cheese layer helps protect the crust from excess moisture in the tomato sauce, keeping the bottom crisp while allowing the toppings to cook properly.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. The dough can rise overnight in the refrigerator. Allow it to warm slightly before shaping.

Can I use olive oil instead of corn oil?

Corn oil helps create the traditional texture of deep-dish dough, but another neutral oil can work if needed.

Why does the dough need such a long rise time?

The high oil content slows fermentation, so the dough requires extra time to develop flavor and texture.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes. Pre-cooked sausage can be used, though raw sausage adds moisture and flavor as it cooks in the pizza.

Can I make this pizza without a deep-dish pan?

Yes. A cake pan or another deep round baking dish can work as long as it allows enough room for the thick crust and toppings.

How do I prevent my pizza crust from becoming soggy?

Drain excess liquid from the tomatoes and avoid adding too many wet toppings.

Can I freeze homemade deep-dish pizza?

Yes. Baked pizza slices freeze well when wrapped tightly and stored properly.

Why should I let the pizza rest before slicing?

Resting allows the cheese and filling to set, making it easier to slice and preventing the toppings from sliding off.

Conclusion

This homemade Deep Dish Pizza brings the classic pizzeria experience straight to your kitchen. With a rich, buttery crust, layers of gooey mozzarella, flavorful sausage, and a bright tomato topping, every slice is hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or a special weekend treat, this recipe delivers a deliciously memorable pizza experience.