If you have ever dreamed of biting into a pizza that feels like a cozy, cheesy treasure chest filled to the brim with flavorful goodness, then this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is your golden ticket to pizza paradise. This dish is a hearty, satisfying marvel that combines a golden, buttery crust with layers of melted mozzarella, savory Italian sausage, spicy pepperoni, and a garden-fresh mix of bell peppers and onions, all swimming in a delightfully zesty tomato sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that draws everyone to the table, perfect for sharing and guaranteed to bring a smile with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor—from the chewy, buttery crust to the robust, melty filling.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy, soft base for that deep-dish crust everyone loves.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Feeds the yeast to help the dough rise beautifully and adds a subtle sweetness.
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp): The essential leavening agent for a light, airy dough.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for perfect dough consistency.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds rich moisture and a slight fruity flavor to the crust.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and acidity.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, irresistible pizza filling.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a punch of savory, nutty depth on top of the layers.
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled: Brings hearty, spiced meatiness to the pie.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices: Offers smoky, flavorful bites that complement the sausage.
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced: Adds fresh crunch and vibrant color for a balanced texture.
- 1/2 cup onion, diced: Gives mild sweetness and a little zing that contrasts beautifully with the cheese.
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce: The bright, tangy tomato base that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Lends an aromatic touch without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano: Classic Italian herb for that authentic pizza taste.
- 1/4 tsp dried basil: A fresh, herbal note that rounds out the sauce seasonings.
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing): Ensures a shiny, rich crust with a golden finish.
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional): Helps achieve a beautiful golden brown color on the crust.
How to Make Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it gets foamy and bubbly, which means the yeast is active and ready to make your dough rise perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a rough dough starts to form. Knead this dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s smooth, elastic, and ready to spring back when pinched. This kneading builds the structure of your crust.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough ball into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and set it somewhere warm. Give it about an hour to double in size—this resting time is essential to develop flavor and a fluffy crust.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan and Preheat Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or any similar baking dish generously with oil or butter. This will prevent sticking and help create a crisp bottom crust.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, gently roll it out so it fits inside your prepared pan, allowing some dough to hang over the edges. This extra dough will help you create that beautiful stuffed edge later on.
Step 6: Layer the Filling
Now comes the best part. Layer two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on the bottom crust. Next, spread the cooked, crumbled sausage, then add the pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, and onions. Pour the pizza sauce over these layers, then sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese along with garlic powder, oregano, and basil for that irresistible Italian flavor punch.
Step 7: Seal the Pie and Prepare for Baking
Fold the dough edges over the filling, sealing the entire pie securely so that all those treasured fillings stay inside as they cook. Brush the crust with melted butter for a rich, golden finish. If you want to up your game, add a quick brush of beaten egg for that glossy, bakery-style look.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pizza pie on the center rack for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown, and the cheese bubbles enticingly through the top. Once it’s done, let your Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This little pause helps everything set, making it easier to cut and enjoy.
How to Serve Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top add a burst of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also enhance the taste and add a nice touch of elegance to your slice.
Side Dishes
Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or a light Caesar salad to brighten up the meal. Garlic breadsticks or a bowl of roasted vegetables can also complement the heavy, cheesy main dish perfectly without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider serving individual mini deep-dish pizza pies using ramekins or small pie pans. Another fun idea is to create a pizza board pairing your slices with assorted pickles, olives, and dipping sauces for a shareable, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep the crust from drying out. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day treat.
Freezing
You can freeze your cooked pizza pie by wrapping it tightly with foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat the pizza pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-made dough works well. Just adjust the rolling and rising steps accordingly and enjoy a quicker route to deep-dish deliciousness.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
If you prefer, ground beef, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage work perfectly to maintain the hearty protein layer in the pie.
Is this pizza recipe very spicy?
No, the recipe is mildly spiced. However, by adding extra red pepper flakes or spicy sausage, you can easily tweak the heat level to your preference.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, olives, or spinach can be fantastic additions. Just be mindful of moisture-heavy veggies, as they can affect the crust’s crispness.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick to ensure a sturdy crust that’s thick enough to hold the fillings but not so thick that it becomes doughy.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is truly one of those feel-good dishes that brings people together around the table. Its layers of luscious cheese, savory meats, and fresh veggies enclosed in a golden, buttery crust create an experience that’s worth every minute spent making it. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into the joy of baking this unforgettable pizza pie—you’ll be amazed at how much love you can pack into one delicious dish!
Print
Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie features a thick, golden crust filled with layers of mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and rich pizza sauce. The dough is homemade from scratch and baked to bubbly perfection for a hearty, satisfying pizza experience perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
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
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
Toppings and Finishing
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and olive oil. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or a similarly sized baking dish thoroughly.
- Roll Dough: Roll out the risen dough to fit the pan, making sure to leave some excess dough hanging over the edges to seal the filling later.
- Assemble Filling: Layer the bottom of the crust evenly with mozzarella cheese, then add cooked sausage, pepperoni slices, diced bell pepper, and onion. Pour the pizza sauce over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and basil for added flavor.
- Seal and Prepare for Baking: Fold the excess dough edges over the top of the filling to seal the pie completely. Brush the dough with melted butter, and optionally with a beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden finish.
- Baking: Bake the stuffed deep dish pizza pie in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbly and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your hearty stuffed pizza pie!
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the dough for 5–7 minutes before adding the filling.
- Feel free to substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different protein option.
- You can add extra veggies such as mushrooms or olives according to your preference.
- Using an egg wash helps achieve a shiny, golden crust but is optional.
- Make sure the sausage is fully cooked before adding to avoid undercooked meat in the pie.
