This thick and cheesy deep dish pizza is layered with savory Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella — a hearty, indulgent take on the Chicago classic that satisfies every pizza craving. With its golden, buttery crust and generous layers of toppings, this pizza is perfect for when you want a meal that feels both comforting and celebratory.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deep dish pizza stands apart with its high edges, cheesy layers, and robust fillings. This recipe combines classic flavors — spicy pepperoni, seasoned sausage, and tangy tomato sauce — all encased in a tender, crispy crust. It’s a complete meal in a slice and can easily feed a hungry crowd. The homemade dough is simple to prepare, and the reward is a satisfying, restaurant-style pizza right from your oven.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- all-purpose flour
- active dry yeast
- sugar
- warm water
- olive oil
- salt
- Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- pepperoni slices
- pizza sauce
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- grated Parmesan cheese
- dried oregano
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead into a dough and let rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch deep dish or cake pan with oil.
- Press dough into the pan and up the sides. Layer 1/3 of the mozzarella on the bottom.
- Add cooked sausage evenly, then pour over pizza sauce.
- Top with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices.
- Sprinkle oregano over top and bake for 25–30 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and load with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for more heat.
- Cheese Lovers’ Edition: Include provolone, fontina, or ricotta for extra richness.
- Margherita Style: Replace sausage and pepperoni with fresh basil and sliced tomatoes for a lighter version.
- Mini Deep Dish: Use muffin tins to create individual portions for parties or lunchboxes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place slices in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or until heated through and the crust crisps up again.
Microwaving is also possible but may soften the crust. For freezing, wrap slices tightly in foil and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What is the difference between deep dish and regular pizza?
Deep dish pizza has a thick, buttery crust and layers the cheese and toppings inside the crust, topped with sauce, unlike traditional thin-crust pizzas.
Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Yes, if you’re short on time, pre-made pizza dough will work, but homemade dough offers better texture and flavor.
Why is the cheese placed on the bottom?
In deep dish pizza, cheese is layered first to prevent it from burning during the longer bake time under the thick sauce and toppings.
What type of sausage is best?
Mild or spicy Italian sausage works well, depending on your preference for flavor and heat.
Can I make this in a regular baking pan?
Yes, a cake pan or any high-sided, oven-safe pan can be used if you don’t have a traditional deep dish pizza pan.
Is deep dish pizza supposed to be crispy or soft?
The crust should be golden and slightly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy inside.
How can I prevent a soggy crust?
Preheating the pan and ensuring ingredients are well-drained (like cooked sausage and sauce) helps maintain a crisp base.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sauce?
Yes, use peeled, crushed fresh tomatoes, but be sure to cook off excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
What’s the best cheese for deep dish pizza?
Mozzarella is traditional, but blending with provolone or Parmesan adds depth of flavor.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before using.
Conclusion
Deep dish pepperoni and sausage pizza is a bold, filling, and irresistibly cheesy meal that brings the essence of Chicago-style pizza to your kitchen. With a homemade crust and flavorful toppings layered to perfection, it’s ideal for special occasions or weekend indulgence. Mastering this dish means enjoying one of the most iconic pizza styles whenever you like — hot, hearty, and straight from your oven.
Print
Deep Dish Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This thick and cheesy deep dish pizza is layered with savory Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella — a hearty, indulgent take on the Chicago classic that satisfies every pizza craving.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 1/4 cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead into a dough and let rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch deep dish or cake pan with oil.
- Press dough into the pan and up the sides. Layer 1/3 of the mozzarella on the bottom.
- Add cooked sausage evenly, then pour over pizza sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices.
- Sprinkle oregano over top and bake for 25–30 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Letting the dough rise fully ensures a tender crust.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution if you don’t have a deep dish pan.
- Customize with vegetables or different meats to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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