Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This deep-dish pizza pie is a game-changer when it comes to comfort food. With layers of gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta cheese, fresh bell peppers, and savory marinara sauce, every bite delivers a satisfying, mouthwatering experience. The homemade pizza dough adds a personal touch, and the crispy, buttery crust contrasts perfectly with the melty cheese and vibrant toppings. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or just in the mood for a hearty dinner, this recipe will surely become a favorite. It’s simple to prepare, yet indulgent enough for special occasions.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup olive oil
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
½ cup sliced black olives
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture; stir until a dough begins to form.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit a greased 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan. Transfer the dough into the pan, pressing it up the sides.
Layer the bottom of the crust with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese.
Add a layer of sliced bell peppers and black olives, then sprinkle dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the toppings, spreading it out gently to cover everything.
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

Vegetarian: Omit the black olives or swap in other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or ground beef for a more savory, hearty pizza.
Spicy: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Cheese Options: Try adding a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy again.

FAQs

How do I make the dough ahead of time?

You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. After removing it from the fridge, let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Can I freeze this deep-dish pizza?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizza (before baking) for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

While homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor, you can substitute it with store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time.

How can I make the crust extra crispy?

For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the dough for about 5 minutes before adding the toppings. Also, use a pizza stone or cast-iron pan for better heat distribution.

What’s the best cheese for deep-dish pizza?

The classic combination of mozzarella and ricotta works wonderfully, but feel free to mix in provolone or parmesan for a richer flavor.

Can I add more sauce to the pizza?

Absolutely! If you prefer a saucier pizza, simply add extra marinara sauce. Just be mindful not to overload it, as it could make the crust soggy.

How thick should the crust be?

Aim for a crust that’s about ¼ inch thick. This will allow the dough to bake evenly without overpowering the toppings.

Can I make this pizza in a different-sized pan?

Yes, you can use a larger or smaller pan depending on your preference. Just adjust the dough thickness and cooking time accordingly.

What are some topping ideas for deep-dish pizza?

In addition to bell peppers and olives, you can add mushrooms, onions, spinach, or artichokes. For meat lovers, pepperoni, sausage work well.

How can I make the pizza extra cheesy?

Layer extra cheese between the crust and the sauce for a cheesier deep-dish experience. You can also sprinkle cheese over the sauce before baking.

Conclusion

This deep-dish pizza pie is a perfect combination of flavors, textures, and indulgence, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and delicious layers of toppings, it’s sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or gathering. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or a first-time maker, this recipe brings the best of Chicago-style pizza into your kitchen. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness, and get ready to savor every bite!

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe

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Author: Paula
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This deep-dish pizza pie is a delicious, indulgent dish with layers of gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, fresh bell peppers, black olives, and zesty marinara sauce, all encased in a crispy, buttery homemade crust.

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture; stir until a dough begins to form.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit a greased 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan. Transfer the dough into the pan, pressing it up the sides.
Layer the bottom of the crust with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese.
Add a layer of sliced bell peppers and black olives, then sprinkle dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the toppings, spreading it out gently to cover everything.
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy again.

You can freeze the assembled pizza (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.

If you want a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.

If using store-bought dough, it can be substituted in place of homemade dough for convenience.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Pizza
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 30mg