A delicious and comforting pizza pie with a thick, buttery crust, layers of cheese, sausage, and a rich tomato sauce.

This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is the epitome of comfort food. It features a buttery, thick crust that holds a generous amount of cheese, seasoned sausage, and a rich, tangy tomato sauce. With all the layers packed inside, it’s a hearty meal that will leave you satisfied and craving more.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour – 360g (3 cups)
• Cornmeal – 2 tbsp (adds texture and flavor to the crust)
• Baking powder – 1 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Sugar – 1 tbsp
• Olive oil – 3 tbsp
• Water – 120ml (½ cup) (adjust as needed)
• Butter – 85g (½ cup), melted (for a rich, buttery crust)

For the Filling:

• Italian sausage – 450g (1 lb), bulk or casings removed
• Pepperoni slices – 100g (1 cup), optional, for extra flavor
• Mozzarella cheese – 300g (3 cups), shredded
• Parmesan cheese – 100g (1 cup), grated
• Bell peppers – 1 medium, diced (optional, for added flavor and texture)
• Onion – 1 medium, diced
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Crushed tomatoes – 800g (2 cans), preferably San Marzano for the best flavor
• Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
• Dried oregano – 1 tsp
• Dried basil – 1 tsp
• Red pepper flakes – ½ tsp (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp (for sautéing)
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the olive oil, melted butter, and water. Mix until the dough starts to come together, then knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour. Let it rest while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Tomato Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld.

3. Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. If you’re using pepperoni, add it in with the sausage to cook and release its flavor.

4. Assemble the Deep-Dish Pizza

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet (about 10-12 inches in diameter) with butter or cooking spray. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large circle, slightly larger than the pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Let the dough hang over the edges slightly.

5. Layer the Pizza

Begin by spreading half of the mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the crust. Next, add a layer of the cooked sausage and pepperoni. Top with a layer of diced bell peppers (if using), then pour half of the tomato sauce over the top. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining mozzarella cheese, sausage, peppers, tomato sauce, and Parmesan.

6. Bake the Pizza

Fold the excess dough over the top of the pizza, creating a rustic crust around the edges. Bake the deep-dish pizza for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too much, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.

7. Cool and Serve

Let the pizza cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set. Slice into hearty pieces and serve hot!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad.
• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top for a tangy contrast.
• Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

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🌟 Tips & Variations

• Add more vegetables: You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Crust options: If you prefer a flakier crust, you can use store-bought puff pastry for a quick fix.
• Spicy sausage: Use spicy Italian sausage or add jalapeños for a kick.
• Cheese alternatives: Try using cheddar cheese or provolone for a different cheese blend.

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🧬 Nutrition Info (Per serving – approx. for pizza crust and filling)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~450 kcal
Protein	~25g
Carbs	~40g
Fat	~25g
Fiber	~3g
Sugar	~5g

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📝 Final Thoughts

This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is everything you want in a pizza—hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, and you can customize the fillings to suit your preferences. The buttery crust and layers of delicious toppings make it a satisfying and comforting meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!