If you love thick, cheesy, and sauce-packed pizza, this Deep Dish Pizza Recipe is the perfect choice! Originating from Chicago, deep dish pizza is known for its buttery crust, layers of gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce, all baked in a tall pan for that signature deep-dish style. Whether you’re craving a comforting homemade meal or looking to impress guests, this easy homemade pizza recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

This pizza recipes homemade version is perfect for pizza lovers who enjoy a thick, hearty slice! Here’s why you’ll love it:

Crispy Yet Flaky Crust: The dough is buttery and has a light crunch on the edges.
Loads of Cheese: Every bite is packed with gooey, melted mozzarella.
Flavorful Tomato Sauce: Slow-cooked with herbs for a deep, rich taste.
Perfect for Sharing: Great for family dinners, game nights, or weekend treats.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or veggies.

Ingredients for Deep Dish Pizza

For the Pizza Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440g)
½ cup cornmeal (60g)
1 ¼ teaspoons salt
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
1 ¼ cups warm water (300ml)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (60g)
2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pizza Layers:

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (340g)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
1 cup sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To make this baking buns-style deep dish pizza, you’ll need:

Deep-dish pizza pan (or a 9-inch cake pan)
Rolling pin
Mixing bowls
Saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons
Pizza cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Deep Dish Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and instant yeast.
Add warm water, melted butter, and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
Knead for about 7-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll out the dough into a large circle, about 2 inches bigger than your pan.
Press the dough into the greased deep-dish pan, making sure it goes up the sides.
Layer the bottom with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Add any toppings (pepperoni, sausage, or veggies).
Pour the tomato sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Tips for the Perfect Homemade Deep Dish Pizza

Use Cornmeal in the Dough: It gives the crust that authentic Chicago-style texture.
Prebake the Dough (Optional): If you like an extra crispy base, prebake it for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Avoid Soggy Crust: Make sure the sauce is thick, so it doesn’t soak into the dough.
Let It Cool Before Slicing: This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading with Toppings: Too many toppings can make the pizza too heavy and soggy.
Using Too Much Sauce: Stick to a thin, even layer to avoid a wet crust.
Not Letting the Dough Rise: The dough needs time to rise for the perfect texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations:

Pizza Stromboli Style: Roll the dough with cheese and toppings for a stuffed pizza twist.
Vegetarian Deep Dish: Use mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers instead of meat.
Different Cheese Blends: Try a mix of provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a unique flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free pizza flour blend.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

What to Serve with Deep Dish Pizza

This hearty Italian foods classic pairs perfectly with:

Garlic Breadsticks – Perfect for dipping into extra sauce.
Caesar Salad – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich pizza.
Pizza Appetizers – Serve with mozzarella sticks or stuffed mushrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this pizza without a deep-dish pan?
Yes! Use a cast-iron skillet or a regular cake pan as an alternative.

Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q: How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Brush the edges with olive oil and bake on the lower oven rack.

Q: What’s the difference between deep dish and regular pizza?
Deep dish pizza has a thicker crust, layers of cheese before the sauce, and is baked in a taller pan for a pie-like texture.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Deep Dish Pizza Recipe is a must-try for all pizza lovers! With its crispy crust, layers of gooey cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try making this easy homemade pizza today and share your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe for more pizza recipes homemade and baking buns ideas!