Name: Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 packet active dry yeast (¼ ounce); ⅔ cup warm water; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 cups flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded); 1 cup pizza sauce; 10 slices pepperoni; ½ cup sliced mushrooms; ¼ cup sliced black olives

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Get ready to fall in love with every forkful of this legendary Deep Dish Pizza! With its ultra-thick, pillowy crust packed with gooey mozzarella and a vibrant layer of sauce, this Chicago classic is so much more than your average pie. It’s saucy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying—a show-stopping comfort food perfect for pizza nights, special gatherings, or whenever serious cravings strike. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the wonders of the Deep Dish Pizza, this recipe will help you build your own pizzeria-worthy masterpiece right at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

No fuss, just pure flavor! Each ingredient in Deep Dish Pizza plays a starring role. From the yeasty, golden crust to the layer of bubbling cheese and that zesty sauce with bright, bold toppings, these essentials combine to create the rich and satisfying hallmark of Chicago’s best.

Active dry yeast: The magic that gives your crust its lofty rise and signature chewiness.
Warm water: At just the right temperature, this wakes up the yeast for billowy dough.
Sugar: A little sweetness feeds the yeast and helps the crust brown beautifully.
Flour: The backbone of your crust—go for all-purpose to keep things simple and reliable.
Olive oil: Lends richness to the dough and makes those crisp, golden edges everyone craves.
Garlic powder: A subtle layer of garlicky aroma, infusing the crust with flavor.
Salt: Balances the dough and brings out every other flavor in the pizza.
Mozzarella cheese: The ultimate melter—pile it on thick for oozy, stretchy perfection.
Pizza sauce: Choose your favorite; its tangy depth is the soul of Deep Dish Pizza.
Pepperoni: Classic and crave-worthy, these slices deliver savory, spicy bites in every forkful.
Sliced mushrooms: Earthy and tender, they soak up all that cheesy, saucy goodness.
Sliced black olives: Add a briny punch that pops against the rich, cheesy base.

How to Make Deep Dish Pizza

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes until it’s nice and foamy. This small wait is crucial—if it bubbles up, you know your yeast is ready to create that perfectly fluffy Deep Dish Pizza crust.

Step 2: Make and Mix the Dough

Add in the olive oil, then slowly stir in the flour, garlic powder, and salt. Use a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough pulls together into one soft, slightly tacky ball. Mixing thoroughly ensures every bite of crust is flavorful and tender.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil, pop your dough ball inside, and roll it around so it gets coated. Cover the bowl with a tea towel or plastic wrap, then set it aside in a warm spot for 45 minutes to an hour. The dough should double in size, becoming airy and soft—the hallmark of a good Deep Dish Pizza base.

Step 4: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9-inch springform pan and grease it well with cooking spray. This special pan gives your Deep Dish Pizza its classic high walls and prevents sticking, making the final pie picture-perfect to serve.

Step 5: Shape the Crust

Place your puffy dough ball in the greased pan, using your fingertips to gently press and stretch it to cover the bottom and sides. Don’t rush—take the time to get an even layer with tall edges, which keeps all that luscious sauce and cheese where it belongs.

Step 6: Assemble the Pizza

Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the bottom of the dough, then sprinkle all that glorious mozzarella on top. Layer on the pepperoni, mushrooms, and sliced black olives, arranging them so every slice of your Deep Dish Pizza will be bursting with flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the assembled pizza into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and irresistible. Let it cool for a moment, then serve your creation hot and fresh—get ready for applause!

How to Serve Deep Dish Pizza

Garnishes

Deep Dish Pizza comes alive with a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano right out of the oven. For an extra pop, grate some Parmesan cheese on top or drizzle a little olive oil over the slices—it’s the finishing touch that makes every bite unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Balance those hearty, cheesy slices with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic knots or roasted vegetables make smart sides, adding color, crunch, and freshness to your Deep Dish Pizza feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform pizza night by serving your Deep Dish Pizza on a wooden board, slicing it tableside for dramatic effect. Or cut into wedges and serve atop individual mini boards, paired with small bowls of extra sauce for the ultimate interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Deep Dish Pizza tightly in plastic wrap or pop it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—those flavors only deepen and mellow, making it fantastic for lunch or next-day snacking.

Freezing

Let your cooked pizza cool completely, then wrap slices individually in foil and freeze in zip-top bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To restore that crisp crust, reheat Deep Dish Pizza in a 350-degree oven on a baking sheet for 10–12 minutes, or pop slices in a covered skillet until heated through. Avoid the microwave, which can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I make Deep Dish Pizza crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, let it rise, then wrap it tightly and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before pressing it into your pan.

Can I use different toppings?

Definitely! The beauty of Deep Dish Pizza is its versatility—try sausage, bell peppers, spinach, or your favorite cheese combo for a custom creation every time.

What kind of pan should I use?

A springform pan is ideal because it gives you those high pizza walls and easy removal, but a deep cake pan or cast-iron skillet can work in a pinch.

Why does this pizza bake for 30 minutes?

The deeper crust and layered toppings need a longer baking time to ensure the interior is fully cooked and the cheese is molten without burning the crust.

How do I stop my Deep Dish Pizza from getting soggy?

Make sure your sauce isn’t too watery, and avoid overloading the pizza with toppings. A layer of cheese on the bottom helps protect that crisp, golden crust.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about making Deep Dish Pizza from scratch and sharing it with people you love. Every slice is rich, gooey, and layered with flavor—give this recipe a try and get ready to bring a true taste of Chicago right into your kitchen!

Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 1 9-inch pizza 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a delicious homemade Deep Dish Pizza with a thick, golden crust loaded with your favorite toppings. This recipe is perfect for pizza lovers craving a hearty and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until foamy.
Mix Dough: Add olive oil, then mix in flour, garlic powder, and salt until a ball forms.
Rise Dough: Roll dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 45-60 minutes.
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 400°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
Prepare Crust: Press dough into pan to cover bottom and sides.
Add Toppings: Spread sauce, cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives over dough.
Bake: Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian