Description
This Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie is a satisfying, hearty dish featuring a rich combination of melted mozzarella, savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, and fresh vegetables all enveloped in a soft, homemade deep-dish crust. Baked to golden perfection with a flavorful blend of herbs and parmesan, it’s perfect for sharing at any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp)
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
For Finishing
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a dough begins to form. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp towel and set it in a warm location for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or similar baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Shape Dough: Roll out the risen dough so it fits your pan, leaving some extra dough hanging over the edges to fold over the filling later.
- Layer Filling: Start layering the filling on the dough base. Begin with shredded mozzarella cheese, then add the cooked sausage, pepperoni slices, diced bell pepper, and onion. Pour the pizza sauce evenly over the toppings and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and basil for seasoning.
- Seal and Brush: Fold the dough edges over the filling to seal the pizza pie. Brush the crust with melted butter for flavor and moisture. Optionally, brush with a beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy crust.
- Bake: Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbly and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the pizza pie cool for 5 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can swap Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey if preferred.
- Allowing the dough to rise fully is key to a fluffy crust.
- Optional egg wash gives a glossy crust but can be skipped for dairy-free diets.
- Customize toppings by adding mushrooms, olives, or extra cheese as desired.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice for clean pieces.
