Deep dish pizza is not just a meal, it’s an experience. Originating in Chicago, this iconic style of pizza flips the traditional order on its head. Instead of sauce on the bottom and cheese on top, deep dish starts with a thick, buttery crust, followed by generous layers of cheese and fillings, then finished with a chunky, seasoned tomato sauce.
What sets deep dish pizza apart is its crust. It’s more like a pie crust than your average pizza dough, golden, crisp on the outside, and soft on the inside, with enough structure to hold all the rich fillings. A deep, round pan is essential to achieve that signature shape and edge, almost like a pizza casserole.
The cheese goes directly on top of the crust, usually a blend of mozzarella for stretch and mild flavor. Then come the toppings: think pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, or even spinach. These aren’t sprinkled sparingly; they’re layered generously, creating a dense and satisfying bite. The final layer is the sauce, a slow-simmered tomato sauce full of garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness, spread thick over the top.
Baking a deep dish pizza takes a little longer than your average pizza, usually around 30 to 40 minutes — but the result is well worth the wait. As it bakes, the crust crisps up, the cheese melts into the fillings, and the sauce bubbles gently on top.
Deep dish pizza is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, served in hearty slices that require a fork and knife. It’s filling, indulgent, and deeply comforting. Pair it with a simple side salad or a cold drink, and you’ve got a meal that satisfies every craving.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just want to treat yourself to something a little over the top, deep dish pizza is a showstopper. And once you try it, you’ll understand why it has such a devoted following.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal for flavor and texture
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water about 110°F
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce thick and hearty
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Add the warm water and mix until the dough begins to come together.
- Add the melted butter and olive oil; mix until fully incorporated.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly oil a 12-inch pizza pan or cast iron skillet.
- Press the dough into the pan, ensuring it goes up the edges and forms a crust.
- Layer the mozzarella cheese over the dough.
- Spread the marinara sauce over the cheese, then sprinkle with black pepper and oregano.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition
Deep dish pizza = love. But how come every pizza recipe makes me feel like a chef? Haha!
I dunno, sometimes it feels like a lot of work just to make a pizza. Why does it have to take so long?
Haha, right? Cooking can be so fun! Pizza really brings out the inner chef in everyone. Love a good deep dish!
Too many ingredients if you ask me. Why cornmeal? Just use regular flour.
This deep dish pizza is AMAZING! So cheesy and delicious. I can’t get enough!
Did not work for me, tasted like a brick. Never making this again.
I’m so sorry to hear that! The texture can really depend on kneading and rising times. Did you let it rise enough?
Tasted like a brick? That’s funny! Maybe you just cooked it too long? It’s supposed to be super tasty!
Pretty good, but I think it’s missing something. Maybe some veggies? The flavor’s ok.
Yum! So easy to make. Perfect for a family movie night. Thanks for sharing!
Looks good, but isn’t making dough kinda hard? I usually just buy pizza. 🙄
I agree! This is such a delicious recipe. My kids loved it! 🌟
I followed the recipe, but my dough didn’t rise at all. What did I do wrong? I’m kinda confused.
Quick tip: Add some pepperoni for extra flavor! Trust me it makes a difference.
This pizza was amazing! The crust was so fluffy and delicious. My family loved it!
Why do we need cornmeal? Isn’t it the same as flour? This recipe confuses me.
I found the dough too sticky, had to add more flour. Not sure if it was me or the recipe.
I had the same issue! Adding extra flour helped me too. Maybe the humidity affects it?
Sounds like user error! Just follow the recipe, it’s perfect as is. 👎
Way too much cheese!!! I like it cheesy, but this was just overkill. Next time, I’ll use half.
My kids helped make this! So fun and tastes great. We will definitely do this again.
5 stars all the way!🍕 Best pizza I’ve ever made, hands down.
Ayo, how is this deep dish pizza? Looks more like a thick crust to me.
This is the best pizza I’ve ever made! So cheesy and delicious!
I don’t like cornmeal. Can I just skip that part? Anyone tried it without?
This was way too greasy for my taste. I won’t be making this again.
Pizza!!!
Pizza is life! 🍕 Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Looks complicated. Can’t you just order a pizza instead? 🤔
I followed the recipe step-by-step, but my dough didn’t rise at all. So disappointing!
My kids loved it! But I think I used too much salt, lol.
Too much salt can ruin it, but glad your kids liked it! Maybe try less next time? 😄
How much water is ‘about 110°F’? Can I just use cold water? 🤔
I added some pepperoni and mushrooms on top, and it turned out great! Thanks for sharing!
Pepperoni and mushrooms? Yum! Sounds delish! Can’t wait to try it myself! Thanks for the tip!