Deep-dish pizza – the ultimate comfort food. There’s just something special about a thick crust, gooey cheese, and savory toppings all coming together to create a meal that’s equal parts satisfying and indulgent. And when it comes to deep-dish pizzas, there are countless ways to get creative with your toppings and fillings. From classic combinations like pepperoni and sausage to more adventurous options like BBQ chicken and pesto shrimp, the possibilities are endless.
In this article, we’ll be diving into 18 different savory deep dish pizza recipes that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re a fan of meat-lovers or veggie-packed pies, there’s something for everyone in our ultimate guide to deep-dish pizzas. So grab your apron and get ready to get cooking – we’re about to take you on a journey through the world of deep dish pizza!
Classic Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Experience the iconic flavors of the Windy City with this classic recipe for a deep dish pizza that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup tomato puree
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Toppings of your choice (e.g. pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let mixture sit for 5 minutes until yeast is activated.
3. Add flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Roll out dough into a thick circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Place dough in a deep-dish pizza pan or round cake pan.
7. Spread tomato puree over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, followed by your desired toppings.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Deep Dish Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this creamy, cheesy, and indulgent Spinach and Artichoke Deep Dish Pizza. This twist on the classic deep dish pizza combines the richness of artichoke hearts with the bold flavor of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch deep dish pizza crust
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the pizza crust and place in a deep dish pie plate.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Top with artichoke hearts, spinach leaves, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pepperoni Lover’s Deep Dish Pizza
Get ready to sink your teeth into a cheesy, meaty masterpiece! This deep dish pizza is packed with pepperoni goodness and perfect for satisfying your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 12 slices pepperoni
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add flour, salt, and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
6. Spread tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
7. Top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sausage and Mushroom Deep Dish Pizza
Sausage and Mushroom Deep Dish Pizza: A hearty and savory twist on traditional pizza, this recipe combines sweet Italian sausage with earthy mushrooms in a thick, buttery crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
4. Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic to skillet; cook until vegetables are softened.
5. Spread cooked sausage mixture onto dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over top.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Four Cheese Deep Dish Pizza
A rich and creamy take on the classic deep dish pizza, this recipe combines four types of cheese for a flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella
– 1 cup grated cheddar
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. In a large skillet, combine the mozzarella, cheddar, feta, and Parmesan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and smooth.
4. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pizza dough.
5. Pour the heavy cream over the cheese layer.
6. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Chicken Deep Dish Pizza
A twist on traditional pizza, this BBQ chicken deep dish pizza combines the flavors of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce with savory chicken and melted cheese. Perfect for a unique dinner or game-day snack!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Top with chicken, mozzarella cheese, and cilantro.
5. Sprinkle garlic powder and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Veggie Supreme Deep Dish Pizza
Create a mouthwatering Veggie Supreme Deep Dish Pizza with this easy recipe! This hearty pie is packed with a medley of colorful vegetables and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package deep-dish pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
– 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1/4 cup diced red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pizza crust and place in a deep-dish pie dish.
3. In a bowl, combine mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, mushrooms, red onion, broccoli, garlic, and olive oil. Mix well.
4. Spread the veggie mixture evenly over the pizza crust.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Deep Dish Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this spicy twist on a classic deep dish pizza. Spicy buffalo chicken, creamy blue cheese dressing, and tangy ranch sauce come together to create a flavor combination that’s sure to satisfy any appetite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1/2 cup buffalo chicken, cooked and shredded
– 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Roll out pizza dough and place in a deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet.
3. Spread buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Top with blue cheese crumbles and shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top of the pizza.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Meat Lover’s Deep Dish Pizza
Savor the classic flavors of Chicago-style deep dish pizza with this hearty Meat Lover’s version, packed with sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 pound ground sausage
– 6 slices pepperoni
– 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add flour, salt, and olive oil; mix until dough forms.
4. Knead dough on floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
5. Roll out dough to fit a deep-dish pizza pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Arrange sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and mozzarella cheese in that order.
7. Fold crust over filling; brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Hawaiian Deep Dish Pizza
Experience the tropical twist on a classic deep dish pizza with this Hawaiian-inspired recipe. Sweet and savory, it’s a perfect combination for any pizza lover!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup caramelized pineapple rings
– 1/4 cup chopped ham
– 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. In a skillet, caramelize pineapple rings with garlic, salt, and pepper for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Spread olive oil on the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Arrange caramelized pineapple, chopped ham, red bell pepper, and mozzarella cheese in layers.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese melted.
7. Remove from oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Margherita Deep Dish Pizza
Margherita Deep Dish Pizza Recipe: A Classic Twist on a Timeless Favorite
Philly Cheesesteak Deep Dish Pizza
Get ready for a twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich – this deep dish pizza combines the flavors of juicy steak, melted cheese, and savory peppers in a crispy crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1 lb sliced ribeye or top round steak
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 large bell peppers, thinly sliced
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a skillet, cook sliced steak until browned, then set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers until tender.
5. Spread cream cheese over the pizza crust, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. Top with cooked steak, onion mixture, parsley, and oregano.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Breakfast Deep Dish Pizza
Start your day off right with a Breakfast Deep Dish Pizza that combines the comfort of a warm pie with the satisfaction of a hearty morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of refrigerated biscuits (8-10 count)
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 cup scrambled eggs
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced ham or bacon
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh bell peppers
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the biscuits into a deep-dish shape, about 9 inches in diameter.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, diced ham or bacon, and chopped bell peppers.
4. Spread the egg mixture evenly over the biscuit crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the top of the pizza.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Chicken Deep Dish Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this creamy and savory recipe that combines the flavors of pesto, chicken, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 deep dish pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in pesto sauce, onion, bell peppers, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Roll out pizza crust to desired thickness. Place chicken mixture on one half of the crust, leaving a small border around edges.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over top of chicken mixture.
6. Fold other half of crust over filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Taco-Inspired Deep Dish Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this unique fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors! This Taco-Inspired Deep Dish Pizza combines the best of both worlds, featuring seasoned ground beef, crispy tortilla strips, and melted mozzarella cheese in a thick, buttery crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb deep dish pizza dough
– 1 lb ground beef, cooked with taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup crispy tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef with taco seasoning until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro over the beef.
6. Top with crispy tortilla strips.
7. Drizzle olive oil around the crust and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Shrimp Scampi Deep Dish Pizza
Shrimp Scampi Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
Elevate your pizza game with this creative twist on the classic shrimp scampi dish, turned into a decadent deep-dish pizza. The combination of succulent shrimp, garlic butter, and melted mozzarella cheese will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
5. Spread butter mixture (white wine, butter, parsley) evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. Top with cooked shrimp, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Deep Dish Pizza
Garlic Parmesan Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
Transform your pizza game with this mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Deep Dish Pizza recipe! This hearty, cheesy masterpiece is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and olive oil.
4. Spread the garlic-olive oil mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the garlic layer.
6. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Sweet and Spicy Deep Dish Pizza
This Sweet and Spicy Deep Dish Pizza recipe combines the classic flavors of a deep dish pizza with a sweet and spicy twist, featuring caramelized onions, jalapeños, and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for those who like a little heat in their pizza.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch deep-dish pizza crust
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup caramelized onions (see note)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Roll out pizza crust and place in a deep-dish pizza pan.
3. In a skillet, caramelize the sliced onions over medium heat until golden brown (about 20 minutes). Set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add chopped jalapeños and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Spread caramelized onions and jalapeños evenly over the pizza crust.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the onion mixture.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Note: To caramelize onions, cook sliced onions in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they reach a deep golden brown color (about 20 minutes).
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate deep dish pizza experience! This collection of 18 savory recipes offers a variety of flavors and combinations to satisfy any pizza lover’s cravings. From classic Chicago-style to BBQ chicken, veggie supreme, and even breakfast-inspired options, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a meat-lover or prefer vegetarian options, these deep dish pizzas are sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead, get creative, and sink your teeth into the ultimate deep dish pizza adventure!
