Some recipes feel like home the moment you smell them baking. For me, deep dish pizza is one of them.
Thick, buttery crust. Layers of gooey mozzarella. Hearty toppings. A rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce on top. Deep dish pizza isn’t just food — it’s comfort. It’s warmth. It’s a whole experience in a cast iron skillet.

Yes, Neapolitan and thin-crust pizzas are beautiful in their simplicity. But sometimes you want something bigger. Bolder. More indulgent. Something you slice like a pie and enjoy with a fork. That’s where this deep dish pizza recipe shines.

This is the version I’ve spent years perfecting — tweaking the dough, adjusting the layer order, balancing richness and acidity, testing different cheeses, and discovering that little pat of butter in the dough makes all the difference. Today, I’m sharing the perfected formula so you can create a deep dish pizza that feels like a warm hug straight out of the oven.

Let’s bake something unforgettable.

Ingredients for Deep Dish Pizza

This recipe uses classic Chicago-style technique: cheese first, then toppings, then sauce. It creates the perfect balance of crisp edges, molten layers, and deep savory flavor.

🧾 Ingredient Table: Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Component	Ingredient	Measurement
Crust	All-purpose flour	3 cups
	Cornmeal	¼ cup
	Instant yeast	1 tablespoon
	Warm water	1 cup
	Salt	1 teaspoon
	Sugar	1 tablespoon
	Olive oil	2 tablespoons
	Melted butter	3 tablespoons
Cheese Layer	Low-moisture mozzarella	3–4 cups
	Parmesan cheese	½ cup
Toppings	Italian sausage (cooked)	1 cup
	Pepperoni	As desired
	Bell peppers	½ cup
	Mushrooms (sautéed)	½ cup
Sauce	Crushed tomatoes	1½–2 cups
	Garlic	2 cloves
	Olive oil	1 tablespoon
	Oregano	½ teaspoon
	Salt + pepper	To taste
	Red pepper flakes	Optional
Optional Finishing	Fresh basil	For garnish

Perfect deep dish demands hearty toppings, thick sauce, generous cheese, and a buttery crust — this recipe checks all the boxes.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Deep Dish Pizza

Follow these steps closely and you’ll have a crust that’s tender yet crisp, cheese that stretches beautifully, and sauce that tastes rich and comforting.

✨ Step 1: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl:

Add warm water, yeast, and sugar.
Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, cornmeal, salt, melted butter, and olive oil.
Mix until dough forms.
Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and soft.

Cornmeal gives the crust that iconic Chicago-style color and texture. Butter adds richness and helps produce flaky layers.

Cover dough and let rise 1 hour until doubled.

✨ Step 2: Prepare Your Deep Dish Pan

A 10-inch or 12-inch cast iron skillet works perfectly.

Coat generously with:

Olive oil
A sprinkle of cornmeal

This prevents sticking and gives the crust a crisp bottom.

✨ Step 3: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen:

Punch it down gently
Place it into the pan
Press it across the bottom and up the sides

You want high walls — at least 1.5 inches — to hold all those delicious layers.

✨ Step 4: Add the Cheese FIRST

This is the key to a proper deep dish pizza.

Add:

Mozzarella slices or shreds
Parmesan for extra flavor

Cheese on the bottom prevents sogginess and melts into a stretchy, gooey layer that deep dish pizza is famous for.

✨ Step 5: Add Toppings

Use cooked, dry toppings. Avoid watery vegetables.

Popular toppings:

Cooked sausage
Pepperoni
Mushrooms (sautéed)
Onions (caramelized)
Spinach

Spread evenly.

✨ Step 6: Add the Tomato Sauce

Deep dish is built upside-down compared to traditional pizza.

Add your thick, seasoned crushed tomatoes on top of everything.

Season with:

Oregano
Garlic
Black pepper
Olive oil

You want a thick sauce — watery sauces ruin deep dish pizza.

✨ Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–35 minutes.

Look for:

Golden crust
Bubbling sauce
Cheese melting under the sauce

If the crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil halfway through.

✨ Step 8: Let It Rest Before Slicing

Rest 10 minutes before cutting.

This keeps the layers intact and prevents everything from sliding.

Garnish with basil and enjoy.

Why This Deep Dish Pizza Recipe Works

✔ The butter-enriched, cornmeal-enhanced crust

Buttery. Flaky. Sturdy. Flavorful.

✔ A thick, hearty sauce

Adds bold tomato flavor without sogginess.

✔ The layering technique

Cheese → toppings → sauce = perfect bake.

✔ A balance of textures

Crispy edges
Soft interior
Stretchy cheese
Thick, rich topping

✔ Only 1 rise needed

Easy and beginner-friendly.

Deep Dish Pizza Variations

Once you master the classic, try these irresistible variations:

🔥 1. Classic Chicago Sausage Deep Dish

An iconic favorite.

Cooked Italian sausage
Mozzarella
Tomato sauce + oregano
Parmesan

Hearty and bold.

🔥 2. Pepperoni Deep Dish Pizza

Layer pepperoni under the sauce so it doesn’t burn.

🔥 3. Veggie Lover’s Deep Dish

Mushrooms
Spinach
Peppers
Caramelized onions

A vibrant, flavorful version.

🔥 4. Margherita Deep Dish

Fresh mozzarella
Crushed tomatoes
Fresh basil
Olive oil drizzle

A deep dish twist on an Italian classic.

🔥 5. Meat Lover’s Deep Dish

Sausage
Pepperoni
Ham
Beef

A crowd-pleaser.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Deep Dish Pizza

These chef-tested tips will guarantee excellent results:

🔥 1. Use low-moisture mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella is too watery for deep dish.

🔥 2. Cook veggies first

Sauté mushrooms, onions, spinach — moisture is your enemy.

🔥 3. Use a cast iron skillet for best results

Nothing beats the heat retention and crust crispiness.

🔥 4. Don’t rush the dough

Even a 1-hour rise dramatically improves texture and flavor.

🔥 5. Use thick tomato sauce

If your crushed tomatoes are watery, simmer to reduce.

🔥 6. Don’t overload toppings

Deep dish is already rich — stay balanced.

🔥 7. Let it rest before slicing

This keeps everything neat and layered.

🔥 8. Add Parmesan on top of the sauce

Protects sauce from drying & adds flavor.

🔥 9. Brush the crust edges with butter

Adds color and buttery richness.

🔥 10. Bake on the lower rack

This crisps the bottom crust.

FAQ: Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

1. Is deep dish pizza actually Italian?

It’s Italian-American — invented in Chicago with Italian flavors.

2. Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, but homemade dough tastes far better.

3. Why does cheese go under the sauce?

To prevent burning during long baking times.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

5. Can I refrigerate the dough?

Yes — up to 48 hours. It enhances flavor.

6. How long does deep dish pizza last?

Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

7. Can I freeze deep dish pizza?

Absolutely — freeze slices individually.

8. Why is my crust soggy?

Too much sauce
Wet veggies
Fresh mozzarella
Low oven temperature

9. Should I blind-bake the crust?

Not necessary unless using a very wet sauce.

10. What’s the best pan?

Cast iron skillet or deep dish pizza pan.

Final Thoughts: This Deep Dish Pizza Recipe Is Comfort in Every Bite

Deep dish pizza is more than food — it’s an experience. A warm, cheesy, hearty, feel-good, kitchen-filling aroma kind of experience. The buttery crust, the molten cheese, the rich tomato sauce… it all works together to create a pizza that satisfies deep cravings.

With this deep dish pizza recipe, you can bring the magic of Chicago’s beloved classic right into your home kitchen — no restaurant required. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself on a cozy night in, this pizza delivers every single time.

Now grab your skillet, roll out that dough, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort.