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Deep Dish Pizza with Sausage & Pepperoni

Deep Dish Pizza with Sausage & Pepperoni

Deep Dish Pizza with Sausage & Pepperoni is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring a thick, buttery crust loaded with juicy Italian sausage and spicy pepperoni. Topped with gooey mozzarella, rich tomato sauce, and a sprinkling of Parmesan and herbs, this classic comfort food provides bold flavors and satisfying textures perfect for sharing or indulging any time.

Ingredients

Crust

  • Thick, buttery pizza dough (enough to press into a deep-dish pan)
  • Olive oil (for brushing crust)

Meats

  • Italian sausage, about 8 ounces, cooked and crumbled
  • Pepperoni slices, about 20-30 slices

Cheeses

  • Mozzarella cheese, 2 cups shredded
  • Parmesan cheese, ½ cup freshly grated

Sauce and Seasoning

  • Tomato sauce, 1½ cups, robust and herby
  • Garlic, 2 cloves minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • Fresh or dried herbs (oregano, basil), 1 tsp each

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Roll out your thick pizza dough and press it firmly into a deep-dish pan, making sure to bring the edges up the sides to hold all those delicious toppings.
  2. Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbly, then drain any excess fat to keep your pizza from getting greasy.
  3. Layer the cheese and meats: Start by scattering a generous layer of shredded mozzarella on the bottom of the crust, followed by cooked sausage and pepperoni slices evenly spread on top.
  4. Add the tomato sauce: Pour rich, herby tomato sauce over the meats, covering them thoroughly for a juicy, tangy finish.
  5. Top with Parmesan and herbs: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and your choice of garlic and herbs, like oregano or basil, to enhance the flavor and aroma.
  6. Bake to perfection: Place the pizza in a preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

Notes

  • Use room temperature dough to ensure even rolling and a soft yet crispy crust.
  • Don’t overload the toppings; too much sauce or meat can weigh down the crust and prevent even cooking.
  • Pre-cook your sausage to reduce grease and ensure thorough cooking.
  • Let the pizza rest a few minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to settle, making cleaner slices.
  • Use a deep-dish pan to maintain the thick crust and classic deep dish shape.

Nutrition

Keywords: deep dish pizza, sausage pizza, pepperoni pizza, Italian pizza, comfort food, homemade pizza