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.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
- Diet: Standard (includes gluten, meat, and dairy)
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the tomato sauce: Pour rich, herby tomato sauce over the meats, covering them thoroughly for a juicy, tangy finish.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: deep dish pizza, sausage pizza, pepperoni pizza, Italian pizza, comfort food, homemade pizza