Deep-Dish Sausage and Pepperoni Baked Pizza

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Chicago-style deep-dish pizza loaded with spicy sausage, pepperoni, and a rich tomato sauce baked to golden perfection. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 60 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add 1 cup warm water (110°F) and 1/4 cup olive oil, stirring until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic, then cover with a towel and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  2. Step 2: While dough rises, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 8 oz Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 cups crushed tomatoes and simmer on low for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan and press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides.
  4. Step 4: Layer 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, then scatter the cooked sausage mixture and 1 cup pepperoni slices on top.
  5. Step 5: Pour the thickened tomato sauce evenly over the toppings and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on the surface.
  6. Step 6: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the crust are golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Deep-Dish Sausage and Pepperoni Baked Pizza take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Deep-Dish Sausage and Pepperoni Baked Pizza?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Dish Sausage and Pepperoni Baked Pizza?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Deep-Dish Sausage and Pepperoni Baked Pizza for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Deep-Dish Sausage and Pepperoni Baked Pizza?

Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.