Deep-Dish Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza with Layered Cheese

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Chicago-style deep-dish pizza featuring a thick crust loaded with spicy sausage, pepperoni, and a rich blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses. This american-inspired pizza ready in about 110 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 650 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: 75 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 650 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, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Step 2: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook 8 oz Italian sausage until browned, about 5 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 cups crushed canned tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Press the dough into a deep 9-inch round pan, pushing it up the sides to create a thick crust.
  5. Step 5: Layer 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, followed by 1 cup shredded provolone cheese. Scatter 1 cup pepperoni slices and cooked sausage evenly on top.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the thickened tomato sauce over the layered cheese and meats, spreading gently to cover.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top and bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbles.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven and 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 Pizza with Layered Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (75 min prep + 35 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 Pizza with Layered Cheese?

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 Pizza with Layered Cheese?

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 Pizza with Layered Cheese 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 Pizza with Layered Cheese?

American 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.

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