Deep-Dish Style Pizza with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Mozzarella

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Inspired by Chicago’s iconic deep-dish pizza, this recipe features a thick crust filled with rich tomato-basil sauce and melted mozzarella cheese baked to bubbling perfection. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 110 minutes blends all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 80 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Simmer gently for 20 minutes until thickened.
  5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 425°F. Punch down the dough and press it evenly into a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan, pushing dough up the sides to form a rim.
  6. Step 6: Layer 3 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the crust. Pour the tomato-basil sauce on top, spreading gently. Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese over the sauce.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Deep-Dish Style Pizza with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (80 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Deep-Dish Style Pizza with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Mozzarella?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Dish Style Pizza with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Mozzarella?

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 Style Pizza with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Mozzarella 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 Style Pizza with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Mozzarella?

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.

Related recipes