Wood-Fired Deep Dish Pizza with Italian Sausage and Roasted Peppers
A hearty Chicago-style deep dish pizza loaded with spicy Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and gooey mozzarella baked in a buttery crust. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 125 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.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (110°F) warm water
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (melted) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz (casings removed) Italian sausage
- 1 cup (sliced) roasted red bell peppers
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups crushed canned tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp granulated sugar in 1 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Add 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking it up until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Roll out dough on a floured surface to fit a 12-inch deep dish pan with sides. Press dough evenly into the pan, covering bottom and sides.
- Step 6: Layer 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, then add cooked sausage and 1 cup sliced roasted red bell peppers.
- Step 7: Mix 1 1/2 cups crushed canned tomatoes with 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, then spoon sauce over toppings.
- Step 8: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Step 9: Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wood-Fired Deep Dish Pizza with Italian Sausage and Roasted Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 125 minutes (90 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 Wood-Fired Deep Dish Pizza with Italian Sausage and Roasted Peppers?
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 Wood-Fired Deep Dish Pizza with Italian Sausage and Roasted Peppers?
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 Wood-Fired Deep Dish Pizza with Italian Sausage and Roasted Peppers 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 Wood-Fired Deep Dish Pizza with Italian Sausage and Roasted Peppers?
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.
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