Description
A hearty, cheesy deep dish pizza filled with savory sausage, gooey mozzarella, and a rich homemade sauce—perfect for family dinners or pizza night!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add olive oil to the yeast mixture, then stir into the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the dough and press it into a deep dish pizza pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
- Layer mozzarella cheese on the bottom, then spread ricotta cheese evenly.
- Add the cooked sausage, spoon marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, if desired.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the pizza for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Pair with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy with family and friends!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Cornmeal in the dough adds texture and a signature deep dish flavor—don’t skip it!
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes for a crispy crust.