Thick Crust Pizza Pie (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Crust Essentials

01 - 2 tbsp olive oil
02 - 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
03 - 1 tsp salt
04 - 1 tsp sugar
05 - 1 cup warm water
06 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

→ Flavorful Filling

07 - ½ cup sliced green jalapeños or bell peppers
08 - ½ cup sliced mushrooms
09 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1 lb ground sausage or beef
11 - Pepperoni slices
12 - ½ cup cheddar cheese (optional)
13 - 1 cup pizza sauce

→ Extra Toppings

14 - More vegetables for garnishing
15 - A sprinkle of extra mozzarella

# Instructions:

01 - Combine the yeast and warm water in a small bowl and leave it for 5 minutes till frothy. In the meantime, mix up the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil, blending together until you get a shaggy dough. Flip it onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes till nice and stretchy. Coat a bowl lightly with oil, toss in your dough, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it hang out for an hour so it doubles in size.
02 - As your dough takes its nap, brown the meat (ground beef or sausage) on medium heat in a skillet. Drain off the leftover grease, then stir in your pizza sauce. Let it simmer for a bit, around 5 minutes, so the flavors meld. Set it aside to cool while you prep the rest.
03 - Heat your oven to 375°F. Take your dough and roll it into a big, even circle. Grease your deep baking dish or springform pan and press the dough into it snugly, trimming any edges that spill over. Sprinkle on a little mozzarella first. Layer with the meat and sauce mixture, then add mushrooms, jalapeños, and more cheese. If you're feeling creative, toss in more layers of filling. Finish with shredded mozzarella and decorate with pepperoni slices.
04 - Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and the edges of the crust turn golden. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before pulling it out. Trust me, waiting prevents any burnt tongues!
05 - Slice your deep dish into big chunks and dig in while it's still warm. Add a side of garlic bread or salad to complete the meal. Get ready for mucho happy faces!

# Notes:

01 - This cheesy deep dish is the best combo of pizza and layered pie. Perfect for those who love a hearty meal.
02 - A springform pan helps you take the dish out easily without ruining its shape.
03 - Customize with your favorite toppings or make it vegetarian by loading up on vegetables instead of meat.

Back