Pizza Pie

Take pizza night to the next level with this deep-dish pizza pie. What is pizza pie? Well, the recipe starts with frozen bread dough—an easy shortcut to golden, chewy pizza crust. Then, layers of savory sausage, pepperoni, aromatic veggies, melty mozzarella and Parmesan are baked inside the double-crust pie for a hearty comfort food meal. You get a satisfying mix of classic pizza flavors and textures with every slice. This recipe for pizza pie is easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings and is perfect for family dinners or game-day gatherings.

Ingredients for Pizza Pie

• Sausage: Ground pork sausage adds rich, savory flavor to the pie filling. Feel free to swap in Italian sausage, ground beef or ground poultry for a lighter option.
• Onion and green bell pepper: Yellow or red onion works well here, and you can use red or yellow bell peppers instead of green if you prefer their milder, sweeter flavor.
• Frozen bread dough: This shortcut crust bakes up golden and chewy. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for easy rolling, or substitute homemade pizza dough if you have extra time.
• Cheese: Mozzarella gives you those stretchy, gooey cheese pulls, while Parmesan adds salty, nutty flavor. Pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, but freshly grated cheese gives you the best melt.
• Pizza sauce: A bright tomato-based sauce ties all the fillings together. Homemade or store-bought pizza sauce works here.
• Pepperoni: Use your favorite variety, whether regular, spicy or turkey pepperoni.
• Mushrooms: This recipe calls for canned mushrooms, but you can easily swap in fresh mushrooms. Slice and saute them with the sausage and other veggies before layering to prevent excess moisture in your pie.
• Oregano: A pinch of dried oregano gives your pie that classic pizza flavor. Italian seasoning is an easy swap if you prefer a blend of herbs.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the sausage and veggies

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Add the sausage, green pepper and onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking the meat into crumbles, until the sausage is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 2: Roll out the bottom crust

Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. On a lightly floured surface, roll half the thawed bread dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to the bottom of the pie plate, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.

Editor’s Tip: If the crust springs back when you try to spread it in the pie plate, let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.

Step 3: Layer the filling

Spread 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and half the pizza sauce over the bottom crust. Spoon in the sausage mixture, then top with the pepperoni, mushrooms and 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano.

Step 4: Add the top crust

Roll out the remaining dough into another 12-inch circle and place it over the filling. Pinch or crimp the edges to seal. Spread the remaining pizza sauce over the top crust, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1/8 teaspoon oregano.

Step 5: Bake the pizza pie

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Editor’s Tip: Let the pie stand at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the layers to set up for easier slicing.

Pizza Pie Variations

• Make one for meat lovers: Add crumbled bacon, diced ham, mini meatballs or cooked cubes of chicken for an extra-rich, hearty filling.
• Add more veggies: Saute zucchini, red onion, spinach or finely chopped broccoli florets with the sausage, or layer in fresh chopped tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
• Go meatless: Skip the sausage and pepperoni and pile in a variety of veggies for a satisfying meat-free pizza pie.
• Change the cheese: Swap in provolone, fontina, cheddar or your favorite melting cheese for the mozzarella. A shredded Italian blend works perfectly here too.
• Try some spice: Use hot Italian sausage, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling, or layer in banana peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.

How to Store Pizza Pie

Let leftover pizza pie cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with storage wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm slices in a 300° oven until heated through. You can also warm a slice in the microwave, but the crust won’t be as crisp.

Can you freeze a pizza pie?

Yes, you can freeze a pizza pie recipe for future meals. Bake the pie as directed in a freezer-safe pie plate, then let it cool completely. Wrap the entire pie, including the pan, tightly in storage wrap, followed by a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350° oven until warm.

Can you make a pizza pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the recipe for pizza pie up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with storage wrap or foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Let the pizza pie sit on the counter while the oven preheats, then uncover and bake as directed. You may need to increase the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes since the pie will be chilled.

Pizza Pie Tips

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of frozen bread dough?

You can absolutely use homemade pizza dough instead of frozen bread dough. Our standard pizza dough recipe makes one 12-inch crust, so you’ll want to double the recipe to have enough for both the top and bottom crusts. If you end up with extra dough, shape it into breadsticks to enjoy on the side.

Can I make pizza pie in another type of pan?

Yes! If you don’t have a deep-dish pie plate, a 9-inch cake pan or springform pan works just as well. Just be sure to grease it generously, and watch closely near the end of baking since pans can vary in how they conduct heat.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, drain excess grease or liquid after cooking the sausage and veggies. If you’re adding extra vegetables to your pizza pie, saute them first so they release moisture before going into the pie. Layer the filling as directed, starting with a layer of cheese over the bottom crust—this creates a barrier that helps keep the crust crisp and sturdy.

What can you serve with pizza pie?

Any sides you’d normally enjoy with pizza will go well with this hearty pie. Think Caesar salad, warm garlic bread, an antipasto platter or a cozy bowl of minestrone. For something lighter, try a green veggie like Parmesan-roasted broccoli, green beans or Brussels sprouts on the side to balance the rich, cheesy pizza pie.