Irresistible Cheesy Baked Pizza Pie – loaded with gooey cheese, savory sauce, and a golden, crispy crust. A perfect comfort food for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep-Dish Goodness – Combines the flavors of pizza in a hearty pie format.
- Cheesy and Flavorful – Packed with multiple layers of cheese and toppings.
- Perfect for Sharing – A great dish for family meals or gatherings.
- Customizable – Use your favorite pizza toppings for a personal touch.
- Homemade Dough – A simple, delicious crust made from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices (or any preferred topping)
- ½ cup cooked Italian sausage (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
2. Preheat & Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out ⅔ of the dough and press it into a greased deep-dish pie pan or a springform pan.
- Roll out the remaining dough for the top crust.
3. Assemble the Pizza Pie
- Spread half the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on the bottom.
- Add pizza sauce, pepperoni, sausage, ricotta, and seasonings.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with the top crust, sealing the edges. Cut slits on top for steam to escape.
4. Bake & Serve
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach instead of meat.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with gouda, provolone, or feta.
- BBQ Style: Replace pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and use shredded chicken.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked pizza pie for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake as needed.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought dough can save time and still deliver great results.
What type of pan should I use?
A deep-dish pie pan or a springform pan works best to hold the layers.
Can I make this without a top crust?
Yes, you can bake it as an open-faced deep-dish pizza.
How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Brush the top crust with olive oil or an egg wash before baking.
What’s the best cheese combination?
Mozzarella and cheddar offer the perfect melt and flavor balance.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and assemble the pizza pie, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.
Can I make this without yeast?
Yes, a no-yeast dough can be made using baking powder instead.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the bottom crust for 5 minutes before adding fillings.
Can I use different sauces?
Absolutely! Try pesto, Alfredo, or spicy marinara for unique flavors.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Pizza Pie is the ultimate comfort food, combining the best elements of pizza and pie in one delicious dish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Print
Irresistible Cheesy Baked Pizza Pie
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Irresistible Cheesy Baked Pizza Pie – loaded with gooey cheese, savory sauce, and a golden, crispy crust. A perfect comfort food for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices (or any preferred topping)
- ½ cup cooked Italian sausage (optional)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a bowl.
- Add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Preheat & Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out ⅔ of the dough and press it into a greased deep-dish pie pan.
- Roll out the remaining dough for the top crust.
Assemble the Pizza Pie:
- Layer half the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on the bottom.
- Add pizza sauce, pepperoni, sausage, ricotta, and seasonings.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with the top crust, sealing the edges. Cut slits on top for steam release.
Bake & Serve:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Add mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
