Deep Dish Pizza is the kind of dish that brings people together, especially during the holiday season. This Christmas, instead of the usual turkey or ham, why not treat your family to something truly comforting and hearty? Imagine the warmth of gooey cheese, savory sausage, and a buttery, crispy crust—all piled high in a thick, satisfying deep dish that feels like a festive hug on a plate.
What makes this recipe even more special is the homemade touch. With each bite, you taste the freshness of the ingredients, from the zesty tomato sauce to the blend of cheeses that melt into perfection. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Serve it up with Stuffed Garlic Bread, Stuffed Mushrooms, and some crispy Breadsticks, and don’t forget a side of refreshing Tzatziki Sauce—your guests will be raving about the flavors long after the last slice is gone.
This deep-dish pizza is perfect for a cozy holiday gathering, and it’s become a trending dish for anyone wanting to elevate their Christmas menu. If you’ve been craving comfort food that feels festive, this is it.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Homemade goodness: I love making this pizza from scratch—it’s simple yet so rewarding. The crust and filling make it feel like a labor of love.
- Great for sharing: Deep-dish pizza is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights. It brings everyone to the table.
- Flexibility: You can add whatever toppings you like! Over time, I’ve swapped in veggies or different meats based on what I had on hand.
- Festive and fun: The best part? It’s the ultimate holiday dish, making everyone feel at home and happy.
- Hearty and satisfying: It’s perfect for a filling meal that’s just as comforting as it is delicious.
Deep Dish Pizza
Equipment
- 10-inch cast iron skillet or round baking dish
- Oven
- Baking sheet (for roasting veggies)
- Parchment paper (optional, if roasting veggies)
- Garlic clove
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Spoon for spreading sauce
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1/2 batch pizza dough or store-bought dough, see notes for gluten-free
- 3/4 – 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mixed veggies of choice such as cherry tomatoes, eggplant, onion, green pepper, mushroom
- Olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 – 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese or dairy-free mozzarella
- Italian seasonings dried basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper, etc. – optional
- Grated parmesan cheese optional
- Fresh basil optional
Instructions
- Prepare pizza dough (half batch) and sauce if using homemade.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Roast or broil veggies in olive oil for 4-6 minutes.
- Coat cast iron skillet with olive oil, rub garlic clove for seasoning.
- Press dough into pan, stretching up sides about 1-1.5 inches.
- Layer half of mozzarella cheese, veggies, and sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella, seasonings, and parmesan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze for 1 month.
Nutritional Figures:
| Calories | 300kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Sugar | 3g |
