Name: Veggie-Loaded Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American cuisine
Ingredients: 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 2 pcs bell peppers (any color, sliced); 1 pcs onion (medium, chopped); 225 g mushrooms (cremini or white, sliced); 5 oz spinach (fresh); 1 pcs crushed tomatoes (28 oz can); 450 g mozzarella cheese (shredded, low-moisture whole milk); 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated); 2 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 1 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp dried basil; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 2 tbsp olive oil

A golden-brown Chicago deep-dish pizza overflows with vibrant red sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and generous toppings of green bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, creating a hearty and inviting centerpiece.

This vegetarian take on the classic Chicago deep dish pizza is truly a showstopper, piled high with a vibrant medley of fresh, garden-fresh vegetables and savory cheeses. Its iconic thick, buttery crust forms a perfect vessel, cradling a generous and flavorful filling of sautéed bell peppers, sweet onions, earthy mushrooms, and tender spinach. A robust, seasoned tomato sauce expertly binds all these delicious elements together, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Topped with a decadent layer of melted mozzarella cheese and a generous sprinkle of sharp Parmesan, this pizza achieves that signature gooey, satisfying center that deep dish lovers crave. Baking transforms these ingredients, resulting in beautifully softened vegetables and a golden, flaky crust, offering a hearty and wholesome alternative that delivers the full Chicago deep dish experience. It's an ideal choice for a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive centerpiece for any gathering, proving that deep dish can be both fresh and incredibly fulfilling.

Preparation time: 35 min
Cooking time: 40 min
Total time: 1 hr 15 min
Servings: 8

Instructions

Preparation

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch deep dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet.
2In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet, continuing to cook until the mushrooms release their liquid and brown slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time, cooking until it wilts.
4In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Assembly

1Press the pizza dough evenly into the prepared deep dish pan, extending it up the sides to form a high crust. Make sure the dough is thin but covers the entire pan.
2Layer half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bottom of the dough.
3Evenly spread the sautéed vegetable mixture over the mozzarella layer.
4Pour the seasoned crushed tomato sauce over the vegetables, gently spreading it to the edges.
5Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.

Baking

1Place the deep dish pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
2Remove from the oven and let the pizza cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the internal ingredients to set, preventing a messy slice.

Instructions

Preparation

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch deep dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet.
2In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet, continuing to cook until the mushrooms release their liquid and brown slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time, cooking until it wilts.
4In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Assembly

1Press the pizza dough evenly into the prepared deep dish pan, extending it up the sides to form a high crust. Make sure the dough is thin but covers the entire pan.
2Layer half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bottom of the dough.
3Evenly spread the sautéed vegetable mixture over the mozzarella layer.
4Pour the seasoned crushed tomato sauce over the vegetables, gently spreading it to the edges.
5Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.

Baking

1Place the deep dish pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
2Remove from the oven and let the pizza cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the internal ingredients to set, preventing a messy slice.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 20 g
Fat: 25 g
Carbs: 38 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	20 g
Fat	25 g
Carbs	38 g

Tips

Ensure your pizza dough is at room temperature before rolling or pressing. It will be much easier to work with and less likely to snap back.
For an extra crispy crust, you can par-bake the dough for about 5-7 minutes before adding the fillings. This helps prevent a soggy bottom.