There’s something magical about a deep dish pizza with its golden, buttery crust cradling layers of gooey cheese, savory toppings, and rich tomato sauce. This slow cooker version brings all that indulgence home with minimal effort—just 30 minutes of prep and 3 hours of hands-off cooking. The result? A crisp-edged, tender crust and melty, flavorful layers that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, from the creamy mozzarella to the tangy marinara and your favorite toppings. Perfect for busy days or cozy nights, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality pizza with the convenience of your slow cooker. It’s comfort food that feels special, satisfying, and utterly irresistible.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough (fresh, found in the prepared foods section. Whole Foods has a great version)
- 1 Tablespoon cornmeal
- ¾ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup pepperoni slices (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup sliced olives
- ¾ cup fresh sliced mushrooms
- ½ medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease the basin of the slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Shape the Dough: Press the pizza dough into the bottom and about 2 inches up the sides of the slow cooker.
- Layer the Cheese: Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
- Add the Sauce: Cover the cheese layer evenly with marinara sauce.
- Distribute the Toppings: Place the sliced pepperoni, sliced black olives, sliced mushrooms, and sliced bell peppers evenly over the sauce.
- Top with Parmesan: Cover the toppings with shredded parmesan cheese. Ensure to stretch the dough up the sides as needed to keep the filling within the dough.
- Cook: Place a dish towel over the slow cooker and cover it with the lid. Cook on high for 3 hours.
Creative Sauce and Topping Ideas
Want to mix things up? Try using pesto sauce instead of marinara for a fresh, herby twist. Feeling adventurous? Add crumbled Italian sausage or caramelized onions to your toppings. For a veggie-packed version, swap pepperoni with roasted zucchini or artichoke hearts. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Pizza Night
Slice this deep dish pizza into wedges and serve with a side of garlic breadsticks or a crisp Caesar salad. For a fun family-style meal, pair it with a bowl of minestrone soup. Don’t forget to sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot honey for an extra kick!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Want to cut down prep time? Use pre-sliced veggies or pre-shredded cheese from the store. If you’re short on time, refrigerated pizza dough works just as well as fresh. To make cleanup a breeze, line your slow cooker with parchment paper before adding the dough.
How to Store and Reheat Your Leftover Pizza
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a slice in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or use a skillet on low heat to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving—it can make the crust soggy!
Recipe Variations for Every Craving
For a meat-lover’s version, add cooked bacon, ham, or salami to the mix. If you’re going dairy-free, substitute the cheeses with vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast. Want a gluten-free option? Swap the dough with gluten-free pizza dough—just make sure it’s stretchy enough to cover the sides!
Slow Cooker Deep Dish Pizza
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough, fresh You can find this in the prepared foods section. Whole Foods has a great version
- 1 Tablespoon cornmeal
- 3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 3/4 cup fresh sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Grease the basin of the slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Press the pizza dough into the bottom and about 2 inches up the sides of the slow cooker.
- Spread shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough.
- Cover evenly with marinara.
- Distribute the sliced pepperoni, sliced black olives, sliced mushrooms, and sliced bell peppers evenly over the sauce.
- Cover the toppings with shredded parmesan cheese. Stretch the dough up the sides as needed to ensure that the filling stays within the dough.
- Place a dish towel over the slow cooker and cover it with the lid.
- Cook on high for 3 hours.