This Deep Dish Pizza is so cheesy it's probably a Crime
This DEEP DISH PIZZA is so cheesy it's probably a CRIME! is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $6.40 total, $1.07 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 6 tablespoons Ice Water (very cold)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, 80% moisture)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 Egg (large, lightly beaten (for crust egg wash))
- 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Prepare the Pie Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add cold butter cubes and pulse in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough just comes together.
Time: PT15M
Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Make the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth; season with black pepper.
Time: PT5M
Roll Out the Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12‑inch circle about ¼‑inch thick. Transfer to a parchment‑lined baking sheet.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Pie
Spread the cheese filling evenly over the crust, leaving a 1‑inch border. Fold the border over the filling to create a sealed edge, pinching to seal tightly.
Time: PT5M
Egg Wash and Final Touches
Brush the sealed edge with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top if desired.
Time: PT2M
Bake the Pie
Place the baking sheet in a pre‑heated oven and bake at 375°F until the crust is golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbling, about 30‑35 minutes.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Cut with a sharp knife and serve warm.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 18g
- Carbohydrates
- 32g
- Fat
- 24g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread Flour, Whole Wheat Flour
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Plant-based butter
- Instead of Ice Water: Cold Milk (will affect texture)
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Colby, Gouda
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese
- Instead of Egg: Milk (for glaze)
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White Pepper
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Food Processor (optional)
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Pastry Brush (optional)
- Sharp Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Keeping butter and water cold when making the crust.
- Sealing the crust edge tightly to trap the cheese filling.
- Baking until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of mozzarella for stretch and cheddar for sharp flavor.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese filling.
- Chill the assembled pie for 10 minutes before baking; this helps the crust hold its shape.
Troubleshooting
Crust cracks when sealing the edge.
Moisten the edge with a little water and press firmly; use a fork to crimp if needed.
Cheese filling leaks out during baking.
Ensure the edge is fully sealed and consider adding a second layer of dough over the border.
Crust is soggy after baking.
Blind‑bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling, or increase oven temperature to 400°F for the first 10 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and bake 10‑15 minutes.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to dairy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the pie up to step 6 and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
- The crust can be prepared a day ahead and kept wrapped in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cheese pies in American comfort food cuisine?
Cheese pies have long been a staple of American comfort food, especially in the Midwest where dairy is abundant. They evolved from simple farmer’s pies that combined readily available cheese with a basic pastry crust, becoming a nostalgic dish for family gatherings and potlucks.
What are the traditional regional variations of cheese pies in the United States?
In the Midwest, a classic cheese pie often uses cheddar and a flaky crust. In the Southwest, you’ll find a version with pepper jack and cornmeal crust. The Northeast sometimes adds ricotta and herbs for a lighter texture.
How is Cheese Overload Pie traditionally served in American home cooking?
It is usually served warm, sliced into wedges, and enjoyed as a main course or hearty side. Many families pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
What occasions or celebrations is Cheese Overload Pie traditionally associated with in American culture?
Cheese pies are popular at potlucks, family reunions, and game‑day gatherings because they can be made ahead and feed a crowd. They’re also a favorite comfort dish during colder months.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in a classic American cheese pie versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional recipes rely on all‑purpose flour, unsalted butter, cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Substitutes include using whole‑wheat flour for a nuttier crust, or swapping cheddar for gouda or provolone without drastically changing the flavor profile.
What other American dishes pair well with Cheese Overload Pie?
Pairs nicely with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted root vegetables, or a tangy tomato soup. For a full meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a simple herb‑roasted pork loin.
What makes Cheese Overload Pie special or unique in American comfort food cuisine?
Its towering crust and sealed edge trap a molten cheese “pulse” that bursts when cut, offering an indulgent, gooey experience that’s more dramatic than a typical cheese casserole.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cheese Overload Pie?
Common errors include over‑mixing the crust dough, which makes it tough, and failing to seal the edge tightly, which leads to cheese leakage. Also, baking at too low a temperature can result in a soggy crust.
Why does this Cheese Overload Pie recipe use an egg wash instead of milk for the crust glaze?
Egg wash provides a richer, glossy finish and helps the crust achieve a deep golden color, whereas milk would give a softer sheen but less pronounced browning.
Can I make Cheese Overload Pie ahead of time and how should I store it before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the pie up to the egg‑wash step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Keep it chilled to prevent the butter from melting and the crust from becoming soggy.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Cheese Overload Pie is done cooking?
The crust should be golden‑brown and firm to the touch, while the filling should be bubbling and slightly caramelized on the top. The sealed edge will be crisp, indicating the cheese is fully trapped inside.
What does the YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 specialize in?
The YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 focuses on playful, indulgent home‑cooking tutorials that blend classic comfort dishes with creative twists, often featuring bold cheese‑centric recipes and fun visual storytelling.
How does the YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 emphasizes exaggerated, over‑the‑top versions of familiar dishes—like this towering cheese pie—while keeping instructions accessible for home cooks, unlike many channels that stick to traditional, modest‑sized portions.
What other cheese‑focused recipes is the YouTube channel Little Remy Food 🐭🍝 known for?
The channel is popular for its “Cheese‑Stuffed Garlic Bread,” “Ultimate Mac & Cheese Bake,” and “Cheesy Bacon Bombs,” all of which showcase rich, melty cheese as the star ingredient.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
