You have to try my Crockpot Pizza recipe! It's a slow-cooked, crispy, deep-dish pizza that's absolutely amazing. What could be easier on busy days than crispy pizza in your slow cooker!
Also, try my incredible Slow-Cooker Pizza Casserole everyone loves! Crockpot Crack Chicken is also a fan favorite!
One thing my family can't get enough of is P-I-Z-Z-A.
We're always looking for new and different recipes that make life a little bit easier. This Crockpot Pizza makes dinner simple, for sure. It's a family favorite! Not to mention, buying takeout is expensive!
And you can't burn this one!
Slow-cooker Deep Dish Pizza (often called Chicago style pizza) is also an excellent recipe to make on game day since it's literally set and forget it. I love this recipe, these 3-Ingredient Crockpot Meatballs, and this Crockpot Casserole when having people over to watch the game.
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Can You Make Pizza in a Slow Cooker?
You may be asking yourself, "Can you cook the dough in your crockpot"? I was skeptical at first, but it totally works, and I've perfected it!
The crust comes out golden and crispy, just as it should. So yes, you totally can make Pizza in a crockpot! It also saves energy and keeps your house cool!
My family gives this recipe rave reviews. Especially my teenage boys! It's even good leftover for lunch the next day; however, that's probably unlikely!
Experiment with this easy, slow-cooker deep-dish pizza with any of your favorite pizza toppings! My family always chooses pepperoni, but the combinations are endless!
Ingredient Notes
You'll need dough, of course, but here are my favorite ingredients to top our slow cooker pizza recipe. But feel free to experiment with your favorite pizza flavors or add what you're craving.
- Dough: We usually purchase the pre-made dough at the store. You can also use Gluten-Free pizza dough if you prefer.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Something crumbly and savory is a good place to start. You can go spicy or mild.
- Marinara Sauce: You can use your favorite marinara or pizza sauce, or you can make your own homemade pizza sauce.
- Pepperoni slices: Sliced thin from the deli or packaged meat aisle. You could even use mini pepperoni slices.
- Cheese: An Italian blend is our go-to, but mozzarella cheese is also a good choice. Adding a bit of parmesan is delicious. If all you have is cheddar cheese, then use that!
- Green peppers: If you want to add a veggie, green bell peppers are great and add a bit of color. I always have red peppers on hand, so I use those.
Other topping ideas: Sliced olives, mushrooms, or chunks of ham.
Find the quantities below in the printable recipe card.
How to Make A Crock Pot Pizza
It all starts with the dough.
- Step 1: Roll the pizza dough out on the paper in an oval shape. Make sure to roll and stretch the dough 2 inches longer and 2 inches wider than your crockpot.
- Step 2: Spread marinara sauce (or jar of pizza sauce) over the bottom of the pizza crust inside the crockpot.
- Step 3: Then cover with cheese. Lift and stretch the sides of the dough so they extend past the cheese. Sprinkle the crumbled cooked meat mixture over the cheese, and then add the pepperoni (if using). NOTE: You need to Lift and stretch the sides of the crust again so they're above the edge of the toppings.
- Step 4: Slow-cook your delicious pizza for 2-3 hours on HIGH or 4-5 hours on the LOW setting. Watch it the first time you cook it to ensure the correct cooking time. Ideally, you would like to see a deep golden brown color on the crust.
When ready to serve, lift the pizza out of the crock by the edges of the parchment paper and sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Cut into four slices. And enjoy your homemade pizza night!
Tips & Tricks
- USE A 6-quart Crockpot - This crock pot pizza recipe works best in a 6-8 quart crockpot.
- LINE OR GREASE CROCK - This is a must; make sure you prep your crockpot with cooking spray or parchment paper so your pizza comes out easily.
- You can use a homemade pizza dough recipe or fresh or frozen pizza dough, your choice.
- For the crust, you must ensure it comes above your ingredients on all sides. That makes for a better-looking pizza and ease when you take it out of the slow cooker.
- To absorb moisture, place a paper towel over the crockpot before closing the lid. This will absorb moisture while the pizza is cooking, resulting in that crisp crust you're looking for.
- Cooking times vary between crockpots, so monitor the recipe the first time you make it to find the perfect time.
- This delicious slow cooker pizza is customizable to your preferences. If you want to include pepperoni, ham, Canadian bacon, green bell pepper, or other veggies, go for it!
- A whole wheat crust is a great way to make this pizza healthier. We do it all the time on busy weeknights!
Pro Tip
If using pepperoni, zap it in the microwave for 30- 45 seconds on a paper towel before adding it to the pizza. This eliminates too much pepperoni grease on your pizza.
How to Make a Crockpot Pizza Casserole
So, we have a top-rated recipe for Crockpot Pizza Casserole that is amazing any time of the year. We haven't met anyone who doesn't like it! It's so easy to put together, too, and it's great to take to potlucks when feeding a crowd.
Find the recipe for Crockpot Pizza Casserole here.
More Cheesy Slow Cooker Recipes!
Love this thick crust, Slow Cooker Deep Dish Pizza recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down.
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My recipe originally appeared on Real Housemoms.
Printable Recipe
Crock Pot Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- dough roller
- measuring spoons
- paper towel
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh pizza dough (or frozen pizza dough, thawed)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ pound Italian pork sausage (cooked)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded Italian blend cheese
- 8-12 slices pepperoni
- Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Scatter flour on a large piece of parchment paper, making sure to get a little on each side of the dough. Roll the pizza dough out on the paper in an oval shape. Make sure to roll and stretch the dough 2-inches longer and 2-inches wider than your crockpot. Use the edges of the paper to lower the crust into the crock.
- Cook the pork sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Add minced garlic during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spread sauce over the bottom of the pizza crust. Then cover with cheese. Lift and stretch the sides of the dough, so it extends past the cheese. Sprinkle the crumbled sausage over the cheese, and then add the pepperoni (if using). Lift and stretch the sides of the crust again so it is above the edge of the toppings.
- To absorb excess moisture, cover the crockpot with a long piece of paper towel. Place the lid over the paper towel and pull it tight.
- Slow cook the pizza for 2-3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low. When ready to serve, lift the pizza out of the crock by the edges of the parchment paper and sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese and parsley. Cut into 4 slices. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- USE A 6-8 QUART CROCK POT - This crock pot pizza recipe works best in a 6-8 quart crockpot.
- LINE OR GREASE CROCK - This is a must; make sure you prep your crockpot with cooking spray or parchment paper so your pizza comes out easily.
- You can use a homemade pizza dough recipe or fresh or frozen pizza dough, your choice.
- For the crust, you must ensure it comes above your ingredients on all sides.
Nutrition
Ok, pizza lovers, enjoy a homemade Crockpot Pizza tonight at your house!
This post was originally published on August 28, 2018. It was updated with enhanced information on June 4, 2023.
Frank J says
I think I'll try it. Only question is how did the cheese (if you follow directions) rise to cover the sausage (like the pix)?
Sha says
The easiest and it's so convenient! My new go-to dinner recipe for busy days!
Will T says
Just brilliant!! I never thought to make pizza in the crock pot. It was delicious!! And so helpful because I also made a roast chicken and it saved space in the oven.
Joie says
I made this pizza for movie night, and it was a hit! The fresh dough and Italian sausage paired perfectly with the marinara sauce and cheese. Even my picky eater loved it!
Erin Henry says
Easy and delish!
Beth says
This looks so delicious and making my mouth water! I can't wait to try this recipe!
Erin Henry says
So good, Beth! It's amazing what you can do with your crockpot!
Erin Henry says
Good choice! The kids ask for this recipe all the time.
Melissa says
Delicious - When I saw your recipe, I knew I had to make it!
Katie says
Made this for the family and it was a hit!
Erin Henry says
It's a family-friendly recipe for sure. Much cheaper than buying out.