The first time I smelled warm pizza bubbling from Grandma Mary’s kitchen, I was a little girl barely tall enough to reach the counter. She’d call my name and I’d come running, like dinner was the most important event of the day.
Slow cooker pizza is more than just a quick recipe it’s a bite of childhood wrapped in love. Stay with me, and we’ll make this together, step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pizza
- Deep dish crust with perfectly melted cheese
- Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends
- Kid-approved and adult-friendly
- Great for gatherings or cozy family dinners
- No oven required – your crock pot pizza does all the work
- Fills your home with nostalgic Italian warmth
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pizza
Required Ingredients:
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup onions, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Parchment paper for lining
Importance of These Ingredients:
Each ingredient plays a role in creating this slow cooker pizza casserole. The pizza dough gives us that perfect deep dish crust, while the cheese melts into gooey perfection. The Italian sausage adds hearty flavor, and the vegetables bring freshness—like Grandma’s signature touch you’ll never forget.
Preparation Instructions for Slow Cooker Pizza
Step 1: Prepare Your 6-Quart Slow Cooker
Line your 6-quart crockpot with parchment paper and lightly oil the sides.
💡 Hint: The parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough into an oiled slow cooker, pressing it up the sides to create a deep dish crust.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Spread pizza sauce evenly over pizza dough. Layer with cheese, pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage, and vegetables.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve this Chicago style pizza creation warm.
From Grandma Mary’s Kitchen
I used to always forget to oil the slow cooker. One time we made pizza that stuck to every inch of the pot! Grandma just laughed and said:
“Even kitchen mistakes can be sweet if made with love.”
Since then, she taught me to always prep my crockpot first and smile through the messes.
Substitutions for Slow Cooker Pizza
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough
- Dairy-Free: Try plant-based mozzarella cheese
- Low-Carb: Make a slow cooker pizza dip instead – skip the dough and layer ingredients
- Vegetarian: Replace Italian sausage with mushrooms or bell peppers
Variations on Slow Cooker Pizza
- Try slow cooker pizza pasta by adding cooked penne to the mix
- Make slow cooker pizza soup by adding broth and diced tomatoes
- Create slow cooker pizza burgers by forming the mixture into patties
- Add extra cheese for an indulgent slow cooker pepperoni pizza bake
Equipment for Slow Cooker Pizza
- 6-quart slow cooker (essential for proper cooking)
- Parchment paper
- Paper towel for cleanup
- Large spoon for layering
💡 Don’t have parchment paper? Grease your crockpot extra well, but parchment makes all the difference!
Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Pizza
- Fridge: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or back in the slow cooker on low for 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Grandma Mary’s Secret to Perfect Slow Cooker Pizza
Grandma used to say:
“If you’re feeling stressed, layer the toppings with your heart, not just your hands… food can feel it.”
And I still believe that today. This hearty, meaty pizza flavored casserole tastes best when made with love.
FAQ about Slow Cooker Pizza
Can I cook pizza in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Slow cook the pizza for 2-3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low for perfectly cooked results without an oven.
Can you cook a frozen pizza in a slow cooker? It’s not recommended. Fresh ingredients work best for this crock pot pizza recipe.
What’s the difference between a crockpot and a slow cooker? They’re essentially the same! Crock-Pot is just a popular brand name for slow cookers.
Why is my homemade pizza soggy in the middle? Make sure to pre-cook any watery vegetables and don’t overload with sauce. The parchment paper also helps absorb excess moisture.
Can you cook pizza low and slow? Yes! Slow cook the pizza for 2-4 hours on high, or 4-6 hours on low depending on your schedule.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a recipe to gather the family around on a busy weeknight when you do not have access to an oven, this slow cooker pizza casserole is the one. Slow cookers are good for a lot of things, and creating this comfort food masterpiece is definitely one of them!
And if you’d like more cozy slow cooker recipes to go with it, check out our Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta or try our Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna for another Italian-inspired meal 🍝.
Ready to upgrade your slow cooking game? Check out this highly-rated 8-Quart Programmable Crock-Pot for even bigger family meals!
Slow Cooker Pizza
Equipment
- 6-Quart Slow Cooker
- Parchment Paper
- Large Spoon
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough room temperature
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for greasing
Pizza Sauce & Cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Pizza Toppings
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup Italian sausage cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup bell peppers diced
- 1/4 cup onions diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Line your 6-quart slow cooker with parchment paper and lightly oil the sides with olive oil.
- Roll out the pizza dough into the oiled slow cooker, pressing it up the sides to create a deep dish crust.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the pizza dough base.
- Layer with half of the mozzarella cheese, then add pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage, bell peppers, and onions.
- Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.