Deep Dish Pizza Nutrition: How much protein is in a deep dish pizza?

October 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Based on nutritional data from various pizzerias, the protein content of a single slice of deep dish pizza can range from 13 to over 29 grams, depending heavily on the ingredients. This wide range makes understanding precisely how much protein is in a deep dish pizza crucial for tracking your dietary intake and making more informed nutritional choices. We'll delve into the key factors that cause this significant variation.

Quick Summary

This article explores the diverse protein content found in deep dish pizza by analyzing the influence of crust, cheese, and toppings. It details what factors cause the nutritional value to vary and offers practical ways to boost protein in homemade versions while comparing deep dish to thin crust.

Key Points

Variable Protein Content: The protein in a slice of deep dish pizza can range from 13g to over 29g, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size.
Cheese is a Major Contributor: Given the high volume of cheese, especially in deep dish, it is one of the most significant sources of protein.
Toppings Matter: Adding meat toppings like chicken or sausage significantly increases protein, while choosing leaner options can manage fat intake.
Crust Influences Protein: The type of flour used (e.g., high-protein bread flour vs. all-purpose flour) determines the crust's protein content.
Portion Size is Key: A large slice will naturally contain more protein (and other macronutrients) than a medium or small slice.
DIY Offers Control: Making your own deep dish allows for intentional protein boosting, such as using Greek yogurt in the dough or higher-protein cheese blends.

The Core Components That Determine Pizza's Protein

At its heart, a deep dish pizza's protein is a sum of its parts. The crust, copious amounts of cheese, and any added toppings all contribute to the final protein count. Unlike thin-crust varieties, deep dish, particularly Chicago-style, features a thick, bread-like crust and a substantial layer of cheese, which significantly bumps up the protein content per slice. For instance, a single large slice of a deep dish cheese pizza from a commercial brand can contain around 21 grams of protein, while a medium slice might have 17 grams.

The Role of Flour and Crust

The protein in the dough itself plays a key role, directly impacting the final texture and protein density. Pizza dough is made from flour, and the protein content of the flour determines the strength and elasticity of the gluten network. For deep dish pizza, which is known for its hearty, robust crust, higher-protein flours are often used.

High-Protein Flour: Bread flour, with 12-14% protein, creates a chewy, resilient crust. In comparison, all-purpose flour has less protein (9-11%) and produces a softer crust.
Alternative Flours: Opting for flours like whole wheat or adding ingredients like vital wheat gluten can further increase the crust's protein.

The Impact of Cheese and Toppings

The most significant protein source in any deep dish pizza is typically the cheese. Given the generous portions used in deep dish, this component is a major contributor to the overall protein count. Toppings, especially meat, also play a huge role.

High-Protein Topping Options

To maximize the protein in your deep dish, consider loading up with these ingredients:

Cheese: Parmesan contains one of the highest protein contents at 36g per 100g, followed by mozzarella and cheddar at around 24-28g per 100g.
Meats: Lean meats like grilled chicken breast (27g per 100g) or ham (21g per 100g) offer a significant protein boost without excessive fat.
Plant-Based: Black beans (10.1g per 100g), spinach (2.9g per 100g), mushrooms, and added nutritional yeast can increase protein for vegetarian options.
Sausage and Pepperoni: These classic, processed meat toppings also add considerable protein but often come with higher saturated fat and sodium levels.

Deep Dish vs. Thin Crust: A Nutritional Comparison

Deep dish pizza's thicker crust and generous layers of toppings and cheese make its nutritional profile distinctly different from its thin-crust counterparts. A thin crust pizza has fewer carbs, fat, and calories per slice, but that also means less protein per serving.


Nutritional Aspect	Deep Dish Pizza (per slice)	Thin Crust Pizza (per slice)
Protein	13g to 29g+ (Highly variable based on toppings)	~5g to 10g (Lower, but also variable)
Calories	300 to 600+	100 to 250+
Carbohydrates	30g to 50g+	20g to 30g+
Fat	18g to 29g+	8g to 16g+
Key Differences	Higher protein, fat, and carbs due to thicker crust and more cheese/toppings.	Lower overall macronutrients, with a higher ratio of carbohydrates relative to toppings.

Making Your Deep Dish a Protein Powerhouse

If you're making your own deep dish pizza at home, you have total control over the protein content. Beyond simply adding more meat or cheese, there are some clever ways to boost its nutritional value.

Yogurt-Enhanced Dough: Some recipes use nonfat Greek yogurt in the dough to increase protein without significantly altering the texture, as seen in some high-protein pizza recipes.
Cheese Blends: Using a mix of cheeses can increase protein density. Combining mozzarella with a higher-protein cheese like parmesan can yield more protein per bite.
Strategic Toppings: Place higher-protein items, such as lean meats or eggs, strategically to ensure every bite includes a good source of protein.

Conclusion

So, how much protein is in a deep dish pizza? The answer isn't a single number but a spectrum, ranging widely based on ingredients, crust, and portion size. While a single slice can contain a substantial amount of protein, it’s important to remember that it also packs high levels of fat and carbohydrates. By choosing lean protein toppings, controlling cheese quantities, and being mindful of portion sizes, you can enjoy this hearty meal while still adhering to your dietary goals. For those looking to increase protein intake, a deep dish with lean meats or added Greek yogurt in the dough can be a surprisingly effective option. Informed choices make it possible to indulge in a deep dish pizza without derailing your diet.

For more detailed nutritional information on various foods, including pizza, consult reliable databases and resources, like those provided by Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary sources of protein in a deep dish pizza are the generous quantities of cheese and any meat toppings like sausage or chicken.

Yes, a deep dish pizza typically contains more protein per slice than a thin crust pizza because of its thicker crust and greater volume of cheese and toppings.

You can increase the protein in a homemade deep dish by using high-protein flour for the crust, adding lean protein toppings like grilled chicken, incorporating nonfat Greek yogurt into the dough, and using a blend of high-protein cheeses like parmesan and mozzarella.

Yes, different types of cheese have varying protein densities. Parmesan offers a very high protein content per gram, while mozzarella is also a solid source. Using a mix can help boost the overall protein.

Based on multiple sources, a medium or standard slice of a plain deep dish cheese pizza contains between 13 and 17 grams of protein. However, this can change based on the recipe and size of the slice.

Yes, vegetarian deep dish pizzas can still be high in protein, mainly from the cheese. Adding high-protein vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or beans can further increase the content.

Yes, the deep dish crust contributes a significant amount of protein due to its thickness and the use of higher-protein flours like bread flour. Its sturdy structure can add a notable amount to the overall protein count.