Ready to get cooking? Here’s how you can bring this pizza pie to life in your own kitchen:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. This temperature ensures a crispy crust and gooey, melted cheese.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy—this is the yeast waking up and getting ready to work its magic.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture and olive oil to form a soft dough.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Here’s a tip from my dad: if the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as you go along.
5. Press the dough into a greased 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan, ensuring it goes up the sides to form a crust.
6. Layer the mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. This helps to keep the crust from getting soggy under the sauce.
7. Spread the marinara sauce over the cheese, and then add your toppings—whether it’s pepperoni, veggies, or a little of both.
8. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and oregano on top, then bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
9. Let the pizza pie cool for a few minutes before slicing. Trust me, I know the temptation to dig in right away, but a little patience here goes a long way!