There’s something magical about pulling a homemade pizza from the oven, especially when cheese starts oozing from the crust as you take that first slice. This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza brings the pizzeria experience right to your kitchen, with a golden, cheese-filled crust that will have everyone fighting for the edges.
Perfect for family pizza night or weekend entertaining, this recipe elevates the classic pepperoni pizza with that special stuffed crust that kids and adults alike go crazy for. The combination of gooey mozzarella hidden in the crust, tangy sauce, and crispy pepperoni creates the ultimate comfort food experience that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This
- The cheese-stuffed crust transforms an ordinary homemade pizza into something special and crave-worthy
- Ready in just 45 minutes, making it faster than delivery on busy weeknights
- Customizable with your favorite toppings while keeping that signature stuffed crust
- Uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store
- Perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen—they’ll love helping stuff the cheese!
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
- 6-8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices pepperoni
- Garlic powder for sprinkling
- Italian seasoning for flavor
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. Otherwise, lightly grease a pizza pan or large baking sheet.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to your prepared pan or pizza stone.
- Arrange the mozzarella string cheese sticks around the edge of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border from the edge. Fold the dough over the cheese sticks and press firmly to seal, creating the stuffed crust.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough, leaving the stuffed crust border uncovered. Use the back of a spoon to spread it smoothly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, covering the entire sauced area for even melting.
- Arrange pepperoni slices evenly across the pizza, spacing them so each slice gets a good amount.
- Brush the stuffed crust with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes cutting easier. Serve warm and enjoy that cheesy stuffed crust!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try using flavored string cheese like jalapeño or garlic herb
- Let refrigerated dough come to room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling for easier handling
- Add a sprinkle of cornmeal to your pizza pan for a crispy bottom crust
- Make a supreme version by adding bell peppers, onions, olives, and Italian sausage
- For a vegetarian option, replace pepperoni with mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions
- Brush the stuffed crust with garlic butter instead of olive oil for extra flavor
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stuffed crust pepperoni pizza with a simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pizza. For the full pizzeria experience, offer small bowls of crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling.
If you’re hosting a casual gathering, pair this pizza with some garlic knots or breadsticks and a selection of dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or extra marinara sauce.
Notes
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore the crispy crust
- The pizza is done when the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown
- Make sure to seal the cheese in the crust well to prevent leaking during baking
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Can I freeze this pizza?
You can freeze the baked pizza for up to 1 month. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
What if I don’t have string cheese?
You can cut mozzarella cheese into strips as a substitute for string cheese. Just make sure the strips are about the same thickness as string cheese.
Why is my crust leaking cheese?
Make sure to seal the edges of the dough very well around the cheese sticks. If needed, use a fork to crimp the edges for a more secure seal.
[recipe_card]
