Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza: A Cheesy, Savory Delight

If you love pizza and extra cheese, a Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is the ultimate treat. This homemade pizza features a crispy crust filled with gooey mozzarella string cheese, a tangy tomato sauce, and plenty of pepperoni topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any time you want to impress with an irresistible homemade pizza.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy stuffed crust: The surprise cheese-filled crust adds another layer of indulgence.
• Customizable toppings: Classic pepperoni pairs well with the rich mozzarella.
• Easy to make: Use store-bought dough or homemade for a personal touch.
• Perfect for sharing: Big, flavorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 6–8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• ½ cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 20–25 pepperoni slices (beef or turkey)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Stuffed Crust

• Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
• Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a roughly 12-inch circle.
• Place mozzarella string cheese sticks evenly around the outer edge of the dough, about 1 inch from the edge.
• Fold the dough edge over the cheese sticks and press firmly to seal, creating the stuffed crust.

Step 2: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni

• Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the stuffed crust edge clear.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
• Arrange pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese.

Step 3: Season and Prepare for Baking

• Brush the stuffed crust with olive oil or melted butter to promote browning.
• Sprinkle optional seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or grated Parmesan on the crust and pizza surface for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

• Transfer pizza to a pizza stone, baking sheet, or pizza pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

• Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.
• Serve hot and enjoy the gooey stuffed crust with classic pepperoni flavor.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Crust Pizza

• Use good-quality mozzarella string cheese for the best melt and stretch.
• Press the dough edges firmly to avoid cheese leaking during baking.
• Preheat your oven and pizza stone if using, for crispier crust.
• Customize toppings with your favorite vegetables or meats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and has superior texture.

Q2: How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to pinch and seal the dough edges tightly over the string cheese sticks.

Q3: Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pizza dough available at many stores.

Q4: What if I don’t have string cheese?

You can cut mozzarella blocks into sticks or use shredded mozzarella to stuff the crust, but string cheese works best for neat rolls.

Q5: Can I freeze leftover pizza?

Yes, store cooled slices in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

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Final Thoughts

Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is a fun, cheesy twist on a classic favorite. It’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike and perfect for making homemade pizza nights extra special. With gooey cheese hiding in the crust and savory pepperoni on top, it’s hard to resist!