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Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

by Victoria

Hey, Kitchies! 🍕 Ever had one of those days where you just want to wrap yourself in a warm, melty cheese hug? Well, this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza does just that—but for your taste buds! This recipe takes the classic homemade pizza experience and kicks it up a notch with a golden, crispy crust overflowing with mozzarella cheese. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole family gather around the table without even having to call them twice!

Pizza nights in my house are sacred traditions, and when I first made a stuffed crust version, it instantly became a family favorite. There’s something magical about biting into that extra-cheesy edge, where the dough is perfectly soft yet crisp, and the melty cheese just oozes out. Add in a layer of savory pepperoni, a rich homemade tomato sauce, and bubbly mozzarella, and you’ve got a pizzeria-level pie coming right out of your own oven.

And guess what? You don’t need a pizza stone, fancy equipment, or takeout menus to enjoy this masterpiece. Just a few pantry staples, a little bit of kneading (or store-bought dough, we won’t judge!), and you’ll be feasting in no time. Let’s make the best stuffed crust pepperoni pizza you’ve ever had!

The Secret Behind This Mouthwatering Stuffed Crust Pizza

Pizza lovers, this one’s for you! This recipe keeps things simple but doesn’t skimp on the gooey factor. We’re talking stretchy mozzarella stuffed right into the crust, a perfect balance of savory tomato sauce and crispy pepperoni, and a dough that bakes up with just the right chewiness.

The key here? String cheese! Yep, those same mozzarella sticks kids love make the perfect stuffing for the crust. And if you like a little extra crisp, a light garlic butter glaze over the edges before baking adds a whole new level of flavor.


Why This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza?

  • Cheese Lover’s Dream: The crust is loaded with melty mozzarella, making every bite extra indulgent.
  • Restaurant Quality at Home: Forget takeout—this homemade pizza is crispy, cheesy, and better than delivery.
  • Super Customizable: Switch up the toppings, use a different cheese, or add some spice—make it your own!

Cuisine: Italian-American

Tips for the Best Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

  • Seal the Crust Well: Press down on the dough edges firmly so the cheese doesn’t leak out while baking.
  • Use High Heat: Baking at 475°F helps get that crispy-bottomed crust while keeping the inside fluffy.
  • Try Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a unique twist.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey over the top for some heat.
  • Veggie Delight: Load up with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or black olives.
  • Meat Lovers: Mix in Italian sausage, bacon crumbles, or ham for extra protein.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough.

Make a Healthier Version

  • Use Whole Wheat Dough: Swap half or all of the flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
  • Lower the Cheese: Reduce the cheese amount slightly or use a low-fat version.
  • Use Turkey Pepperoni: It has less fat than traditional pepperoni but still packs in the flavor.

And there you have it!

A stuffed crust pizza so good, your family will request it every week. The best part? You made it from scratch—no takeout required! Try it once, and you’ll never look at pizza crust the same way again.

Love this recipe? Don’t forget to check out more of our homemade pizza creations!


Categories: Dinner, Italian, Comfort Food, Kid-Friendly

Tags: pizza, homemade, stuffed crust, pepperoni, easy recipes, cheesy goodness


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.

2. What’s the best way to reheat this pizza?

For best results, reheat in a skillet or oven rather than a microwave to keep the crust crispy.

3. Can I use pre-made pizza dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough works fine if you’re short on time.

4. How do I make a crispy crust?

Use a pizza stone or preheat your baking sheet before placing the pizza on it.

5. What can I use instead of string cheese?

Try blocks of mozzarella cut into strips or even cheese slices folded over!

6. Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Yes! Make a smaller version and air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.

7. What’s the secret to a pizzeria-style crust?

super hot oven (475°F) and a quick bake time make all the difference.

8. Can I freeze leftover pizza?

Yep! Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

9. How do I stop the cheese from leaking out of the crust?

Make sure to tightly seal the edges of the dough over the cheese.

10. Can I use whole wheat or keto dough?

Yes! Whole wheat works great, and for keto, use an almond flour-based dough.


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Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza


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  • Author: Victoria

Description

This recipe takes the classic homemade pizza experience and kicks it up a notch with a golden, crispy crust overflowing with mozzarella cheese. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole family gather around the table without even having to call them twice!


Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ¾ cup warm water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt

Stuffed Crust & Toppings:

  • 68 mozzarella string cheese sticks
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup pizza sauce
  • 2025 slices of pepperoni
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Making this pizza is an experience—one filled with cheesy surprises and crispy perfection!

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in the flour, olive oil, and salt, then knead until smooth. Let it rise for an hour.
  2. Shape and Stuff the Crust: Roll out your dough on a floured surface, making it slightly larger than your pizza pan. Lay string cheese sticks around the edge, then fold the dough over them, sealing it tightly.
  3. Assemble the Pizza: Spread pizza sauce over the dough’s center, sprinkle shredded mozzarella, and arrange pepperoni slices evenly.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Brush the crust with melted butter and garlic powder. Bake in a preheated 475°F oven for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  5. Slice and Enjoy: Let it cool for a couple of minutes before cutting in—it’s worth the wait!

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