๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ข ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ ๐๐ง๐ฅ
Golden buttery crust stuffed with stretchy mozzarella string cheese, loaded with rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and savory pepperoniโthis homemade stuffed crust pizza delivers the ultimate cheesy pull and flavor explosion every bite.
Perfect for pizza night upgrades or impressing friends and family with your homemade skills.
๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐?
Because who doesnโt want ooey-gooey cheese melting out from the crust, turning every slice into a stretchy, savory delight? This recipe shows you exactly how to turn ordinary pizza dough into a cheesy masterpiece.
โจ ๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฎโ๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐
Itโs fun to make, visually impressive, and the flavor is unbeatable. The stuffed crust adds an indulgent surprise while the pepperoni and melty cheese combo delivers classic pizza flavor everyone loves. Itโs a total crowd-pleaser for game day, family dinner, or movie night.
๐งพ Ingredients
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1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
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6โ8 mozzarella string cheese sticks ๐ง
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1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade) ๐
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ๐ง
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20โ30 slices pepperoni ๐
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2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter ๐ง
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Optional: dried oregano, red pepper flakes for garnish
๐ฉโ๐ณ How to Make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 475ยฐF (245ยฐC). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
2. Prepare the Dough and Stuff the Crust
Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Arrange the mozzarella string cheese sticks evenly around the edge, about 1 inch from the outer edge. Fold the dough over the cheese sticks and press to seal, rolling the edge slightly to enclose the cheese fully and form the stuffed crust.
3. Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, stopping just before the stuffed crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, then layer pepperoni slices on top.
4. Bake the Pizza
Transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12โ15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Finish with Butter and Serve
Brush the crust with olive oil or melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven for a shiny, flavorful finish. Sprinkle with optional oregano or red pepper flakes if desired. Let cool for 3โ5 minutes before slicing.
๐งก Pro Tips & Tricks
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Use room-temperature dough for easier shaping.
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Seal the crust edges tightly to prevent cheese leaks.
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Try different cheeses like provolone or fontina inside the crust.
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Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra toppings.
๐ฅถ Storage Tips
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for best crust crispness.
๐ง Nutrition Breakdown (Per Slice โ 8 slices)
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Calories: ~350
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Protein: 18g
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Carbs: 30g
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Fat: 18g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 4g
๐ Ingredient Substitutions
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Use pre-made flatbread or naan for a quick crust alternative.
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Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, or veggies.
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Use lactose-free or vegan cheese for dietary needs.
๐ฝ๏ธ What to Serve With
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Caesar or garden salad ๐ฅ
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Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks ๐ง๐ง
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Spicy marinara or ranch dipping sauce ๐ฅฃ
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Sparkling water or soda ๐น
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Why Everyone Loves It
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Fun to eat with cheesy crust surprise
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Perfect homemade pizza that looks professional
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Great for family or entertaining friends
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Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with classic toppings
๐ Variations to Try
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Stuff crust with garlic butter and herbs
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Make a half-and-half pizza with different toppings on each side
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Add jalapeรฑos or pineapple for flavor twists
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Make mini stuffed crust pizzas for kids
โค๏ธ Reader Rave
โThis stuffed crust pizza recipe is a game changer! The cheese in the crust makes every slice so addictive. Itโs our new favorite homemade pizza.โ โ ๐ฌSamantha P.
๐ง FAQs
Q: Can I freeze leftover pizza?
A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or toaster oven.
Q: Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of string cheese for the crust?
A: String cheese works best to create the stuffed crust shape and texture.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free pizza dough.
๐ฆ Meal Prep & Serving Tips
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Prepare dough and toppings in advance for quick assembly
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Use a pizza stone or cast iron skillet for best crust
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Let pizza rest a few minutes before slicing to avoid cheese oozing
๐ฌ Share Your Version!
Made your own cheesy stuffed crust? Tag #ZacRecipes and #StuffedCrustPizza to show off your cheesy masterpiece!
๐ Related Recipes Youโll Love
๐ Conclusion
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza takes your favorite comfort food to the next level with gooey cheese surprises in every slice. Itโs fun, indulgent, and easier to make than you think. Perfect for pizza nights where everyone wants something special and cheesy. Bring the pizzeria home with this simple, crave-worthy recipe!