Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

๐’๐ญ๐ฎ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ž๐ ๐‚๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ž๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ข ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐š ๐Ÿ•๐Ÿง€๐Ÿ”ฅ

Golden buttery crust stuffed with stretchy mozzarella string cheese, loaded with rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and savory pepperoniโ€”this 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.

๐‡๐Ž๐– ๐ƒ๐Ž ๐˜๐Ž๐” ๐…๐„๐€๐“ ๐€ ๐’๐“๐”๐…๐…๐„๐ƒ ๐‚๐‘๐”๐’๐“ ๐๐ˆ๐™๐™๐€ ๐€๐“ ๐‡๐Ž๐Œ๐„?

Because who doesnโ€™t 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.

โœจ ๐–๐ก๐ฒ ๐˜๐จ๐ฎโ€™๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐‹๐จ๐ฏ๐ž ๐“๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐š

Itโ€™s 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. Itโ€™s a total crowd-pleaser for game day, family dinner, or movie night.

๐Ÿงพ Ingredients

  • 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

  • 6โ€“8 mozzarella string cheese sticks ๐Ÿง€

  • 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade) ๐Ÿ…

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ๐Ÿง€

  • 20โ€“30 slices pepperoni ๐Ÿ•

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter ๐Ÿงˆ

  • Optional: dried oregano, red pepper flakes for garnish

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ 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 12โ€“15 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 3โ€“5 minutes before slicing.

๐Ÿงก Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Use room-temperature dough for easier shaping.

  • Seal the crust edges tightly to prevent cheese leaks.

  • Try different cheeses like provolone or fontina inside the crust.

  • Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra toppings.

๐Ÿฅถ 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.

๐Ÿง  Nutrition Breakdown (Per Slice โ€“ 8 slices)

  • Calories: ~350

  • Protein: 18g

  • Carbs: 30g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 4g

๐Ÿ”„ Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use pre-made flatbread or naan for a quick crust alternative.

  • Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, or veggies.

  • Use lactose-free or vegan cheese for dietary needs.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ What to Serve With

  • Caesar or garden salad ๐Ÿฅ—

  • Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks ๐Ÿง„๐Ÿง€

  • Spicy marinara or ranch dipping sauce ๐Ÿฅฃ

  • Sparkling water or soda ๐Ÿน

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Why Everyone Loves It

  • Fun to eat with cheesy crust surprise

  • Perfect homemade pizza that looks professional

  • Great for family or entertaining friends

  • Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with classic toppings

๐Ÿ”„ Variations to Try

  • Stuff crust with garlic butter and herbs

  • Make a half-and-half pizza with different toppings on each side

  • Add jalapeรฑos or pineapple for flavor twists

  • Make mini stuffed crust pizzas for kids

โค๏ธ Reader Rave

โ€œThis stuffed crust pizza recipe is a game changer! The cheese in the crust makes every slice so addictive. Itโ€™s our new favorite homemade pizza.โ€ โ€“ ๐Ÿ’ฌSamantha P.

๐Ÿง  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.

๐Ÿ“ฆ Meal Prep & Serving Tips

  • Prepare dough and toppings in advance for quick assembly

  • Use a pizza stone or cast iron skillet for best crust

  • Let pizza rest a few minutes before slicing to avoid cheese oozing

๐Ÿ’ฌ Share Your Version!

Made your own cheesy stuffed crust? Tag #ZacRecipes and #StuffedCrustPizza to show off your cheesy masterpiece!

๐Ÿ”— Related Recipes Youโ€™ll Love

๐Ÿ“ Conclusion

Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza takes your favorite comfort food to the next level with gooey cheese surprises in every slice. Itโ€™s 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!

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