🍕 Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza – Cheesy Crust & Pepperoni Bliss

Get ready for a pizza that’s pure cheesy indulgence—mozzarella-stuffed crust, flavorful pepperoni, and a perfectly baked base. This isn’t your ordinary pizza—it’s comfort food upgraded. Dive in for expert chef advice, easy steps, tasty add-ons, safety tips, nutrition info, FAQs, plus more delicious inspiration!

Why This Recipe Belongs on Your Dinner Table

What makes this pizza truly stand out?

• Cheese lovers’ dream: Every bite begins with gooey mozzarella hidden in the crust.
• Classic & comforting: Pepperoni delivers that savory, crispy bite we all crave.
• DIY fun: Making stuffed crust at home is easier than you think—using string cheese as a shortcut keeps it foolproof.
• Custom‑friendly: Swap in your favorite toppings or season the crust for extra flavor.

Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any time comfort meets crave—it’s pizza night upgraded.

Wisdom from the Pros: Chef Commentary

Mario Batali on Homemade Pizza

“Make your own dough from high‑quality flour, allow full rise, and par‑bake the crust first. This ensures a crispy base that holds up beautifully under toppings.” :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Patty Scheibmeir’s Stuffed Crust Insight

“When designing stuffed crust, my goal was a crust so irresistible no one would toss it. Using string cheese baked into the edge was my simple, genius solution.” :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Home Bakers’ Bottom Line

On Reddit, someone shared:

“Use cheese sticks as the stuffing. Easier to get a clear crust with.”

Another chimed in:

“Flatten that edge firmly to tuck over the string cheese—no cheese oozes out!”

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Ingredients at a Glance

(Makes one ~12-inch pizza with stuffed crust)

• 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 6–8 mozzarella string cheese sticks (for crust)
• ½–¾ cup pizza sauce
• 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 20–25 slices pepperoni
• Optional: olive oil, cornmeal, herbs, garlic powder

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Prep dough: Roll or stretch dough into a ~12-inch circle, leaving room around the edge for folding.
2. Set the cheese: Layer string cheeses around the rim, inside the edge of dough.
3. Seal tightly: Fold dough edge over the stick cheese and pinch firmly—no gaps! :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
4. Bake base (optional): Par‑baking the crust for a few minutes helps firmness and avoids soggy base. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
5. Add toppings: Spread sauce (about ½ cup), then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and arrange pepperoni slices.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Place pizza on cornmeal‑dusted stone or pan. Bake 12–18 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
7. Finish & serve: Let rest 2–3 minutes, slice, and savor—especially that cheese-filled rim!

Food Safety & Smart Tweaks

• Make sure dough isn’t frozen—warm dough tucks easier and seals better.
• Preheat oven fully—high heat gives a crispy crust and melty cheese.
• If you par-bake, watch carefully to avoid dried-out dough.
• Use parchment or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
• Opt for whole-wheat or gluten-free dough as needed.

Nutrition Snapshot

More Pizza Inspiration From Our Kitchen

• Deep‑Dish Cheesy Delight – Chicago‑style pizza for bold flavor lovers.
• Pizza Dough Secrets – From easy homemade dough to par‑baking tips.
• Creative Pizza Toppings to Try – Think outside the pepperoni box.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of string cheese?
   Yes—but string cheese ensures neat, melted pockets in the crust. If using shredded, pile in narrow strips and seal well.
2. Can I make pizza ahead of time?
   Assemble up to crust stage, refrigerate, then bake fresh when ready.
3. What if cheese oozes out during baking?
   It means edge wasn’t sealed—pinch tighter next time, or add a dab of water to help stick.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes—flash-freeze slices, then store in freezer-safe wrap for up to a month. Reheat in oven for best texture.
5. How do I get a crisp crust at home?
   Use cornmeal, preheat a stone, and bake at 425 °F or higher.
6. Can I add extra veggies?
   Absolutely—pepper, onion, mushroom, or greens work. Just don’t overload.
7. How to make it less greasy?
   Use part-skim cheese, or blot pepperoni briefly before baking to reduce grease.
8. Can vegan cheese work?
   Yes—opt for vegan string sticks and plant-based pepperoni.\
9. What’s the best dough to use?
   A basic pizza dough (flour, yeast, olive oil, water, salt) works wonderfully. Let it rise well for stretchiness. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
10. Can I replicate Pizza Hut stuffed crust?
    This method is very similar—a ring of mozzarella sealed in dough, baked until golden and melty. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Creative Serving & Gifting Ideas

• For gatherings, slice into wedges and display pepperoni side up for flair.
• Pair with a crisp green salad to balance richness and freshness.
• Wrap leftover slices in parchment with a rubber band for easy grab-and-go snacks.

Closing Thoughts

Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza brings all the comfort and joy of classic pizza with an upgrade: cheese-filled crispy crust that keeps every bite decadently satisfying. Whether you’re family cooking, pizza nighting, or just plain craving—this is one recipe that’ll become a repeat favorite.

Elevate your pizza nights and let the cheese do the talking. 🧀🍕