Pin It This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is the ultimate homemade treat! A golden, cheese-filled crust paired with rich pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and perfectly seasoned pepperoni makes every bite a delightful experience. Whether for family nights or gatherings, this pizza is a surefire hit thats better than takeout!
I first made this pizza for a weekend movie night and my family was amazed! The gooey, stuffed crust was the biggest hit. Ever since, homemade pizza night has become our favorite tradition.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: 1 lb, store-bought or homemade
- Mozzarella string cheese sticks: 6–8
- Pizza sauce: 1/2 cup
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 2 cups
- Pepperoni slices: 20–25 (beef or turkey)
- Olive oil or melted butter: 2 tbsp
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Prepare oven and pan:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat. Grease a pizza pan or baking sheet lightly if not using a stone.
- Shape the dough:
- Roll pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to your prepared pan or stone.
- Create stuffed crust:
- Arrange mozzarella string cheese sticks around the edge, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold dough over cheese and press to seal the stuffed crust.
- Add toppings:
- Spread pizza sauce over the center, leaving crust uncovered. Sprinkle shredded cheese and add pepperoni slices evenly.
- Season and bake:
- Brush the stuffed crust with olive oil or melted butter. Add optional seasonings. Bake 15-20 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove pizza and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pin It Every time I serve this pizza, my kids ask for more cheese in the crust! It brings us together for laughter and fun at the dinner table.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best quality, freeze individual slices and reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
Flavor Variations
Add veggies like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms to customize your pizza. You can also swap pepperoni for sausage or keep it classic with just cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pepperoni pizza with a simple salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Pin It Stuffed crust pizza makes any night feel special. Try it once and you'll never go back to plain crust!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you keep the stuffed crust from leaking cheese?
Press the dough firmly around the cheese sticks and seal the edges to prevent cheese from escaping while baking.
- → Can I use a different cheese for the crust?
Mozzarella is popular for its melt factor, but cheddar or provolone also work for a flavorful variation.
- → What are good toppings besides pepperoni?
Try mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, onions, or cooked sausage to customize the topping combination.
- → Is store-bought dough suitable for stuffed crust?
Yes, store-bought dough saves time and delivers a soft, chewy base. Homemade dough offers more flavor and control.
- → How do you reheat leftovers without drying out the crust?
Warm slices in the oven or toaster oven at 375°F for five minutes to preserve moisture and crispness.
- → How can I make the crust crispier?
Use a preheated pizza stone and bake directly on it, or brush the edges with oil before baking for extra crispness.