Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza (Printable)

Cheese-stuffed crust and pepperoni make every bite flavorful, ideal for sharing at dinner or special occasions.

# Ingredient List:

→ Main

01 - 1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
02 - 6 to 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
03 - 1/2 cup pizza sauce
04 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
05 - 20 to 25 pepperoni slices, beef or turkey
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

→ Optional Seasonings

07 - Garlic powder
08 - Italian seasoning
09 - Grated Parmesan cheese

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. If using, place pizza stone in oven to heat. Lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet.
02 - Roll pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer dough to the prepared pan or stone.
03 - Arrange mozzarella string cheese sticks around the edge of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold dough over cheese sticks and press firmly to seal edges.
04 - Spread pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough, keeping the stuffed crust uncovered.
05 - Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Arrange pepperoni slices across the surface of the pizza.
06 - Brush the stuffed crust with olive oil or melted butter. For enhanced flavor, sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or grated Parmesan over the crust.
07 - Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and crust is golden brown.
08 - Remove from oven and allow pizza to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Golden cheese-filled crust elevates every slice
  • Customizable toppings and easier than you think to make
02 -
  • Stuffing the crust with cheese works best with string cheese sticks for even coverage
  • Homemade dough is great, but store-bought saves time without compromising flavor
03 -
  • For extra crisp crust, bake pizza directly on a heated stone
  • Brush crust with garlic butter before baking for more flavor
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