(Mozzarella-Stuffed Crust, Crispy + Gooey Perfection)
If you’re a pizza lover, there’s no way you’re not going to fall for this stuffed crust pizza. It’s everything you love about pizza — with the added bonus of a cheesy crust you can pull and dip. No more boring crust. This stuffed crust pepperoni pizza is here to change your pizza game forever!
Recipe Overview
- Category: Main Dish / Comfort Food
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2-4 (depending on pizza size)
- Calories (Per Slice): ~350-400 (depends on toppings)
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Crust:
- 6–8 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut to size for the crust)
- 1 pizza dough ball (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing crust)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional, but adds a lovely herby note)
For the Pizza Topping:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or more, depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup red onion (optional, thinly sliced)
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature (usually 30 minutes). If you’re using homemade dough, follow your recipe’s instructions for rising and preparation.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a pizza pan or baking sheet by lightly greasing it with oil.
2. Assemble the Stuffed Crust
- Roll the pizza dough out to a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
- Lay the mozzarella string cheese sticks around the edge of the dough, leaving a small space between each piece.
- Fold the edge of the dough over the cheese sticks and pinch the dough together to seal in the cheese. The dough should completely cover the cheese, creating a stuffed crust.
- Gently press the dough to ensure it sticks.
3. Add Pizza Sauce & Toppings
- Brush the stuffed crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the center of the dough, leaving the stuffed crust edges untouched.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Optionally, add red onions or other vegetables for a more personalized pizza.
4. Bake the Pizza
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden, the cheese is bubbly, and the pepperoni is crispy.
- Check the stuffed crust by gently lifting it to see if the cheese has melted and the crust has fully cooked.
5. Finish & Serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil (if desired), slice, and enjoy your cheesy stuffed crust pizza!
Tips & Tricks
- Use a pizza stone if you have one for an extra crispy crust.
- For extra gooeyness, use whole milk mozzarella and refrigerate the dough before assembling.
- Don’t overfill the crust with cheese — you want it melty, but not overflowing.
- Add extra toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a more complex flavor.
Customization & Variations
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Add bell peppers, onions, mushrooms |
| BBQ Chicken | Swap pepperoni for BBQ chicken strips |
| Spicy | Add jalapeños or hot sauce |
| Cheesy Extra | Add ricotta or Parmesan under the mozzarella for extra cheesiness |
| Meat Lovers | Add sausage, bacon, or ham along with pepperoni |
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a hot oven or on a skillet for best results to keep the crust crispy.
- Freezing: Freeze the pizza (without toppings) for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Caption Ideas for Instagram/Facebook
Hook Ideas:
- “Cheese lovers, this one’s for you… and your crust.”
- “Who needs dipping sauce when your crust is stuffed with cheese?”
- “The stuffed crust revolution is here, and it’s pepperoni-covered.”
Caption Variants:
- Indulgent & Bold:
“Pizza that hugs you back. Cheese-filled crust, melty mozzarella, and pepperoni — because regular pizza just won’t do.” - Family-friendly:
“Stuffed crust + pepperoni = family favorite. I’ll leave the rest to you… we all know who’s getting the last slice.” - Craving Hook:
“If you’re not eating pizza with stuffed crust, what are you doing with your life?” - Recipe Tease:
“Why settle for ordinary pizza when you can have cheese-filled crust pizza? This one’s a showstopper.” - Pizza Night Ready:
“Giant stuffed crust pizza, fresh out of the oven, no need for delivery tonight. Are you team crust or toppings?”
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought dough is a great shortcut, but homemade dough can be more flavorful and customizable.
Q: Can I make this pizza in advance?
You can prepare the pizza and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Q: How do I make this pizza gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pizza dough or a cauliflower crust base.
Q: What if I don’t want stuffed crust?
You can skip the cheese in the crust and just make a regular pizza with the same toppings!
Serving Ideas
- Side Salad: Pair with a green salad for a balanced meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Try garlic butter, ranch, or hot sauce for extra dipping pleasure.
- Side Dish: Roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini balance out the meal.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed crust pizza is no longer something you can only enjoy from a pizza chain. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy gooey, cheesy crust at home, with all the flavor you crave. It’s the perfect indulgence for a family pizza night, a party, or just satisfying that cheesy craving.