🔥 Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza – The Ultimate Homemade Recipe!
There’s nothing quite like the cheesy, gooey goodness of stuffed crust pizza—especially when it’s homemade! This easy and fun recipe lets you create your very own pizza masterpiece with a golden, crispy crust and a hidden surprise of melty mozzarella cheese.
Perfect for a family dinner, game night, or weekend treat, this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza will become your go-to comfort food.
🛒 Ingredients Breakdown & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a key role in making the perfect homemade stuffed crust pizza!
For the Dough & Crust:
- Store-bought or homemade pizza dough – A good pizza starts with quality dough. Homemade gives the best flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch!
- Mozzarella cheese sticks or shredded cheese – The magic inside the crust! Use cheese sticks for even stuffing or shredded cheese for extra gooeyness.
For the Toppings:
- Pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade) – A rich, tangy tomato sauce is essential. Add garlic, oregano, or chili flakes for extra flavor!
- Pepperoni slices – The classic topping for a bold, meaty taste.
- Olive oil – Helps create a crispy, golden crust.
- Optional toppings: onions, bell peppers, mushrooms – Add fresh veggies for extra flavor and crunch!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) or follow the instructions on your pizza dough package.
🔹 Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a greased pizza pan or a pizza stone for an extra crispy crust.
🔹 Step 3: Create the Stuffed Crust
✔️ Place mozzarella sticks or shredded cheese around the edges of the dough.
✔️ Fold the dough over the cheese, pressing firmly to seal.
🔥 Pro Tip: Brush the folded crust with garlic butter or olive oil for extra flavor!
🔹 Step 4: Add the Sauce & Toppings
✔️ Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the dough.
✔️ Add pepperoni slices and any additional toppings.
✔️ Drizzle with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
🔹 Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
🔹 Step 6: Slice & Serve!
Let the pizza cool for 2 minutes, then slice and enjoy the cheesy stuffed crust magic!
📌 Pro Tips for the BEST Homemade Pizza
✅ Use Bread Flour for Crispy Dough – It creates a chewier, crispier crust than all-purpose flour.
✅ Let Dough Rest Before Stretching – Cold dough shrinks back when rolled, so let it rest for 10 minutes.
✅ Preheat Your Baking Surface – A pizza stone or steel gives a pizzeria-style crisp crust.
✅ Brush the Crust with Garlic Butter – Adds irresistible flavor!
✅ Don’t Overload Toppings – Too many toppings make the pizza soggy instead of crispy.
✅ Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigeration:
Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
🔥 Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes for a crispy finish.
🔥 Skillet: Reheat over medium heat with a lid for a fresh, crispy crust.
🔥 Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5 minutes.
🔥 Microwave (Least Recommended): Heat in 30-second intervals (crust may soften).
❓ 20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🟢 Dough & Crust Questions
1️⃣ Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! But homemade dough gives the best texture.
2️⃣ How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
3️⃣ What’s the best cheese for stuffing the crust?
Mozzarella sticks work best for even melting!
4️⃣ Can I use whole wheat dough?
Yes! Whole wheat dough adds a nutty flavor and is healthier.
5️⃣ How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Bake on a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet.
🔴 Baking & Cooking Questions
6️⃣ Can I cook pizza in a cast-iron skillet?
Yes! A cast-iron skillet creates an amazing crispy crust.
7️⃣ Can I make this on a grill?
Absolutely! Grill at medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
8️⃣ Can I air fry this pizza?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
9️⃣ Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
🔟 Why did my cheese leak out of the crust?
Make sure to seal the edges tightly when folding.
🌟 20 Pro Secrets for the BEST Stuffed Crust Pizza
1️⃣ Use warm water (110°F) when making homemade dough.
2️⃣ Let the dough rise for at least 2 hours.
3️⃣ Brush the crust with garlic butter before baking.
4️⃣ Use a pizza stone for an authentic crispy crust.
5️⃣ Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
6️⃣ Stretch dough by hand instead of rolling for a better texture.
7️⃣ Use mozzarella sticks instead of shredded cheese for stuffing.
8️⃣ Sprinkle cornmeal on the baking pan for a pizzeria-style crust.
9️⃣ Use high-moisture, freshly shredded cheese.
🔟 Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
