Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it transforms a regular pizza into something extra indulgent with just a simple crust upgrade. The stuffed edge oozes melted cheese in every bite, and the seasoned crust adds that final savory punch. It’s perfect for pizza night and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for stuffing)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 20–25 slices pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Flour (for dusting)
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and line a pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper.
- I roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
- I lay mozzarella sticks or strips of string cheese around the outer edge of the dough.
- I fold the edges of the dough over the cheese and pinch to seal, forming the stuffed crust.
- I spread the pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough.
- I sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then top with the pepperoni slices.
- I brush the crust lightly with olive oil and sprinkle it with garlic powder and oregano.
- I bake the pizza for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- I let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 slices. Prep time is about 15 minutes, baking time is 15 minutes, and total time is approximately 30 minutes. Each slice contains approximately 350 kcal.
Variations
Sometimes I add sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra toppings. I also enjoy switching out pepperoni for sausage or a mix of Italian meats. For a spicier kick, I drizzle hot honey or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
storage/reheating
I store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place slices in a skillet over low heat or bake in the oven at 375°F until heated through and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, I often use store-bought pizza dough for convenience. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling.
What cheese works best for the crust?
I usually use string cheese or mozzarella sticks for easy stuffing, but shredded mozzarella pressed tightly can work too.
Can I make it ahead of time?
I prepare the dough and stuff the crust earlier in the day, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
How do I keep the crust from unsealing?
I press the edges firmly and moisten them slightly with water if needed to ensure a tight seal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, I freeze individual slices wrapped in foil or plastic wrap. I reheat them straight from the freezer in the oven.
Conclusion
This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is everything I crave in homemade comfort food—cheesy, savory, and packed with bold flavor. It’s a fun twist on a classic and always hits the spot, whether it’s a family dinner or casual get-together.
Print
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This stuffed crust pepperoni pizza features a cheesy-filled crust, zesty sauce, and melty mozzarella topped with crisp pepperoni. The ultimate homemade pizza night favorite!
Ingredients
1 pound pizza dough
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for stuffing)
½ cup pizza sauce
20–25 slices pepperoni
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Flour (for dusting)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Line pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment.
Roll dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
Place mozzarella sticks or string cheese strips around edge of dough.
Fold dough over cheese edges and pinch to seal stuffed crust.
Spread pizza sauce over center.
Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and top with pepperoni slices.
Brush crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese bubbly.
Cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Notes
Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or sausage for variation.
Use hot honey or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Press and seal edges tightly to prevent cheese leaks.
Mozzarella sticks or string cheese work best for stuffing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
