Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is what I make whenever my family needs something fun and indulgent on a Friday night The buttery cheese-filled crust pulls apart in strands that everyone loves and the perfect balance of melty mozzarella pepperoni and bold sauce always disappears fast By making it yourself you control the quality and stuff as much cheese in the crust as you like

I remember the first time I made this pizza for a birthday party and nearly every slice was gone before I could grab a second one Now it is a must-have for movie nights

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: about a pound Use fresh for the best texture and check it springs back when poked
• Mozzarella string cheese sticks: These melt perfectly in the crust and give that irresistible stretch always use whole milk mozzarella if you can find it
• Pizza sauce: Go for one with real tomato flavor or try homemade Check the label for minimal added sugar
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better and covers the whole pizza in gooey goodness
• Pepperoni slices: Choose your favorite beef or turkey varieties Look for ones with minimal fillers for the best taste
• Olive oil or melted butter: Either adds a glossy finish to the crust and helps seasonings stick Use extra-virgin olive oil for more flavor
• Optional seasonings: Garlic powder Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan Sprinkle these on before baking for an extra punch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough Base:

Roll your dough on a lightly floured surface until it forms a 12 inch wide circle You want to keep the thickness even for a uniform bake

Create the Stuffed Crust:

Arrange the mozzarella string cheese sticks around the edge about one inch from the border Carefully fold the dough edge up and over the cheese pressing to seal tightly Stretch and pinch as needed to prevent any leaks

Top with Sauce Cheese and Pepperoni:

Spread your pizza sauce evenly over the interior dough leaving the stuffed border clean Layer shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce then arrange the pepperoni slices so each bite gets one

Add Oil and Seasonings to the Crust:

Brush the stuffed crust with olive oil or butter to help it turn golden Sprinkle garlic powder Italian seasoning or Parmesan if using Press lightly so it sticks

Bake to Perfection:

Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit on a preheated pizza stone for the crispiest bottom or use a greased baking sheet Keep an eye on it at fifteen minutes and bake until the cheese bubbles and the crust turns golden brown about twenty minutes total

Let Cool and Slice:

Once out of the oven wait five minutes before slicing so the cheese in the crust does not escape Serve hot and enjoy those melty strings

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You Must Know

For me the star of the show is always the cheese sticks in the crust There is something magical about that first gooey bite My kids love to race each other to see who gets the stringiest pull and every celebration in our family seems to involve this pizza in some form

Storage Tips

Let any leftover slices cool completely before storing Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb extra moisture They keep well in the fridge for up to three days If you want to freeze wrap each slice individually so you can reheat exactly what you need later Always reheat leftovers in the oven or toaster for the crispiest crust rather than the microwave

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Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap turkey pepperoni for beef or use plant based alternatives if needed Vegan cheese sticks can work for dairy free diets You can experiment with part skim or low moisture mozzarella if you prefer a lighter or less gooey finish Try whole wheat or gluten free pizza dough for other dietary preferences

Serving Suggestions

This pizza is perfect with a simple green salad for balance or with classic garlic knots for a true pizzeria vibe For parties cut into thin strips and serve as cheesy dippable sticks with extra sauce on the side Let kids customize half with their favorite toppings to keep everyone happy

Cultural Historical Context

Stuffed crust pizza became famous in the mid nineties popularized by big pizza chains Looking back many home cooks added their own twist for special occasions It is all about combining nostalgic flavors with fun interactive cooking at home In my own family we started making it for Super Bowl Sunday and now it shows up at every celebration

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you keep the stuffed crust from leaking cheese?

Seal the dough tightly around the cheese sticks by pinching firmly. Double check for any gaps to prevent melted cheese from escaping the crust during baking.

→ Can I use homemade dough for the base?

Yes, both homemade and store-bought dough work well. Homemade dough allows for more control over texture and flavor, while store-bought options save time.

→ What cheeses work best for stuffing the crust?

Mozzarella string cheese is preferred for its melt and stretch, but you can substitute with mozzarella sticks or blocks cut into strips.

→ How can I make the crust extra flavorful?

Brushing the crust with olive oil or melted butter and seasoning with garlic powder, Italian herbs, or grated Parmesan intensifies flavor and gives a golden finish.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven for a crisp crust. Avoid microwaving, as it may turn the crust chewy or soggy.