Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Dough and Crust
01 -
1 lb pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
02 -
6 to 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
→ Sauce and Toppings
03 -
1/2 cup pizza sauce
04 -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
05 -
20 to 25 pepperoni slices, beef or turkey
→ Finishing and Optional Seasonings
06 -
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
07 -
Optional: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or grated Parmesan cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone, position it in the oven to preheat. Lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet if not using a stone.
02 -
On a lightly floured surface, roll pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the shaped dough to the prepared pan or stone.
03 -
Arrange mozzarella string cheese sticks around the outer edge of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold dough over cheese and firmly press to seal the edge, enclosing the cheese to create a stuffed crust.
04 -
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough, avoiding the stuffed crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the sauce.
05 -
Arrange pepperoni slices evenly on top of the mozzarella cheese, covering the surface as desired.
06 -
Brush the exposed stuffed crust with olive oil or melted butter. If desired, sprinkle the crust with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or grated Parmesan for added flavor.
07 -
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly with lightly browned spots.
08 -
Remove pizza from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Slice into portions and serve warm.
# Notes:
01 -
For a crispier base, bake directly on a preheated pizza stone if available.
02 -
Customise by adding extra toppings such as bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms before baking.
03 -
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore texture.