why make this recipe
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is a fun and easy way to enjoy pizza at home. It adds a tasty twist to the usual slice by hiding gooey cheese inside the crust. Perfect for family nights or gatherings, this pizza is sure to please everyone. With its crispy crust and savory toppings, it’s a hearty meal that you can customize to your liking. Plus, making it yourself allows you to control the ingredients for a fresh and delicious result.
how to make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients :
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 20 to 25 pieces of turkey or beef pepperoni
- 6 to 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 2 cups mozzarella, shredded
- 1 pound fresh pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
Directions :
First, turn your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it heats up. If not, lightly grease your baking sheet or pizza pan.
Dust your counter with flour, then roll your dough into a big 12-inch circle. Once it’s round, carefully move it to your greased pan or hot stone.
Line up the mozzarella sticks near the edge of the dough, leaving about an inch from the rim. Fold that edge up and over the cheese, pinching it well to seal the cheese inside.
Spread the pizza sauce over the middle of the dough, avoiding the stuffed crust area. Next, add the shredded mozzarella and sprinkle the pepperoni over the top.
Using a pastry brush, apply olive oil or melted butter all over the stuffed crust. For added flavor, you can sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake it in the oven for around 15 to 20 minutes. Look for a golden crust and melted cheese, maybe with a bit of browning on top.
Once it’s done, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool on a rack for about 5 minutes. This waiting time helps prevent burns. Slice it up and enjoy it while it’s hot!
how to serve Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Serve your stuffed crust pizza hot out of the oven. You can slice it into wedges for easy sharing. Pair it with extra pizza sauce for dipping, or serve it with a side salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a cozy dinner at home.
how to store Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
If you have leftovers, let the pizza cool completely before storing it. Place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze the slices. Wrap them in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
tips to make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for the best results.
- Customize your toppings by adding vegetables or different meats if desired.
- Use a mix of cheeses for added flavor and texture.
- If you want a crispier crust, pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings.
variation
You can switch up the filling in the crust by using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone. For a spicy kick, add jalapeño slices or use spicy pepperoni. You could also make a veggie version by adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives as toppings.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a great option if you want to save time. Just follow the same steps for rolling and shaping.
2. How can I make the pizza healthier?
You can use whole wheat dough, low-fat cheese, and add lots of veggies for a healthier version of this pizza.
3. Can I make the pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
A fun and easy way to enjoy pizza at home with gooey cheese hidden inside the crust, perfect for family nights.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 20 to 25 pieces of turkey or beef pepperoni
- 6 to 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 2 cups mozzarella, shredded
- 1 pound fresh pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a pizza stone in to heat up, or grease your baking sheet if not using a stone.
- Roll the dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured counter and transfer it to your greased pan or hot stone.
- Place mozzarella sticks near the edge of the dough, fold the edge up and over the cheese, and pinch to seal.
- Spread pizza sauce over the center of the dough, avoiding the stuffed crust area, then add shredded mozzarella and scatter pepperoni on top.
- Brush the stuffed crust with olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
Customize toppings as desired; consider adding vegetables or different meats. For a crispier crust, pre-bake the crust for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg