Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is a delightful twist on the classic pizza that will have everyone craving more. With its melty cheese-filled crust and hearty toppings, this pizza brings joy and comfort in every bite. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying yet delicious.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 15 grams
Carbohydrates: 32 grams
Fat: 14 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sugar: 2 grams
Sodium: 680 mg
Why Make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is not only delicious but also allows for creative personalization. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or even substitute with healthier ingredients like turkey pepperoni. Plus, it’s an excellent way to gather family and friends together for a fun pizza night at home, making every gathering feel special and delicious.
How to Make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Step by Step
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. Put your pizza stone inside now if you’re using one so it heats up too. Not using a stone? Just lightly grease your baking sheet or pizza pan. Dust your counter with flour, then start rolling your dough into a big 12-inch circle. Once it’s round, move it onto your oiled pan or onto the hot stone. Line up the mozzarella sticks near the edge of the dough, leaving about an inch from the rim. Fold that dough edge up and over the cheese and give it a good pinch to tuck the cheese inside. Scoop and spread the pizza sauce over the middle, but don’t cover your stuffed crust. Next, throw on the shredded mozzarella and finish it off with pepperoni slices scattered all over. Take a pastry brush and swipe olive oil or melted butter all over the stuffed crust. If you want extra flavor, sprinkle over some garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan. Pop it in the oven for around 15 to 20 minutes. You want the edges golden, the cheese melty, and maybe a little brown on top. Grab the pizza from the oven and let it cool on a rack for about 5 minutes to avoid burning your mouth. Slice it up and enjoy while it’s nice and hot.
How to Serve Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Serve your Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza with a side salad for a fresh touch. Garlic bread can also complement the meal beautifully, allowing you to soak up any leftover sauce. Pairing your pizza with a spicy dipping sauce or ranch can elevate the overall experience and give your taste buds something different to savor.
How to Store Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
To store leftover Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza, wrap it in foil or place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. For reheating, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore the crust’s crispiness. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap, ensuring they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
Expert Tips for Cooking Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
- For an extra cheesy crust, use a blend of cheeses like cheddar or gouda along with mozzarella.
- Experiment with different sauces like BBQ or pesto for a unique flavor profile.
- For a crispier base, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- When pinching the dough, ensure it’s tight to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Let the pizza cool slightly before cutting to keep the cheese from pulling apart.
Delicious Variations of Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
For a spicy kick, add jalapeño slices or crushed red pepper flakes to the pizza. To create a more sophisticated flavor, try adding roasted garlic and fresh herbs like basil or oregano. You can also go vegetarian by replacing pepperoni with a hearty mix of grilled vegetables or your favorite veggie toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
What type of cheese can I use for the crust? You can use mozzarella cheese sticks for a classic taste or mix in some cheddar for extra flavor.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and simplifies the entire process.
How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy? Make sure to preheat your oven properly and avoid overloading the pizza with too much sauce.
Is this pizza freezer-friendly? Yes, you can freeze slices for later use. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
Conclusion
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is a flavorful and fun option for any meal. Its ease of preparation makes it a go-to choice for pizza lovers everywhere. Dive into this cheesy, delicious creation, and savor each slice with those you love!
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients
For the Pizza
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 20 to 25 pieces turkey or beef pepperoni
- 6 to 8 sticks mozzarella cheese sticks For stuffing the crust
- 2 cups mozzarella, shredded
- 1 pound fresh pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter For brushing the crust
- Grated Parmesan cheese For sprinkling on top
- Italian seasoning To taste
- Garlic powder To taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Lightly grease a baking sheet or pizza pan if not using a stone. Dust your counter with flour and roll the dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan or hot stone. Line up the mozzarella sticks near the edge of the dough, leaving about an inch from the rim.
- Fold the dough edge up and over the cheese sticks, pinching to tuck the cheese inside.
- Spread the pizza sauce over the middle, avoiding the stuffed crust, then top with shredded mozzarella and scattered pepperoni.
- Brush olive oil or melted butter over the stuffed crust and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan.
Cooking
- Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges are golden, and the cheese is melty.
- Let the pizza cool on a rack for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and serve while hot.
