Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a pizza that’s a total showstopper, look no further than this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy crust that surprises you with gooey, melty mozzarella cheese stuffed right inside. Combine that with a tangy tomato sauce, loads of stretchy cheese, and plenty of spicy pepperoni, and you’ve got a homemade pizza experience that rivals any pizzeria. This recipe is your ticket to mastering that perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful all in one slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to creating the heavenly flavors and textures that make the Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe so irresistible. Each element plays its own role, from tender, chewy dough to bubbling, savory toppings that make every bite unforgettable.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a chewy and crisp crust.
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast: Helps your dough rise beautifully, giving it that airy texture.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast, resulting in a perfect rise and a hint of sweetness.
• 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dough and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast gently, starting the fermentation process.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the dough soft yet crisp.
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese sticks: The secret star of the stuffed crust—oozing, stretchable goodness.
• 1 cup pizza sauce: The tangy, tomato base that keeps each bite bright and savory.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly on top for that classic gooey cheese layer.
• 20-25 slices of pepperoni: Adds bold, spicy flavor with every bite.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Infuses your pizza with herbs like oregano and basil for authentic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle, aromatic kick.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled last for a salty, savory finish.

How to Make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by stirring the warm water, yeast, and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. This little mix needs to rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and creamy—signaling your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients

Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to your yeast mixture. Stir these ingredients until the dough just begins to come together. It will be a bit shaggy at this point, but that’s perfect for kneading.

Step 3: Knead and Rise the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten, giving your crust that satisfyingly chewy texture you’ll love. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour—until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Prepare Your Oven and Pizza Pan

While your dough is rising, preheat the oven to a high temperature of 475°F (245°C) and grease a large pizza pan. A hot oven is key to getting a golden crust and perfectly melted cheese.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

After your dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a large circle, just a bit bigger than your pizza pan. This extra edge will help create space for the delicious cheese-stuffed crust that makes this recipe so special.

Step 6: Stuff the Crust

Now for the fun part—arrange the mozzarella cheese sticks around the outer edge of the dough. Fold the dough carefully over the cheese, pinching the edges to seal in all that melty goodness. This step guarantees a cheesy surprise in every crust bite.

Step 7: Add Sauce and Cheese

Spread your luscious pizza sauce evenly over the base of the pizza, using the back of a spoon for smooth coverage. Follow that with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella for that irresistibly melty topping.

Step 8: Layer on the Pepperoni and Seasonings

Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese, making sure each slice gets a pepperoni or two. Then sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan on top to layer in flavors that will enchant your taste buds.

Step 9: Bake Your Masterpiece

Slide your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust turns a lovely golden brown and the cheese bubbles with inviting warmth. Keep an eye on it to get it just right!

Step 10: Let it Cool and Slice

Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This pause lets the cheese set slightly so your slices don’t slide apart. Then slice and get ready to savor every cheesy, crispy, pepperoni-packed bite.

How to Serve Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

Keep it simple by adding fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top after baking. These fresh touches add color and a gentle pop of flavor that complements the rich pizza beautifully.

Side Dishes

Balance out the rich pizza by serving with a crisp green salad or garlic roasted vegetables. The freshness and crunch provide a fantastic contrast to that cheesy, warm pizza experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your stuffed crust pizza with small bowls of ranch or marinara dipping sauces alongside. Or plate slices with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sophisticated touch that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2 to 3 days to enjoy the textures and flavors at their freshest.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze cooled pizza slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen pizza can last up to 2 months without losing much of its deliciousness.

Reheating

Reheat pizza in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven around 375°F to keep the crust crisp and cheese melty, rather than soggy and rubbery like microwave reheating sometimes does.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe?

Absolutely! Using store-bought dough will save you time, and you can still achieve that fantastic stuffed crust effect and delicious flavor with this recipe.

What type of mozzarella cheese is best for the stuffed crust?

Fresh mozzarella sticks work best because they melt evenly and stretch beautifully, giving you that signature gooey stuffed crust every time.

Can I add other toppings along with pepperoni?

Yes! Feel free to customize your pizza with mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. Just make sure not to overload it so the crust holds together well.

How important is the oven temperature for baking this pizza?

Very important! A high heat like 475°F ensures a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese, which are key elements of the Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend suitable for pizza dough, you can enjoy this recipe even with gluten sensitivities, though the crust texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

Making this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe at home transforms a simple pizza night into a memorable, delicious event full of rich flavors and melted cheese surprises. Once you try making this, you’ll never want to settle for plain old crust again. Roll up your sleeves, invite your friends or family, and share this cheesy, crispy joy with everyone around your table!

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