Why Make This Recipe
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is a favorite for many because it combines two delicious elements: cheesy crust and savory toppings. Making your own at home gives you the freedom to customize it just the way you like. Plus, it’s a fun activity to share with family or friends. Everyone loves pizza, and this stuffed version takes it to the next level!
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
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First, turn your oven to 425°F. If you are using a pizza stone, put it inside to heat up now. If you don’t have a stone, lightly grease your baking sheet or pizza pan.
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Dust your counter with flour. Roll your dough into a big 12-inch circle. Move it onto your oiled pan or onto the hot stone.
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Line up the mozzarella sticks near the edge of the dough, leaving about an inch from the rim. Fold that edge of the dough up and over the cheese and pinch it well to keep the cheese inside.
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Spread the pizza sauce over the middle of the dough, avoiding the stuffed crust. Next, add the shredded mozzarella, then scatter the pepperoni slices on top.
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Use a pastry brush to swipe olive oil or melted butter all over the stuffed crust. For more flavor, sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan over it.
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Bake in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want the edges to be golden, the cheese melted, and maybe a little brown on top.
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Take the pizza out of the oven. Let it cool on a rack for about 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy it while it’s hot!
How to Serve Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Serve the pizza hot, ideally right when it’s out of the oven. You can cut it into slices and place it on a large serving platter. Pair it with extra pizza sauce for dipping or your favorite sides like garlic bread or a fresh salad. It’s a great dish for game nights, parties, or a cozy dinner at home.
How to Store Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
If you have any leftovers, let the pizza cool completely. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to get it nice and crispy again.
Tips to Make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
- Make sure your dough is at room temperature before rolling it out; this makes it easier to work with.
- Experiment with different cheeses for your stuffed crust—cheddar or gouda can add a nice twist.
- Keep the toppings light to avoid a soggy pizza.
- For a crisper crust, use a pizza stone and let it preheat for at least 30 minutes.
Variation
You can customize your stuffed crust pizza with various toppings. Try adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. For a twist, use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce or swap out the pepperoni for sausage or ham.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works great for this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for handling.
2. How do I make the pizza spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the pizza toppings for some extra heat!
3. Can I freeze the stuffed crust pizza?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.