There is something utterly comforting and exciting about a pizza with a golden, cheesy stuffed crust, and this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe delivers just that. Imagine biting into crispy, savory pepperoni layered on a bed of rich mozzarella with a surprise twist—a crust filled with molten string cheese that oozes with every bite. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a classic favorite into something indulgently fun and irresistibly delicious, perfect for sharing with family or friends on any casual night or special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe comes together with a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to build that perfect harmony of gooey cheese, tangy sauce, and crispy crust you crave in every slice.
- Sargento® String Cheese: The star of the stuffed crust, it melts beautifully to give a stretchy, cheesy edge that’s simply unforgettable.
- Pizza sauce: A smooth and flavorful base that adds just the right tangy, herby kick to balance the richness.
- Pepperoni slices: Classic, slightly spicy, and crispy at the edges, pepperoni gives the pizza its iconic meaty punch.
- Sargento® Shredded Mozzarella: Adds that creamy, melty top layer that pulls every element together superbly.
- Refrigerated pizza crust: Convenient and perfect for forming the stuffed edges, it bakes into a golden, soft-and-crispy foundation.
How to Make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C), which is just the right temperature to get that crust perfectly crisp while melting the cheesy goodness inside. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and help your pizza slide right out when it’s ready.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Unroll your refrigerated pizza crust, and press it firmly into the pan, making sure it covers the base and pushes about an inch up the sides. This edge will soon become your luscious stuffed crust, so give it good coverage.
Step 3: Add the String Cheese
Line the string cheese sticks evenly along the inner sides of the dough border. This clever trick guarantees that gooey cheese surprise with every slice—getting that ooey-gooey pull that makes stuffed crust legendary.
Step 4: Seal the Crust
Carefully fold the dough edges over the string cheese and press gently to seal them in place. This step locks in the cheese, making sure it doesn’t leak out during baking and forms the perfect stuffed crust border that’s both crispy and chewy.
Step 5: Spread the Sauce
Once your crust is packed and sealed, spread the pizza sauce evenly across the base. Spread it generously but keep it smooth, so every bite gets a consistent, rich flavor.
Step 6: Add Pepperoni and Mozzarella
Lay down pepperoni slices across the sauced surface, distributing them so each slice will have that savory punch. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously on top, covering the pepperoni to melt into a deliciously creamy blanket.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling delightfully. Keep an eye on it after 12 minutes—the cheese should be melty but not overcooked.
Step 8: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Once baked, remove your pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes so the cheese sets slightly, making slicing easier and cleaner. Then cut into squares or triangles, serve while warm, and watch everyone’s faces light up with every cheesy bite.
How to Serve Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or oregano over the hot pizza just before serving. A light drizzle of chili oil or garlic-infused olive oil can add a delightful kick that complements the pepperoni’s spice.
Side Dishes
Serve this pizza alongside a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a peppery crunch that contrasts the cheesy richness beautifully. Garlic breadsticks or a crisp Caesar salad are also crowd-pleasing additions to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pizza sliced into squares on a wooden board with toothpicks for easy party snacking. You can also offer a trio of dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, and spicy mustard for guests to customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza is a special kind of joy! Store any uneaten slices in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the cheese creamy and the pepperoni flavorful without drying out the crust.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, wrap the unbaked or baked pizza tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen pizza can stay fresh for up to 2 months and still bake or reheat beautifully, making it a great make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To revive the magic of this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe, reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until the crust crisps back up and the cheese inside is warm and stretchy. Avoid microwaving whenever possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated crust?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and lets you customize thickness and flavor. Just roll it out large enough to create the stuffed crust border and follow the same assembly steps.
What kind of cheese is best for the stuffed crust?
Sargento® String Cheese is ideal because it melts evenly and stretches nicely, giving that signature pull. However, mozzarella or provolone sticks can work if you want to experiment with different cheeses.
Can I add other toppings besides pepperoni?
Yes! Feel free to mix it up with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or cooked sausage. Just keep toppings light so the crust cooks through and the filling cheese doesn’t leak.
How do I prevent the cheese in the crust from leaking out?
Make sure to pinch and seal the dough edges tightly over the string cheese and press firmly. This step creates a barrier that keeps the melted cheese inside during baking.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing before or after baking?
You can freeze both unbaked and baked stuffed crust pizzas. Wrap well to avoid freezer burn and thaw in the fridge before baking or reheating for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings cheesy indulgence and classic flavors together in every bite. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, it’s a joyful twist on the traditional pizza night. Go ahead, make this recipe your go-to for a warm, satisfying, and fun dinner that everyone will ask for again and again.
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Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This homemade Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza features a golden, cheesy crust filled with string cheese, topped with savory pepperoni slices, gooey shredded mozzarella, and rich pizza sauce. It’s a delightful twist on classic pepperoni pizza, perfect for satisfying cheesy cravings and entertaining family or friends with a delicious, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 6 pieces Sargento® String Cheese
- 1 cup (4 oz.) Sargento® Shredded Mozzarella
Pizza Base
- 1 can (10 oz.) refrigerated pizza crust
Toppings
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 20 slices pepperoni
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the pizza evenly.
- Prepare Pizza Crust: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust and press it firmly into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a greased 13×9-inch baking pan to create a base with edges.
- Add String Cheese: Arrange the string cheese pieces evenly along the inside edge of the pizza crust, preparing for the stuffed crust.
- Create Stuffed Crust: Fold the edges of the dough over the string cheese and press to seal tightly, forming a delicious stuffed crust border filled with melted cheese.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread the pizza sauce across the surface of the crust base inside the stuffed crust border.
- Add Toppings: Layer the pepperoni slices evenly over the sauced crust, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top to cover the pizza uniformly.
- Bake Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, allow it to cool slightly for safer handling, slice into portions, and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a greased pan to prevent sticking and for easy pizza removal.
- Ensure the crust edges are sealed well around the string cheese to avoid cheese leakage during baking.
- You can substitute pepperoni with your favorite pizza toppings as desired.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake a few extra minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Allow the pizza to cool slightly after baking to set the cheese and toppings before slicing.
