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Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Savor the irresistible combo of gooey mozzarella-stuffed crust, zesty tomato sauce, and generous pepperoni slices in this easy, crowd-pleasing classic. Preparing your own dough or using a store-bought base, you’ll roll, fill, and seal string cheese inside the edges for that extra-cheesy bite. After topping with bold sauce and plenty of cheese, bake until golden and bubbly. A brush of olive oil or butter enhances the crust, while optional seasonings boost aroma. Fresh from the oven, let it rest a few minutes before serving for the ultimate melty comfort straight from your kitchen.

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Casey
Updated on Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:43:10 GMT
A slice of pizza on a plate. Pin it
A slice of pizza on a plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Skip the takeout menu and gather your loved ones around for a truly unforgettable homemade Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza. Perfect for pizza night or to impress a crowd, this recipe makes golden crust with melty cheese hiding in every bite, zesty sauce, and plenty of pepperoni on top. It is hands-down the most requested dinner in my house and a joy to make from scratch.

After making this stuffed crust pizza for my kids one Saturday, I could not believe how quickly it disappeared. To this day, the sight of mozzarella peeking from the crust gets everyone crowding into the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Pizza dough: use fresh or store bought for a chewy yet crisp base A dough that springs back to the touch is best
  • Mozzarella string cheese sticks: create the gooey stuffed edge Choose full fat for best melt and stretch
  • Pizza sauce: classic flavor foundation Look for one with no added sugar or use quality tomato sauce
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: this brings that signature pizza pull Always buy blocks and shred yourself for maximum melt
  • Pepperoni slices: adds a salty spicy bite Pick naturally cured or slice your own for extra flavor
  • Olive oil or melted butter: this makes your crust golden and rich Choose extra virgin oil or real butter for best taste
  • Garlic powder: gives a savory aroma Go for fresh and pungent powder if possible
  • Italian seasoning: a punch of herby flavor Use a mix with oregano basil and thyme for authenticity
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: adds a bold savory finish Always grate fresh for that nutty tang

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:
Heat your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Place a pizza stone inside if you have one or lightly oil a baking sheet for easy release
Shape and Roll the Dough:
On a clean floured surface stretch your pizza dough into a twelve inch circle Make sure the edges are slightly thicker which helps with stuffing
Transfer and Add Cheese Sticks:
Lift the dough onto your baking sheet or pizza stone Arrange mozzarella sticks all along the edge leaving a one inch border
Form the Stuffed Crust:
Fold the outer edge of the dough over the cheese sticks Press and pinch tightly to completely seal the crust so the cheese does not leak out
Add Sauce and Toppings:
Spread your pizza sauce evenly over the center right up to the edge of the stuffed crust Layer on the shredded mozzarella and sprinkle the pepperoni evenly with a few tucked below the cheese for extra flavor
Finish the Crust:
Brush the stuffed edge with olive oil or melted butter and add a sprinkle of garlic powder Italian seasoning or Parmesan as you like
Bake and Rest:
Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes until the crust is deep golden and the cheese is bubbling Let your pizza rest five minutes before slicing so the cheese settles
A slice of pepperoni pizza on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of pepperoni pizza on a white plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

The mozzarella hidden inside the crust is always the first thing my family goes for Each bite reminds me of the excitement of sharing pizza night together and seeing the oozing cheese always feels like a little bit of magic

Storage Tips

Once cool place leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge where it stays fresh for up to three days For best texture reheat slices in a hot oven or toaster oven until the cheese is melty and the crust crisps up again Microwaving works too but might soften the crust

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap string cheese out for blocks of mozzarella sliced into thick strips If pepperoni is not your favorite try crumbled cooked sausage or make it vegetarian with plenty of mushrooms and bell peppers No pizza sauce Use plain tomato sauce with a sprinkle of dried oregano and garlic powder in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pizza hot with extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal Leftovers make a great packed lunch When cut into strips the stuffed crust works perfectly for dipping in extra sauce

A Bit of Pizza History

Stuffed crust pizza became popular in the nineties as a playful twist on pizzeria classics Though it started in chain restaurants making your own at home brings all that nostalgic joy with a personal touch It is a comfort food that keeps evolving but will always bring fun to the dinner table

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the stuffed crust seals properly?

Press the dough firmly over the mozzarella sticks and pinch all along the edge to prevent cheese from leaking as it bakes.

→ What cheeses can I use for the stuffed crust?

Besides mozzarella, try cheddar, provolone, or a blend for a unique twist on classic flavor.

→ Can I add veggies or other toppings?

Absolutely! Add mushrooms, peppers, onions, or olives, or try sausage or extra cheese for more variety.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

→ Is homemade or store-bought dough better?

Both work well. Homemade gives extra freshness, but store-bought dough makes prep much faster and easier.

→ What’s the secret to a crispy crust?

Bake on a preheated pizza stone if possible, and avoid too much sauce in the center to keep the base crisp.

Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Golden crust filled with melting mozzarella, zesty sauce, and savory pepperoni. Simple, homemade pizza delight.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 large pizza (8 slices))

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Dough and Crust

01 450 g pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
02 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks

→ Toppings

03 120 ml pizza sauce
04 200 g shredded mozzarella cheese
05 60 g pepperoni slices

→ Finishings

06 15 ml olive oil or melted butter
07 2.5 ml garlic powder (optional)
08 2.5 ml Italian seasoning (optional)
09 10 g grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 220°C. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven. Otherwise, lightly oil a baking pan.

Step 02

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 30 cm circle, leaving a slightly thicker edge for stuffing.

Step 03

Transfer the rolled dough to your prepared baking sheet or pizza stone. Arrange mozzarella string cheese around the edge, leaving a 2.5 cm border.

Step 04

Fold the dough over the cheese sticks and pinch firmly to seal all around the edge. Press gently to ensure the seal is secure.

Step 05

Spread pizza sauce evenly over the center, stopping just before the stuffed crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce.

Step 06

Arrange pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese. Optionally, tuck a few slices beneath the cheese for added flavour.

Step 07

Brush the outer crust with olive oil or melted butter. Optionally, sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 08

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 09

Allow the pizza to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  1. Allow dough to reach room temperature for easier rolling and shaping.
  2. Ensure the stuffed crust is securely sealed to prevent cheese leakage while baking.
  3. For varied flavour, substitute different cheeses such as cheddar or provolone in the crust.
  4. To make vegetarian, omit pepperoni and use vegetables like mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives.
  5. If pizza sauce is unavailable, substitute with marinara or tomato sauce blended with herbs.
  6. Store leftovers in an airtight container under refrigeration up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for optimal texture.
  7. A preheated pizza stone yields the crispiest crust.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Pizza stone or baking pan
  • Rolling pin
  • Pastry brush
  • Chef's knife or pizza wheel

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (gluten).
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 18 g