Description
This homemade Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza features a cheesy crust filled with string cheese, topped with rich tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni, making it the ultimate comfort food for pizza lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pizza dough: You can make your own or buy pre-made dough from the store.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The star of the show! This cheese melts beautifully.
- 12 string cheese sticks: These will be used to stuff the crust, adding that much-loved cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup pizza sauce: A rich tomato sauce to spread over the pizza.
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni: Classic topping that pairs perfectly with cheese.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: For a hint of flavor that complements the pizza.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). Preheating is crucial as it ensures your pizza cooks evenly and the crust becomes perfectly golden.
- Rolling Out the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s larger than your baking sheet or pizza pan. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch. Don’t stress too much about perfection; a rustic look adds character!
- Stuffing the Crust: Take the string cheese sticks and line them along the edge of the rolled-out dough. Carefully fold the dough over the cheese sticks, pressing down firmly to seal the edges. Make sure you seal it well to prevent any cheese from leaking out while baking.
- Assembling the Pizza: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the pizza base, leaving a little room at the edges. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Then, add the sliced pepperoni and finish it off with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Baking the Pizza: Carefully transfer your assembled pizza onto the preheated baking sheet or pizza pan. Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Cooling and Serving: Once baked, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to cut. Use a pizza cutter to slice it into wedges, and serve hot. Enjoy the melty goodness of the stuffed crust with every bite!
Notes
- Choosing the Right Pizza Dough: For the best results, use a dough that has some elasticity. If making from scratch, let it rest to develop flavor and texture. Store-bought dough can be a convenient option too!
- Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is classic, don’t hesitate to mix in some provolone or gouda for a unique flavor. Experiment with different cheese blends for your stuffed crust!
- Exploring Different Toppings: Get creative! Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. The possibilities are endless, so tailor the pizza to your taste!
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid overloading your pizza with too many toppings, which can lead to a soggy crust. Also, ensure the crust is well-sealed to keep that cheesy goodness inside!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: stuffed crust pizza, pepperoni pizza, homemade pizza, cheesy pizza