What makes stuffed crust pepperoni pizza different from regular pepperoni pizza?

Stuffed crust pepperoni pizza features a ring of cheese or other fillings baked into the outer edge of the crust, adding extra flavor and texture beyond the traditional flat crust. This stuffed crust provides a gooey, cheesy bite with every slice, enhancing the pizza experience. The pepperoni toppings remain on the pizza surface, while the stuffed crust offers a tasty contrast that many pizza lovers enjoy.

How can I make stuffed crust pepperoni pizza at home?

To make stuffed crust pepperoni pizza at home, start by rolling out your pizza dough and placing string cheese sticks or shredded cheese around the edge. Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch to seal the crust. Add tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni slices on top, then bake at 450°F (232°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Using pre-cooked pepperoni and a pizza stone or baking sheet helps achieve a crispy crust.

What type of cheese works best for the stuffed crust on a pepperoni pizza?

Mozzarella cheese is the best choice for stuffed crust because it melts evenly and creates a stretchy, creamy texture. String cheese sticks or mozzarella slices are both convenient options for stuffing the crust. Some recipes also incorporate a blend of mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for added flavor, but mozzarella remains the top choice for that classic cheesy stretch.

Can stuffed crust pepperoni pizza be made gluten-free?

Yes, stuffed crust pepperoni pizza can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pizza dough available at many grocery stores or recipes made with alternative flours like rice or almond flour. When preparing the stuffed crust, ensure any cheese and toppings like pepperoni are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Baking times and textures may vary slightly, so watch closely to avoid overbaking.

How should I store leftover stuffed crust pepperoni pizza for the best taste?

Store leftover stuffed crust pepperoni pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. To reheat, bake slices in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the crust’s crispiness and melted cheese texture instead of using a microwave, which can make the crust soggy.

Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe With Crispy Cheese Edges

Name: Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Prep time: PT-489533H34M30S
Cook time: PT-489533H19M30S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 260 grams bread flour for the base structure that gives a great crust texture; – 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast to help the dough rise; – 1 teaspoon sugar to activate the yeast; – ½ teaspoon salt for seasoning; – 3 teaspoons olive oil to keep the dough moist and easy to handle; – ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water to mix and form the dough; – ⅓ cup tomato paste for a thick, rich base; – ⅓ cup tomato passata to add smoothness and depth; – 1 crushed garlic clove for a fresh, aromatic flavor; – 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or ½ tablespoon if dried) for herbal notes; – 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano to enhance the Italian taste; – ½ teaspoon salt for balancing flavors; – ½ teaspoon pepper for a slight kick; – 500 grams mozzarella cheese cut 300 grams into 1 cm batons for stuffing the crust and grate the rest for topping; – 1 tablespoon olive oil to brush on the base for a crispy finish; – 24 slices pepperoni for that classic savory topping; – ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top for extra cheesiness; – Fresh basil for serving and garnishing; – Optional chili flakes to add a bit of heat if desired

Description

🍕 Stuffed Crust Pizza offers a delicious blend of gooey cheese bursting from the crust with perfectly crispy edges.
🔥 This recipe is ideal for pizza lovers craving a flavorful, satisfying homemade meal experience with a delightful texture contrast.

Ingredients

– 260 grams bread flour for the base structure that gives a great crust texture

– 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast to help the dough rise

– 1 teaspoon sugar to activate the yeast

– ½ teaspoon salt for seasoning

– 3 teaspoons olive oil to keep the dough moist and easy to handle

– ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water to mix and form the dough

– ⅓ cup tomato paste for a thick, rich base

– ⅓ cup tomato passata to add smoothness and depth

– 1 crushed garlic clove for a fresh, aromatic flavor

– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or ½ tablespoon if dried) for herbal notes

– 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano to enhance the Italian taste

– ½ teaspoon salt for balancing flavors

– ½ teaspoon pepper for a slight kick

– 500 grams mozzarella cheese cut 300 grams into 1 cm batons for stuffing the crust and grate the rest for topping

– 1 tablespoon olive oil to brush on the base for a crispy finish

– 24 slices pepperoni for that classic savory topping

– ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top for extra cheesiness

– Fresh basil for serving and garnishing

– Optional chili flakes to add a bit of heat if desired

Instructions

1-Step 1: Make the Dough Begin by mixing 260 grams bread flour, 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, 3 teaspoons olive oil, and ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water in a bowl. Knead the dough for 7-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, then cover it and let it rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes until it doubles in size. This resting period is crucial for that light, airy crust.

2-Step 2: Shape and Stuff the Crust After the dough has risen, divide it into two balls and roll each one out to about 10-12 inches in diameter and 5 mm thick on a floured surface. Place the 300 grams of mozzarella batons about 1 inch from the edge of the dough. Fold the edge over the cheese and press firmly to seal, creating that signature stuffed crust. For more ideas on handling dough, check out our baked cream cheese spaghetti recipe for similar tips on working with pasta and cheese combinations.

3-Step 3: Add Sauce and Toppings Brush each base with 1 tablespoon olive oil for a golden finish. Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the dough, avoiding the stuffed edge. Top with the grated mozzarella, ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, and 24 pepperoni slices for a flavorful layer. This step is where you can get creative, like adding veggies if you’re in the mood for more nutrition.

4-Step 4: Bake the Pizza Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F) or 210°C if using a fan. Bake the pizzas for 12-15 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Once done, garnish with fresh basil and optional chili flakes. For more on healthy eating, see the health benefits of cheese, which highlights how cheese adds valuable nutrients to meals like this.

Notes

🌾 Use bread flour for a better, crispier crust texture.
🧀 Grate mozzarella fresh rather than using pre-shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
👐 Lightly oil your hands when handling dough to prevent sticking and tear-free shaping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 30-45 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 78 grams
Calories: 202 kcal
Sugar: 2 grams
Sodium: 468 mg
Fat: 11 grams
Saturated Fat: 5 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 4 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 15 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Protein: 11 grams
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: Stuffed crust pizza, gooey cheese pizza, crispy crust pizza, homemade stuffed pizza