If you have ever dreamed of the perfect pizza night at home, the Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This spectacular homemade pizza brings together a golden, crispy crust that hides a melty string cheese surprise, topped with rich pizza sauce, loads of spicy pepperoni, and a blanket of gooey mozzarella. Every bite bursts with flavor, texture, and that irresistible cheese pull that makes pizza so universally loved. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this recipe is simple enough for even kitchen beginners and impressive enough to feel like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect pie. From the stretchy string cheese in the crust to the zesty sauce and spicy pepperoni, these components come together easily to form a show-stopping dinner.
- Sargento® String Cheese (6 pieces): Essential for that ooey-gooey stuffed crust that delivers a fun surprise with every bite.
- Pizza sauce (1/2 cup): Provides tangy tomato base flavor that’s perfectly seasoned to complement the toppings.
- Pepperoni (20 slices): Adds a classic, savory, mildly spicy kick that pizza lovers adore on every slice.
- Sargento® Shredded Mozzarella (1 cup, 4 oz.): The melty cheese topping that browns beautifully and brings a creamy richness.
- Refrigerated pizza crust (1 can, 10 oz.): Convenient and easy to work with, it bakes up crisp while holding the gooey stuffing inside.
How to Make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your pizza will bake quickly to a crisp, golden crust while melting the cheeses perfectly. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch pan to prevent sticking and give that beautiful bottom crust a golden finish.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Unroll your refrigerated pizza crust and press it firmly into the pan, making sure to push it one inch up the sides. This will create the perfect base and rim to hold the cheese stuffing inside the edges, setting the stage for a loaded crust.
Step 3: Add the String Cheese to Create the Stuffed Crust
Line up the string cheese sticks along the inside edge of your dough. This simple step transforms the ordinary crust into a delightfully cheesy surprise that will impress everyone around the table.
Step 4: Fold and Seal the Crust
Fold the dough edges over the string cheese and press down firmly to seal. This “seal” traps the cheese during baking, so it melts beautifully inside without leaking out. It’s the signature move for this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe.
Step 5: Sauce It Up
Spread your half cup of pizza sauce evenly over the dough base inside the crust. The sauce adds just the right tang and moisture to balance the rich cheeses and spicy pepperoni.
Step 6: Top with Pepperoni and Mozzarella
Arrange your 20 pepperoni slices in a generous single layer on the sauce. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the entire pizza, making sure every slice will get plenty of cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You want the crust golden and crisp, with bubbly, melty cheese on top that’s starting to brown.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Slice
Once baked, give it a few minutes to settle so the gooey cheese inside the crust stays put. Then slice this crowd-pleasing masterpiece and serve hot for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or oregano can add a fresh, herbal lift to each slice of your Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe. If you like a touch of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes will bring a nice kick that complements the pepperoni perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic knots or a light Caesar salad can round out your meal with extra flavor and texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, serve this pizza with individual plates garnished with a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. You can also create a “pizza bar” where guests add their own extra toppings before baking a batch of mini stuffed crust pizzas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep your pizza fresh. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3-4 days to experience the best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save pizza for even later, freeze whole unbaked pizza after assembling. Wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When ready, bake straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes to cook time.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe in an oven set to 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that crust nice and crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese for the crust?
Absolutely! String cheese works great for melting, but mozzarella sticks or even mild provolone can create a similar gooey effect inside the crust.
Do I need to pre-bake the crust?
Nope! This recipe uses refrigerated dough pressed into the pan and baked all at once so the crust cooks fully while the cheese melts inside.
Can I add other toppings besides pepperoni?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or sausage. Just remember to keep the balance of flavors in mind so the stuffed crust stay the star.
How do I know when the pizza is done?
Look for a golden brown crust with bubbly, slightly browned cheese on top. The cheese inside the crust will be melted and stretchy. Use these visual cues rather than time alone.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy surprise in the crust and classic pepperoni topping. Plus, it’s fun to help fold the crust and build their own pizza.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings together ease, fun, and incredible flavor in one dish. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a weekend treat, make sure you give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite homemade pizza that everyone will ask for again and again!
Print
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy-to-make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza features a gooey cheese-filled crust loaded with savory pepperoni and melted mozzarella cheese on a crispy pizza base. Perfect for a quick homemade pizza night, this recipe uses refrigerated pizza dough and simple ingredients to deliver maximum flavor in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Cheese Stuffed Crust
- 6 pieces Sargento® String Cheese
Pizza Toppings
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 20 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup (4 oz.) Sargento® Shredded Mozzarella
Pizza Dough
- 1 can (10 oz.) refrigerated pizza crust
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a hot environment for crisping the crust and melting the cheese.
- 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 form the pizza base and edges.
- Add String Cheese: Arrange the 6 pieces of string cheese along the inside edges of the crust evenly to create the stuffed crust filling.
- Seal Crust Edges: Fold the dough edges over the string cheese strips and press down to seal tightly, forming a stuffed crust border that traps the cheese inside.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce over the pizza base inside the stuffed crust, creating the flavor foundation.
- Top with Pepperoni and Mozzarella: Place 20 slices of pepperoni evenly over the sauce and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top to cover the pepperoni.
- Bake Pizza: Bake the assembled pizza in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, allow it to cool slightly for easier handling, then slice and serve hot for the best cheesy, flavorful experience.
Notes
- Press the sides of the crust firmly to prevent cheese from leaking out while baking.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake an additional 2-3 minutes, watching to prevent burning.
- You can substitute string cheese with mozzarella sticks if preferred.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra toppings.
- Use a pizza stone or baking steel if available for a crisper crust.
