If you’re craving a pizza that brings an extra cheesy surprise to every bite, this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is exactly the treat you need. Picture golden, crispy crust stuffed with gooey string cheese, luscious tomato sauce, a generous layer of pepperoni, and ooey-gooey melted mozzarella—all baked to perfection in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence, this recipe turns the classic pepperoni pizza into an unforgettable, cheesy masterpiece that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor that make this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe so irresistible. From the stretchy string cheese that creates the magical stuffed crust, to the tangy sauce and ample pepperoni for that perfect meaty bite, every component works together in harmony.
- 6 pieces Sargento® String Cheese: Ideal for melting, creating the signature stuffed crust that oozes with cheesiness.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Brings tangy, rich tomato goodness that forms the flavorful base.
- 20 slices pepperoni: Adds savory spice and that classic pizza meatiness everyone loves.
- 1 cup (4 oz.) Sargento® Shredded Mozzarella: Provides that irresistible, melty cheese layer on top.
- 1 can (10 oz.) refrigerated pizza crust: Offers a quick and easy dough foundation with a golden crust finish.
How to Make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to a sizzling 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is perfect for getting that crust golden and cheese bubbling. Meanwhile, grab a greased 13×9-inch baking pan—this will be the cozy home for your pizza as it bakes.
Step 2: Shape the Crust
Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust and gently press it into your prepared pan, pushing it up about one inch along the sides. This creates a sturdy base and walls to contain your delicious fillings and the all-important stuffed crust cheese.
Step 3: Create the Stuffed Crust Border
Line the inner edges of the crust with the string cheese sticks, placing them side-by-side like a cheesy moat. Then fold the dough edges up and over the string cheese, pinching firmly to seal and enclose the cheese inside. This is what transforms a regular pizza into a Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe masterpiece.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Spread half a cup of your favorite pizza sauce evenly over the exposed crust base. The sauce adds moisture and deep tomato flavor, ensuring every bite is saucy but not soggy.
Step 5: Top with Pepperoni and Mozzarella
Arrange 20 pepperoni slices generously over the sauce, covering the surface well to deliver that iconic spicy bite. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top for a luscious, melty finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your assembled pizza into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Watch for the crust edges to turn golden brown and the cheese to bubble and melt into a gooey layer of deliciousness. This is the magic moment that brings all the flavors and textures together.
Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Once baked, let your pizza cool for a few minutes to set the cheese inside the stuffed crust. Then slice it up and serve hot—get ready for smiles and requests for seconds!
How to Serve Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil can elevate your pizza experience. These simple touches add bursts of aroma and a subtle complexity to every cheesy bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, garlic breadsticks for extra indulgence, or a bowl of chilled cucumber and tomato salad. These sides help balance the rich, savory flavors and provide some refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your stuffed crust pepperoni pizza into bite-size squares for a fun party platter, or use themed plates and colorful napkins to match a casual movie night vibe. Adding a dipping bowl of ranch or marinara sauce gives guests a little extra fun flavor option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making a quick, satisfying meal for the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save your Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe for later, freeze it before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag, then bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for a freshly baked taste.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the stuffed crust?
Absolutely! While string cheese is convenient and melts beautifully, you can experiment with mozzarella sticks, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses to customize your stuffed crust flavor.
Is refrigerated pizza dough the best option for this recipe?
Refrigerated dough is a fantastic time saver and gives consistent results, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade pizza dough works just as well and adds a personal touch.
How can I make the crust extra crispy?
For a crispier crust, pre-baking the rolled-out dough for 5 minutes before adding the cheese and toppings can help. Also, using a pizza stone or baking steel distributes heat evenly for that perfect crunch.
Can I add other toppings to this stuffed crust pizza?
Definitely! While pepperoni is the star here, feel free to add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or onions to tailor the pizza exactly to your liking.
What’s the secret to preventing the cheese from leaking out of the crust?
Be sure to seal the dough edges tightly over the string cheese by pinching and pressing firmly. If needed, slightly dampen the edges with water to help them stick together better before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is a cheesy celebration that brings joy to your table with every slice. It’s quick to whip up, delightfully delicious, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. So don’t wait—grab those ingredients, and enjoy baking a pizza that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Learn how to make a delicious Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza featuring a cheesy crust filled with string cheese, topped with savory pepperoni slices, pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This easy recipe uses refrigerated pizza crust for convenience and bakes to golden perfection in just 25 minutes, serving 6 people.
Ingredients
Cheese Stuffing
- 6 pieces Sargento® String Cheese
Pizza Base
- 1 can (10 oz.) refrigerated pizza crust
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
Toppings
- 20 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup (4 oz.) Sargento® Shredded Mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the pizza perfectly.
- Prepare the Crust: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust and press it into the bottom and up 1 inch along the sides of a greased 13×9-inch baking pan to form the base and edges for the stuffed crust.
- Add String Cheese: Arrange the 6 pieces of string cheese along the inside edges of the pizza crust, evenly spaced, to create the cheesy stuffing for the crust.
- Fold and Seal Crust: Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the string cheese and press firmly to seal, creating a stuffed crust border that will hold the cheese during baking.
- Apply Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the exposed crust base, avoiding the stuffed edges, to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Add Toppings: Place the 20 slices of pepperoni evenly over the sauce, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly on top to cover the pizza.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, indicating the pizza is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly to set. Then slice into 6 servings and serve hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using refrigerated pizza crust saves preparation time and ensures consistent results.
- Ensure to seal the dough edges tightly around the string cheese to prevent leakage during baking.
- Customize toppings by adding vegetables or extra cheese as desired.
- For extra crispiness, bake on a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to avoid cheese pulling.
