Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is a delicious twist on the classic pizza, with a cheesy, stuffed crust that’s as irresistible as the pepperoni topping. It’s perfect for pizza night and can be customized to your liking. The stuffed crust gives you an extra cheesy bite, making each slice even more indulgent.
Easy to make at home, this pizza delivers all the flavors you love from a traditional pepperoni pizza, but with a fun, cheesy edge. Ready in about an hour, it’s the ultimate pizza experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Stuffed Crust – Extra cheese wrapped into the crust
- Classic Pepperoni – A perfect topping combo
- Cheesy & Savory – Melty mozzarella and tasty pepperoni
- Customizable – Add any toppings you like
- Family-Friendly – Perfect for kids and adults alike
- Homemade Pizza – No need to order out
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Olive oil (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
3. Shape the Dough
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large circle, about 12–14 inches wide.
To make the stuffed crust, place mozzarella cheese sticks along the edges of the dough and fold the dough over to seal the cheese inside.
4. Assemble the Pizza
Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet.
Spread pizza sauce over the surface, leaving the stuffed crust edges exposed.
Top with mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and pepperoni slices. Sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder.
5. Bake the Pizza
Brush the stuffed crust with a little olive oil.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve
Let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve hot.
How to Serve
Plating Tips:
Slice into wedges and serve immediately. Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side.
Perfect Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Leftover Uses:
- Store in the fridge for 2-3 days
- Reheat in the oven for best results
- Use cold pizza for a quick snack
Beverage Pairing:
- Soft drinks
- Iced tea
- Beer
Additional Tips
- For extra crispy crust, preheat the pizza pan in the oven
- Use a pizza stone for even baking
- Add extra toppings like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more flavor
- You can use pre-made pizza dough for faster preparation
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace pepperoni with veggies like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers
- Extra Cheesy: Add extra cheese to the crust or toppings
- BBQ Chicken: Use BBQ sauce and top with grilled chicken and red onion
- Spicy: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper for heat
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate: Up to 3 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months (before baking)
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or microwave in short intervals
Special Equipment
- Pizza pan or stone
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it rise at room temperature before shaping.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough can save time and still yield great results.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely, try adding sausage, vegetables, or extra cheese to your liking.
How can I make the crust extra cheesy?
Add shredded mozzarella directly into the dough before rolling it out.
Conclusion
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza. With its cheesy stuffed crust, savory pepperoni, and melty cheese, this homemade pizza is sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a cozy meal.
