Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza nights were a weekly ritual in my house growing up. I remember the sheer excitement of biting into that cheesy, pepperoni-packed slice, the warm, gooey cheese stretching with every pull. My mom, always experimenting, perfected her own version, and this recipe is my spin on her classic. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about recreating those moments of joy and togetherness. The aroma of baking pizza, that perfect blend of cheese, garlic, and pepperoni, is pure comfort. If you’re looking for an easy cheesy garlic pepperoni pizza for lunch or dinner, this is it. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
- It’s a cheesy dream come true! Seriously, that first bite of ooey-gooey cheese is everything.
- The crust is stuffed with gooey mozzarella, making every slice a little party in your mouth.
- It’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Trust me, if I can do it, you can!
- Ready in under an hour, from start to finish. Perfect for those busy weeknights.
- It’s the perfect centerpiece for a family pizza night. Everyone will be begging for seconds.
- This homemade cheese stuffed pepperoni pizza is endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings. Get creative!
- Tastes way better than takeout, and for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you know exactly what’s going in it.
- You’ll totally impress your friends (and yourself!) with your newfound pizza-making skills. This pepperoni pizza with cheese-filled crust is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
- Pizza Dough: 1 package (14-16 ounces) store-bought or homemade. This is the foundation of your pepperoni pizza with stuffed edges, so make sure it’s fresh! I usually grab mine from the local pizzeria.
- Mozzarella String Cheese: 8 sticks, chilled. And trust me, chilling them is key! It helps them hold their shape and not melt too fast inside your cheese stuffed pepperoni pizza.
- Pizza Sauce: 1 cup, use your favorite brand. I always go for a sauce with a little kick, but that’s just me! This is what gives your stuffed crust pizza with pepperoni slices that classic pizza taste.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, because you can never have too much cheese, right? This is the blanket of goodness that covers your homemade stuffed crust pepperoni pizza.
- Pepperoni Slices: 4 ounces. I prefer the slightly thicker, crisped pepperoni, but any kind works for your pepperoni and cheese pizza with a stuffed rim!
- Olive Oil or Butter: 2 tablespoons, for brushing the crust. This gives your crust that beautiful golden-brown color and a delicious flavor. I usually melt the butter with a clove of minced garlic.
- Garlic Powder (optional): 1/2 teaspoon. For that extra zing, I always add a little garlic powder to the crust, but it’s totally up to you.
- Italian Seasoning (optional): 1/2 teaspoon, adds an aromatic touch. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning really elevates this stuffed crust pepperoni pizza recipe!
How to Make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, pop it in the oven while it preheats – trust me, it makes a world of difference for that crispy crust! Don’t forget to grease your pizza pan or baking sheet, too.
- Step 2: Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; we’re going for rustic charm here! Carefully transfer the dough to your prepared pan or pizza stone.
- Step 3: Now for the fun part! Arrange those chilled mozzarella string cheese sticks around the edge of the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space from the edge. This is what makes our homemade cheese stuffed pepperoni pizza so special.
- Step 4: Fold the dough over the cheese sticks, pressing gently to seal the edges and form that glorious stuffed crust. Make sure it’s sealed nice and tight to prevent any cheese from escaping! Nobody wants cheese leakage.
- Step 5: Spread your pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough, leaving that beautiful, soon-to-be-golden stuffed crust uncovered. I like to swirl the sauce around for a fancy touch.
- Step 6: Generously sprinkle your shredded mozzarella cheese all over the sauce. Don’t be shy – we’re making a cheesy masterpiece here! This is what takes it from a regular cheese pizza to a next-level stuffed crust pepperoni pizza.
- Step 7: Arrange your pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese. I like to overlap them slightly for maximum pepperoni coverage. The aroma is already building, isn’t it?
- Step 8: Brush that stuffed crust with olive oil or melted butter. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with garlic powder or Italian seasoning. This will give it a gorgeous golden color and seriously delicious flavor. I’m telling you, this pepperoni pizza with cheese-filled crust is worth it!
- Step 9: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni is slightly crisp around the edges. Keep an eye on it – every oven is different! That’s how you know it’s a perfect stuffed crust pizza with pepperoni slices.
- Step 10: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but trust me, it’s worth the wait! Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, pepperoni goodness! This easy stuffed crust pepperoni pizza is about to become your new favorite.
Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Want to take your homemade stuffed crust pepperoni pizza to the next level? These little tricks will get you there!
What’s the secret to perfect Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza?
- Honestly? It’s all about the cheese! Using cold mozzarella sticks is a game-changer. Trust me, the cold cheese helps it stay put while baking, preventing a melty mess. Plus, using the right amount of cheese ensures that your pepperoni pizza with cheese-filled crust has the perfect cheese pull.
Can I make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can totally prep this cheese stuffed pepperoni pizza ahead of time. Just assemble it up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake your stuffed crust pizza with pepperoni slices, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza?
- The biggest mistake? Not sealing that crust properly! Make sure you tightly seal the stuffed crust to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking. Nobody wants a cheese escape! A good, firm press along the edges will ensure that all that gooey goodness stays right where it belongs in your easy stuffed crust pepperoni pizza.
Best Ways to Serve Your Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
There’s nothing quite like serving up a piping hot Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza fresh from the oven! I always slice it into generous portions, letting that cheesy aroma fill the room. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a fantastic way to balance the richness of this pepperoni pizza with cheese-filled crust. For a more substantial meal, try pairing it with some warm, buttery garlic bread or a comforting bowl of tomato soup. This homemade stuffed crust pepperoni pizza is perfect for family movie nights, game day gatherings, or just a fun, casual dinner with friends. Trust me, everyone will love it!
Nutrition Facts for Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Okay, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition you’re looking at per slice of this delicious pepperoni pizza with cheese-filled crust. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate – it can wiggle around a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use for your homemade stuffed crust pepperoni pizza. But generally, per serving (1 slice), you’re looking at: Calories: 450, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Unsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 60mg, Sodium: 700mg, Carbohydrates: 40g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g, Protein: 20g. Remember, this nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Your Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
So, you’ve made this amazing Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza (or maybe you’ve got leftovers – lucky you!), and now you need to store it. First things first, let it cool down completely. Trust me, soggy pizza is nobody’s friend. Once it’s cool, wrap each slice of your pepperoni pizza with cheese-filled crust tightly in plastic wrap, or pop them into an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out in the fridge. You can store your leftover homemade stuffed crust pepperoni pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is the way to go! For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your cheese stuffed pepperoni pizza again, reheating is key! For the best results, reheat those slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps the crust get nice and crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave slices, but fair warning, the crust might not be as crispy as you remember. Either way, you’re in for a treat! Enjoy your reheated stuffed crust pizza with pepperoni slices!
Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Got questions about making the ultimate Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Let’s tackle some common queries to help you create pizza perfection.
Can I use different types of cheese for the stuffed crust?
Absolutely! While mozzarella string cheese is the classic choice for a pepperoni pizza with cheese-filled crust, feel free to get creative. Provolone offers a slightly sharper flavor, while a blend of mozzarella and cheddar can add a richer, more complex taste to your homemade stuffed crust pepperoni pizza. Just keep in mind that different cheeses have different melting points. How might using a cheese with a lower melting point affect how well the crust holds its shape during baking in your stuffed crust pizza with pepperoni slices?
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No pizza stone? No problem! While a pizza stone is fantastic for achieving a super crispy crust on your cheese stuffed pepperoni pizza, it’s not essential. You can definitely bake your easy stuffed crust pepperoni pizza on a greased baking sheet. Just make sure to preheat the baking sheet along with the oven. Will the baking time for your pepperoni pizza with stuffed edges need to be adjusted if you’re not using a stone? Probably just a tad!
Can I add other toppings to this pizza?
Of course! This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to customize your pepperoni and cheese pizza with a stuffed rim with your favorite toppings. Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, sausage, olives – the possibilities are endless! Just be mindful of moisture content. How might adding more moisture-rich toppings, like sliced tomatoes or pineapple, affect the overall baking time and crust crispiness of your stuffed crust pizza with pepperoni slices?
Is there a way to make a healthier version of this pizza?
Definitely! You can lighten things up and make a healthier version of this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza. Try using whole wheat pizza dough for added fiber, opt for low-fat or part-skim mozzarella cheese to reduce the fat content, and load up on veggies for extra nutrients. And what about the pepperoni? Would swapping regular pepperoni for turkey pepperoni in your homemade stuffed crust pepperoni pizza make a noticeable difference in the overall fat content?
Variations of Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza You Can Try
Okay, so you’ve mastered the classic. Now, let’s get a little wild and explore some fun twists on this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza! Here are a few variations to spice things up:
- Vegan: Craving that cheesy goodness but living that plant-based life? No problem! You can easily whip up a Vegan Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza. Just swap in some vegan dough, grab your favorite vegan mozzarella sticks, and load it up with plant-based pepperoni. Trust me, you won’t miss the dairy!
- Gluten-Free: Got a gluten sensitivity? Don’t let that stop you from enjoying a delicious pepperoni pizza with cheese-filled crust! Simply use gluten-free pizza dough for your Gluten-Free Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza, and double-check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free, too.
- Deep Dish: Want something a little heartier? Try making a Deep Dish Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza! Use a deep dish pizza pan instead of a regular one, and you might need to bump up the baking time a bit to make sure that crust is perfectly cooked through. Talk about a satisfying meal!
- Spicy: Feeling fiery? Kick things up a notch with a Spicy Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza! Just add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your pizza sauce, or use spicy pepperoni. This is the perfect way to add some heat to your pizza night!
Craving Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza? A Delicious Disaster
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy homemade Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza with a cheese-filled crust and classic pepperoni toppings. This recipe guides you through creating a delicious pizza with a golden crust and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: 1 package (store-bought or homemade)
- Mozzarella String Cheese: 8 sticks
- Pizza Sauce: 1 cup
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups
- Pepperoni Slices: 4 ounces
- Olive Oil or Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic Powder (optional): 1/2 teaspoon
- Italian Seasoning (optional): 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place pizza stone in oven if using. Grease pizza pan or baking sheet.
- Roll pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to prepared pan or pizza stone.
- Place mozzarella string cheese around the edge, leaving 1 inch of space. Fold dough over cheese and seal the edges for the stuffed crust.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough, leaving the stuffed crust uncovered.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Add pepperoni slices evenly on top.
- Brush the stuffed crust with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder or Italian seasoning if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown, cheese is melted, and pepperoni is slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, preheat a pizza stone in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven and desired level of crispness.
- Use high-quality pepperoni slices for the best flavor in your stuffed crust pepperoni pizza.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
