Stuffed Pizza Crust Recipe

The ultimate Stuffed Pizza Crust recipe brings the best part of the pizzeria experience right into your own kitchen. It is made with simple ingredients like store-bought pizza dough, mozzarella string cheese, pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings. This recipe creates a perfectly cheesy, savory, and satisfying pizza with a fun, gooey surprise in every bite of the crust. Perfect for a family pizza night or a game-day feast, this easy method serves 2-4 people and will instantly upgrade your homemade pizza game.

Stuffed Pizza Crust Ingredients

For the Stuffed Crust:

• 1 lb (450g) refrigerated pizza dough
• 6-8 mozzarella string cheese sticks

For the Pizza Toppings:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1.5 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or toppings of your choice)

For the Garlic Butter Crust (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of dried oregano

How To Make Stuffed Pizza Crust

1. Prepare your oven and dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 14-inch circle. Transfer the dough to your prepared pan.
2. Arrange the string cheese: Place the mozzarella string cheese sticks around the perimeter of the dough, about 1 inch from the edge. You can cut them to fit and lay them end-to-end to form a complete circle.
3. Fold and seal the crust: Gently fold the outer edge of the dough up and over the string cheese. Press down firmly to pinch the dough against the base, sealing the cheese inside. This creates the stuffed crust.
4. Add the toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly inside the stuffed crust border. Sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese and arrange your pepperoni slices or other toppings over the cheese.
5. Brush the crust: If using, mix the melted butter and garlic powder in a small bowl. Brush this mixture all over the stuffed crust. This step will give it a beautiful golden color and extra flavor.
6. Bake the pizza: Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese in the center is bubbly and melted.
7. Rest and serve: Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut.

Recipe Tips

• Use Low-Moisture Mozzarella: For both the stuffing and the topping, it’s best to use low-moisture mozzarella (like string cheese and pre-shredded cheese). It melts beautifully without releasing too much water, which can make the dough soggy.
• Seal the Crust Tightly: Take a moment to pinch the dough firmly after you fold it over the cheese. A tight seal is the key to preventing melted cheese from leaking out all over your pan during baking.
• Don’t Stretch the Dough Too Thin: Make sure the base of your pizza is not overly thin, especially if you plan on adding several toppings. A sturdy base will support the weight and prevent the center from becoming soggy.
• A Hot Oven is Essential: Baking pizza at a high temperature is crucial for getting a crust that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just like at your favorite pizza place.

What To Serve Stuffed Pizza Crust

This Stuffed Pizza Crust pizza is a fantastic meal all on its own. For a classic pizza night experience, serve it with a side of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping the crust. A simple green salad with a light Italian vinaigrette offers a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, cheesy pizza. For a bigger spread, add some classic sides like chicken wings, garlic knots, or a bowl of olives.

How To Store Stuffed Pizza Crust Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil and place them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: For the best results, reheat pizza slices on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven or in an air fryer for 5-8 minutes until the crust is crisp and the cheese is remelted. Reheating in the microwave is quick but will result in a softer crust.

Stuffed Pizza Crust Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of pizza)

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 17g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe? Yes, absolutely! Your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe will work perfectly. Just make sure you make enough for a 14-inch pizza to have enough dough to fold over the cheese sticks.
• Can I stuff the crust with other types of cheese? You can, but for the best melt and least amount of grease, stick to firm, low-moisture cheeses. Cheddar cheese sticks or pepper jack sticks would be fun and flavorful variations.
• Why did cheese leak out of my crust? If cheese leaked out during baking, the crust likely wasn’t sealed properly. Next time, try to pinch the seam a little more firmly. You can even brush the edge of the dough with a tiny bit of water before folding it over to help create a stronger seal.

Try More Recipes:

• Stuffed Shells Recipe
• Summer Vegetable Enchiladas Recipe
• Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe