Save This stuffed crust pepperoni pizza always brings everyone to the table in record time. Melty mozzarella tucked deep inside a golden, chewy crust with spicy pepperoni and bubbling cheese on top makes this the ultimate at-home pizza night. It is perfect for sharing and tastes just as good as your favorite pizzeria—if not better.
My kitchen fills with cheesy aromas every time I bake this pizza. The first time I tried adding mozzarella sticks to the crust, I was amazed by the stretchy cheese pull and how it wowed my family. Now it is one of our most requested recipes for movie nights and sleepovers.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough one pound: Choose a store-bought dough from the refrigerated section or make your own for maximum flavor and freshness
- Mozzarella string cheese sticks six to eight: Go for whole milk mozzarella sticks for the best melt and chewiness in the crust
- Pizza sauce half cup: Use a rich and savory sauce with real tomato flavor and herbs
- Shredded mozzarella cheese two cups: Look for freshly shredded cheese for a meltier top
- Pepperoni slices twenty to twenty-five: Try high-quality beef or turkey pepperoni for more flavor but with less extra grease
- Olive oil or melted butter two tablespoons: Both add shine and browning to the crust choose butter for even more richness
- Optional seasonings garlic powder Italian seasoning grated Parmesan: Sprinkle a bit of each over the crust for an extra savory punch and aroma
Instructions
- Prep the Baking Surface:
- Lightly grease your pizza pan or sheet with a bit of oil or line it with parchment. If using a pizza stone place it in your oven before preheating so it gets piping hot
- Shape the Pizza Dough:
- Roll your pizza dough into a twelve-inch circle on a floured surface. The dough should be even and not too thin so the crust holds its shape
- Stuff the Crust:
- Place mozzarella string cheese sticks end to end all around the edge of your dough leaving a border about one inch wide. Fold that outer edge up and over each cheese stick. Seal the dough tightly by pressing with your fingertips so the cheese stays tucked inside
- Top with Sauce and Cheese:
- Spoon pizza sauce over the center of your dough and spread it evenly with the back of the spoon. Keep the sauce away from the stuffed crust edge so it bakes up crisp
- Add Pepperoni and Seasonings:
- Scatter shredded mozzarella in an even layer over the sauce. Arrange pepperoni slices across the pizza so each slice will get plenty of savory bites
- Brush and Season the Crust:
- Lightly brush the stuffed crust with olive oil or melted butter. Dust with garlic powder and Italian seasoning if you like for a bakery style finish
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake in your hot oven for fifteen to twenty minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling and starting to brown at the edges. For even crispier results bake on a preheated pizza stone
- Rest and Slice:
- Let the pizza cool for five minutes after you pull it from the oven so the cheese settles. Slice into wedges and serve hot so the cheese inside the crust stays gooey
Save My favorite part is always the first slice when the stringy cheese oozes from the crust. My kids are obsessed with helping stuff the edges. We even make silly shapes sometimes just for fun. The memories of laughter around the dinner table only add to this pizza’s appeal
Storage Tips
Allow leftover pizza to cool completely before storing. Place slices in a single layer in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. This keeps the crust from getting soggy in the fridge. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in foil or plastic wrap and freeze them. To reheat, bake slices straight from the fridge or freezer in a hot oven until crisp and bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crust’s texture
Ingredient Substitutions
No string cheese on hand Use cubes or strips of block mozzarella—the important thing is to pick cheese that melts smoothly. Try cheddar or fontina for a different flavor twist. Swap the pepperoni for turkey pepperoni for a lighter pizza, or use vegetarian pepperoni for a meatless version. Gluten-free dough can be used for special diets—just handle gently as it can be stickier when rolling
Serving Suggestions
This pizza is best served piping hot straight from the oven so the stuffed cheese stays melty. A side salad with fresh greens or a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping the stuffed crust edges makes it feel truly special. Add extra toppings like roasted red peppers or mushrooms before baking for a deluxe version. Any leftovers can be packed for school lunches and taste great cold or warmed up
Cultural and Historical Context
Stuffed crust pizza took the world by storm in the mid nineteen nineties as a fun twist on the classic pie. The idea of hiding cheese inside the crust added another layer of excitement especially for families and kids. Today stuffed crust pizzas have become a pizzeria trend but making them at home feels like a creative kitchen adventure. There is something timeless about gathering to make and eat pizza from scratch
Seasonal Adaptations
Use fresh garden veggies like sliced tomatoes and basil in summer for a lighter pie Try roasted squash and sage in autumn for a cozy flavor Embrace olives and pickled cherry peppers for extra zest any time of year
Success Stories
A friend once brought this pizza to a potluck and not a single slice was left. Another time I prepped one ahead of a sleepover, popped it in the oven right as guests arrived, and had the kids crowding around the kitchen watching the bubbly cheese. It never fails to delight both kids and adults
Freezer Meal Conversion
Assemble the pizza all the way up to baking then cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze the whole unbaked pizza on a tray. When ready to bake, unwrap and let it thaw for about thirty minutes. Bake as directed plus a few extra minutes for best results. This method works great for busy nights and ensures homemade flavor is always within reach
Save The best part is watching the cheese stretch with every slice. Stuffed crust pizza night quickly turns any evening into an occasion everyone looks forward to.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you get the crust stuffed with cheese?
Lay mozzarella sticks along the dough's edge, fold dough over, and press to securely seal before baking.
- → What helps crust turn golden and flavorful?
Brush the dough with melted butter or olive oil, add garlic or herbs, and bake at a high temperature.
- → Can you use different toppings?
Yes, add mushrooms, peppers, onions, or olives before baking for extra flavor and texture variety.
- → How do you get a crispier crust?
Bake on a preheated pizza stone, which absorbs moisture and yields a crunchier base and edges.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Keep slices in the fridge for 3 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and crisp.