Oh, you guys! Let me tell you about my Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a whole memory wrapped in cheesy, pepperoni goodness. I remember the first time I tried to make a Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza. I envisioned this gorgeous, perfectly round pizza with a crust practically bursting with melted mozzarella. What I ended up with looked more like a pepperoni-covered blob with cheese leaking out everywhere! The kids still devoured it, of course, but it definitely wasn’t picture-perfect. That was years ago and I have honed the recipe over the years.

It all started because store-bought pizzas just weren’t cutting it. They were either too expensive, didn’t have enough toppings, or the crust was just plain sad. So, I took matters into my own hands, determined to create a Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza that would satisfy even the pickiest eaters (looking at you, little one!). This recipe has become a staple. It’s the Friday night go-to, the “I don’t feel like cooking” savior, and the “everyone’s happy” meal.

This journey wasn’t always smooth, but after a few mishaps (we don’t talk about the burnt cheese incident of ’18), I finally cracked the code. Now, even on the busiest school nights, I can whip up this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza and watch my family’s faces light up. It’s pure comfort food, made with love (and a whole lot of cheese!). This version of pepperoni stuffed crust is now so easy, and I cannot wait to teach you how to make this.

Come on, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry if you are not a master pizza maker. I have many tips and tricks to get you through it and I can promise you will be making this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza over and over!

Ingredients for the Best Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, I often grab the pre-made dough from my local grocery)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
48 pepperoni slices (about 1/4 inch thick)
1/2 cup pizza sauce (I prefer a simple marinara)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Cornmeal, for dusting

Ingredient Notes

When I am making my Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza, I always use full-fat mozzarella for the best melt. I’ve tried the low-fat versions, and they just don’t give you that ooey-gooey cheese pull that everyone loves. Also, look for pepperoni that is not too thin – you want it to hold up well during baking. I usually find it at the deli counter. You can always use pre-shredded cheese, but grating your own from a block will give you a better, fresher flavor when making Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza.

When it comes to the pizza sauce, you can really use whatever you like. I usually go with a simple jarred marinara sauce to save time, but sometimes It just depends on how much time I have. One Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza trick I learned from my mom is to always have extra pizza dough on hand in the freezer. You never know when a pizza craving will strike!

For a cost-saving tip, check out your local discount grocer. They often have great deals on cheese and pepperoni. Remember to store any leftover mozzarella in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It usually lasts for about a week. This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is truly one that can be customized based on budget, time and preferences.

How to Make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to create your own stuffed crust masterpiece:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet and dust it with cornmeal. This will help prevent the Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza from sticking.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 14-inch circle. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; we’re going for rustic charm here! Transfer the dough to the prepared pizza pan.
Lay the mozzarella cheese around the edge of the dough, leaving about an inch of space from the edge. You will want about half the mozzarella for the filling. You will want to create a ring of cheese!
Fold the edge of the dough over the cheese, pressing down gently to seal. Don’t worry if your Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza crust isn’t perfectly even; it adds character!
Brush the stuffed crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and dried oregano. This will give it a nice golden color and delicious flavor.
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough inside the stuffed crust. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and top with pepperoni slices.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of the pizza.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. In my kitchen, a Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza usually takes about 22 minutes, but oven times can vary. I learned the hard way with Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza that watching it closely is important!
Let the Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The aroma alone is worth the wait! While the Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is cooking, I usually make a simple salad or prepare some garlic bread to go with it. Your Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza should smell like warm dough, melted cheese, and savory pepperoni. It is truly one of the most comforting scents.

Serving Suggestions

The kids love our Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza when I cut it into small squares and serve it with a side of baby carrots and ranch dressing. It’s a fun, kid-friendly way to enjoy it. My husband and I, we usually go for larger slices with a side of Caesar salad. The crisp lettuce and creamy dressing are the perfect complement to the rich Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza.

This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is perfect for a casual family dinner, a game night with friends, or even a birthday party. It’s always a crowd-pleaser. For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor.

If you have extra Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza, it’s delicious reheated in the oven or microwave. You can also chop it up and add it to a salad for a fun twist. If you are looking to make the leftovers into something else, consider trying a cinnamon sugar pizza.

In the summertime, I sometimes add fresh tomatoes and basil to the Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza for a seasonal variation. My friends always ask for this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza recipe, and I’m always happy to share it. It’s a recipe that’s meant to be shared and enjoyed! The joy that this pizza brings to my family is unmatched.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese for the stuffed crust?Absolutely! You can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses. I’ve even tried a Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza with a mix of mozzarella and provolone, and it was delicious.
What if my pizza dough is too sticky?Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Just add a little more flour to your work surface and to your hands. You can also try chilling the dough for a few minutes, which will make it easier to handle.
Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?Yes, you can. I often make the pizza dough in the morning and let it rise in the refrigerator all day. This actually improves the flavor and texture of the dough.
How do I prevent the bottom of the pizza from getting soggy?Make sure your oven is hot enough, and use a pizza stone or baking steel if you have one. These will help to conduct heat evenly and prevent the bottom of the pizza from getting soggy. I learned this after a few soggy Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza disasters!
Can I add other toppings to the pizza?Of course! Feel free to add any toppings you like, such as mushrooms, onions, peppers, or olives. The beauty of homemade pizza is that you can customize it to your liking. This would make a Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza really delicious!
What if my stuffed crust doesn’t seal properly?Just pinch the dough together firmly to seal it. You can also brush the edge of the dough with a little water before folding it over to help it stick. You know what I do when my Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza does not want to stay? I add a bit of cheese to those stubborn spots.
Can I freeze the Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza?I haven’t personally tried freezing it, but I can see a few possible issues. One, the cheese might not hold its texture well after it is defrosted. Another thing to worry about is the pepperoni having too much moisture. Stuffed Crust Pizza Recipe – Sugar Salt Magic

Final Thoughts on My Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of all the fun times we’ve had in the kitchen as a family. It’s a recipe that brings us together and creates lasting memories.

My Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Pro Tips:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses in the crust.
Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust.
Pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings to prevent sogginess.

Some Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza variations we’ve tried include adding roasted garlic to the crust, using a spicy marinara sauce, and topping it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. I make sure that the topping is not too spicy for the kids, though.

My oldest loves the version with roasted garlic, while my youngest prefers the classic Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza with just cheese and pepperoni. No matter which version we make, it’s always a hit.

I encourage you to make this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza your own. Add your favorite toppings, experiment with different cheeses, and have fun with it! I hope your Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza cooking experience is filled with laughter, delicious smells, and happy memories. How to Make Stuffed Crust Pizza – Sally’s Baking Addiction

Don’t worry if you are not great at making this version of the Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza. It takes some practice to get it right, but with enough patience, you too, can master it. I truly believe you can make the most amazing Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza right in your own kitchen! Perhaps, you should try making mozzarella stuffed soft pretzels! Homemade Stuffed Pizza Crust – Southern Plate

Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Print Recipe

Indulge in a homemade Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza, featuring a cheesy, flavorful crust and classic pepperoni topping. This recipe brings the pizzeria experience right to your kitchen!

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
8 ounces mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half
1/2 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup pepperoni slices
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 14-inch circle.
Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pizza pan. Arrange the mozzarella cheese sticks around the edge of the dough, leaving about 1 inch of dough exposed.
Fold the edge of the dough over the cheese sticks and pinch to seal, forming the stuffed crust.
Brush the stuffed crust with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano.
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the center of the pizza dough.
Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and top with pepperoni slices.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a spicier pizza, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the pepperoni.