Name: Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ball pizza dough (about 1 lb); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup pizza sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 25–30 slices pepperoni; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; All-purpose flour (for dusting)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about pulling a piping hot Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza from your oven, mozzarella stretching temptingly with each glorious bite. This isn’t just pizza; it’s a celebration of gooey cheese, a crisp golden crust with a secret cheesy surprise, zesty sauce, and plenty of spicy pepperoni. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy night in, this pizza guarantees that every slice is stuffed with flavor, fun, and the kind of joy you only find when homemade meets over-the-top delicious.

Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this pizza is in its foolproof ingredients—simple, familiar, and each chosen for maximum impact. Every component adds its own flair, from the plush dough to the classic seasonings that make each bite irresistible.

Pizza dough (about 1 lb): The foundation of your Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza; a good dough bakes up soft inside with a perfect, chewy finish.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, for stuffing): This is what makes that gooey stuffed crust so irresistible; use low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt.
Pizza sauce (1 cup): Pick a robust, zesty tomato sauce to bring a punch of flavor to every slice.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups, for topping): The extra layer ensures you get that glorious cheesy pull and bubbling top.
Pepperoni slices (25–30): Opt for classic or spicy pepperoni to crown your pizza with savory, crispy circles.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A light brush before baking makes the crust golden and adds a touch of richness.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends that classic pizzeria aroma and a subtle savoriness to the crust.
Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A sprinkle over the crust infuses each bite with herby notes.
All-purpose flour (for dusting): Prevents sticking while you work the dough, keeping your pizza-making frustration-free.

How to Make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by firing up your oven to a hot 475°F (245°C). It’s the secret to that extra-crisp crust. While the oven heats, lightly dust your counter with flour—and just seeing that little cloud of flour will put you in the pizza-making mood.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Take your pizza dough and roll it into a 14-inch circle. You want to aim for a fairly even thickness—think thin in the center and a bit chunkier at the edges. Place the dough on a greased or parchment-lined 12-inch pizza pan or stone, making sure the edges hang over a bit. This extra dough is what lets you master that crave-worthy stuffed crust!

Step 3: Stuff the Crust

Grab 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella and arrange it in a generous ring around the outer edge of the dough. Gently fold the edges of dough up and over, sealing the cheese inside with a pinch. Don’t be shy—press firmly! This is where the magic happens, and where your Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza truly outshines any takeout pie.

Step 4: Sauce and Cheese

Spread your pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough, right up to that thick, cheesy crust. Top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, scattering it all the way to the edges for those lovely golden bubbles.

Step 5: Add the Pepperoni

Now for the fun part—cover the cheese with your pepperoni slices. Go classic and make concentric circles, or scatter them randomly for a touch of rustic charm. Don’t hold back!

Step 6: Flavor Up the Crust

Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil with the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush this over the stuffed crust to give each bite a deliciously herby, golden finish. The aroma as it bakes is simply irresistible.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pizza into the oven and let it bake for 12–15 minutes. The goal? Golden edges, bubbling cheese, and that signature Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza cheesy pull. Let it cool for 5 minutes out of the oven—though waiting is the hardest part!—then slice and serve.

How to Serve Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for vibrant color and a hint of freshness. A final flourish of grated parmesan or red pepper flakes adds a custom touch, and for garlic lovers, a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil makes each slice extra aromatic.

Side Dishes

Pair your Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza with a crisp Caesar salad or classic garlic knots for that true pizzeria experience. Another winning combo is a side of roasted veggies to round out your meal or a simple bowl of marinara for dipping the stuffed crust.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve each slice with a small cup of warm sauce for dunking that melty crust. For parties, try slicing the pizza into strips for easy sharing, or make mini versions for an appetizer table centerpiece—they’ll disappear in no time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza keeps beautifully in the fridge. Wrap slices tightly in foil or store in an airtight container for up to three days—making it a winner for lunchboxes and quick dinners.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this pizza! Let the slices cool completely, then wrap individually and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months and taste just as dreamy reheated.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F until the cheese is melty and the crust is crisp again—usually about 8 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch but produces a softer crust.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time and still bakes up deliciously. Just make sure to let it rest at room temperature before rolling for best results.

What’s the secret to getting a crispy stuffed crust?

Make sure you preheat your oven fully and roll your dough evenly. Brushing the crust with seasoned olive oil also helps create that deep golden, crispy texture.

Can I add other toppings to my Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza?

Definitely—feel free to add your favorites such as mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of hot chili flakes under the cheese for a spicy kick.

How do I keep the cheese from oozing out of the stuffed crust?

Seal the dough well over the cheese, giving it a good pinch all around. If you’re worried, you can also tuck the dough slightly under to double-seal before baking.

Is there a quick tip for stuffing the crust?

Yes! String cheese makes stuffing super easy—just lay sticks end to end around the edge and fold the dough over for perfectly even cheesy pockets.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is pure joy in every slice, with that surprise of gooey cheese tucked into every bite. It’s a recipe so fun to make and so mouthwatering to eat, you’ll want to try it for your next pizza night! Gather your favorite people, roll up your sleeves, and savor the cheesy, pepperoni-packed goodness together.

Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate pizza experience with this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza recipe. A delicious homemade pizza featuring a flavorful stuffed crust filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and topped with savory pepperoni slices.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough:

1 ball pizza dough (about 1 lb)

Stuffed Crust:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Topping:

1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
25–30 slices pepperoni

Additional:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
All-purpose flour (for dusting)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface, then transfer it to a pizza pan.
Stuff the Crust: Line the edge of the dough with mozzarella, fold over, and seal tightly.
Add Toppings: Spread sauce, cheese, and pepperoni over the dough.
Season and Bake: Mix olive oil with seasonings, brush over crust, then bake for 12–15 minutes.
Serve: Let cool before slicing and serving.