🧀 Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza – Family Favorite Comfort Classic!

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🍕 Quick Recipe Snapshot

Recipe Name:
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza – Loaded with gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, and a golden cheese-stuffed crust.

Servings & Timing

  • Yield: 8 slices

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30–35 minutes

  • Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

  • Diet Tags: Kid-Friendly, Customizable, Comfort Food

🛒 Ingredients Checklist

→ Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

  • 6–8 mozzarella string cheese sticks

  • ½ cup pizza sauce

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 20–25 pepperoni slices (beef or turkey)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

→ Optional Seasonings (For the Crust)

  • Garlic powder

  • Italian seasoning

  • Grated Parmesan

🔪 Quick Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. If using a pizza stone, preheat it too. Lightly grease your pan if using a sheet.

  2. Roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to your baking pan.

  3. Add cheese sticks around the edge. Fold dough over them and seal to create a stuffed crust.

  4. Spread sauce on the dough center (avoid the crust area).

  5. Add shredded mozzarella and layer pepperoni slices.

  6. Brush crust with olive oil or butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan.

  7. Bake for 15–20 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

  8. Cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

💡 Kristy’s Intro: Why You’ll Love This Pizza

Let’s talk about that crave-worthy moment when you pull apart a slice and get that epic cheese stretch! That’s the beauty of this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza. It’s the ultimate comfort food—easy to make at home, endlessly customizable, and yes, the kids will absolutely beg for it again.

This recipe was born on a Friday night when takeout just wasn’t going to cut it. I had some leftover dough and string cheese in the fridge, and bam—stuffed crust magic happened. 💫

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep & Preheat

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

  • If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

  • Grease a baking sheet or pizza pan lightly with oil or spray.

2. Roll & Form the Crust

  • On a floured surface, roll out dough to a 12-inch circle.

  • Move it to your prepared pan or stone.

3. Stuff That Crust!

  • Lay mozzarella string cheese sticks end-to-end around the dough’s edge.

  • Fold the dough over the cheese and press to seal, creating that gooey ring of goodness.

4. Sauce & Toppings

  • Spread pizza sauce in the center.

  • Add shredded mozzarella, then layer with pepperoni slices.

5. Brush & Season

  • Brush the crust with melted butter or olive oil.

  • Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

6. Bake to Perfection

  • Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

7. Slice & Serve

  • Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.

  • Serve hot and enjoy your homemade pizza night win!

🧂 Ingredient Notes & Tips

  • Dough: Homemade, store-bought, or even W-W friendly 2-ingredient dough works.

  • Cheese Sticks: Part-skim mozzarella sticks melt best and fit perfectly inside crust.

  • Toppings: Try mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, onions—or keep it classic with pepperoni.

  • Sauce: Marinara, pesto, or a garlic white sauce all work well!

🍽️ Storage & Reheating

  • Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Freeze: Freeze cooked slices for up to 2 months—wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags.

  • Reheat: Oven or toaster oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes keeps the crust crisp.

🧮 Nutritional Info (Per Slice Estimate)

Calories Protein Carbs Fat
320 15g 28g 18g

W-W Tip: Swap full-fat cheese and pepperoni with turkey alternatives and use W-W 2-ingredient dough for a lower-point version.

❓ FAQs

Can I use W-W friendly dough?
Yes! The classic 2-ingredient dough (self-rising flour + Greek yogurt) works perfectly here.

How do I keep the crust from leaking cheese?
Make sure you seal the edges tightly—pinch and press all the way around.

What cheese is best for inside the crust?
Mozzarella string cheese melts evenly without oozing too much. You can also use slices rolled up tightly.

📝 Kristy’s Final Note

There’s something joyful about making pizza at home—especially when you level up with a stuffed crust. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary Friday into a full-on pizza party. Whether you’re baking with the kids or showing off at game night, this one’s going to be a keeper.

🍕 More Easy Pizza Night Recipes

  • Air Fryer Mini Pepperoni Pizzas

  • W-W Cauliflower Crust Pizza

  • Garlic Bread Pizza Boats

  • BBQ Chicken Naan Flatbread Pizza

💬 Join the Kitchen Party!

Did you try this recipe? Snap a pic, tag me @KristyCookRecipes, and share your pizza night with the world! Leave a rating below—I’d love to hear how you made it your own! 🍕💛

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