Name: Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks; 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 20–25 slices pepperoni; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

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Cheesy, gooey, and packed with layers of melty mozzarella and crisp pepperoni, this stuffed crust pepperoni pizza brings that beloved pizzeria taste straight to my kitchen. With a thick ring of cheese tucked into the crust and a perfectly seasoned top, it's everything I want in a comfort food classic. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy night in, this pizza hits the spot every time.

Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

8 mozzarella string cheese sticks

½ cup pizza sauce

20–25 slices pepperoni

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and lightly grease my pizza pan or baking sheet.

I roll out the pizza dough into a large circle and arrange the mozzarella string cheese sticks around the edge. Then I fold the dough over the cheese and press to seal, creating that iconic stuffed crust.

I spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving the edges uncovered.

I sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then layer on the pepperoni slices.

I finish it off with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

I brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle it with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

I bake the pizza for 12–15 minutes, until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbling.

I top with fresh basil (optional), then slice and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 8 slices

Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per slice

Variations

I like to switch out the pepperoni for other toppings like mushrooms, sausage, or veggies.

For a spicy kick, I sometimes add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños before baking.

I’ve used cheddar or provolone in the stuffed crust for a twist on the classic mozzarella filling.

To keep it vegetarian, I just skip the pepperoni and load it up with sautéed spinach, bell peppers, and onions.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I keep slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I reheat, I prefer using the oven or a skillet over the microwave—it keeps the crust from getting soggy. A quick 5–7 minutes at 375°F in the oven or a few minutes in a covered skillet on the stovetop works best for bringing back that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.

FAQs

How do I keep the stuffed crust from opening while baking?

I make sure to press the dough tightly around the cheese sticks and seal it firmly. A little water on the edge before folding helps it stick better.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

Yes, I can use pre-shredded mozzarella, but I find freshly shredded cheese melts a bit more smoothly and evenly.

What kind of pizza dough works best?

I’ve used both homemade and store-bought dough with success. A classic white or Neapolitan-style dough works best for achieving a chewy crust.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

Yes, I can assemble the pizza and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 4 hours before baking. I just let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats.

Can I freeze the stuffed crust pizza?

Absolutely. After baking, I let it cool completely, wrap slices individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in a 375°F oven until hot.

Conclusion

This stuffed crust pepperoni pizza is the kind of meal I make when I want something over-the-top delicious without a lot of fuss. It's satisfying, customizable, and perfect for when I want to turn a regular pizza night into something extra special. Whether it's for family, friends, or just myself, this cheesy masterpiece always delivers.

Recipe:

Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 slices
Diet: Halal

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Description

Cheesy and indulgent, this homemade stuffed crust pepperoni pizza delivers pizzeria-quality flavor with gooey mozzarella tucked into the crust, crisp pepperoni on top, and a perfectly seasoned finish.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet.
Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle. Arrange the mozzarella string cheese sticks around the edge. Fold the dough over the cheese and press to seal to form the stuffed crust.
Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving the edges uncovered.
Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
Layer the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
Top with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Garnish with fresh basil if using, slice, and serve hot.