One snowed-in weekend, the roads were slick, the trees glistened with frost, and everything felt still, except my kitchen. My former coworker Harold, now retired like me, had dropped by with a basket of groceries after hearing I was stuck indoors. He always had a soft spot for old-school comfort food, and when he spotted a pack of string cheese on my counter, he grinned and said, “We’re stuffing the crust, aren’t we?”
We spent the afternoon rolling dough, sharing stories about school staff meetings and forgotten lunchboxes, and sneaking pepperoni slices while the oven preheated. The warmth of the kitchen made up for the cold outside.
As the scent of bubbling cheese and garlic butter filled the air, even the neighbor’s teen wandered over, drawn in by the smell. He didn’t say much, but he did polish off two big slices with a look that said more than words ever could.
That pizza came out golden and gooey, its crust hiding melted cheese like a surprise gift. It brought back memories of arcade tokens, jukeboxes, and greasy pizza boxes on Friday nights back in the ‘70s. We served it straight from the pan on mismatched plates, steam rising in curls.
No fancy table setting, just good food, shared warmth, and the kind of chatter that only happens when you’re elbow-deep in mozzarella and memories.
Short Description
This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza features a crispy, golden crust filled with gooey mozzarella, topped with tangy sauce, bubbly cheese, and savory pepperoni. It’s easy to make, fun to customize, and brings the pizzeria magic right to your kitchen.
Key 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 slices pepperoni (beef or turkey)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Optional Seasonings:
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Grated Parmesan
Tools Needed
- Rolling pin
- Pizza pan or baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Oven-safe stone (optional but ideal for crispiness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats. If not, lightly grease a baking sheet or pizza pan.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. It should be about 1/4 inch thick—thin enough to cook through, but sturdy enough to hold that gooey stuffed edge.
Step 3: Stuff the Crust
Lay mozzarella string cheese sticks around the edge, leaving about a 1-inch border. Carefully fold the dough over the cheese and press firmly to seal. You want the cheese fully enclosed, so it doesn’t melt out during baking.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread pizza sauce over the center, avoiding the crust. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella. Top with pepperoni slices, arranging them so every bite gets a bit.
Step 5: Brush the Crust
Brush the stuffed crust with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or grated Parmesan for an extra punch of flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Place in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. The crust should turn golden brown, and the cheese should bubble and lightly brown. Rotate halfway through for even baking if needed.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and keeps those slices clean. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy pull!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Surprise: The stuffed crust is a treat all on its own, oozing melty mozzarella in every bite.
Pizzeria-Style at Home: Skip delivery, this one’s crispier, cheesier, and fully customizable.
Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love a cheesy crust and classic pepperoni toppings.
Custom-Friendly: You can swap out ingredients or get creative with sauces and add-ons.
Easy to Make: No special equipment, no tricky steps—just simple, satisfying homemade pizza.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Crust Not Sealed Properly: If your cheese leaks out, the dough wasn’t pressed firmly. Pinch or roll the edge tighter.
Soggy Center: Using too much sauce can cause sogginess. Stick to 1/2 cup or less, spread evenly.
Undercooked Dough: If your crust is pale underneath, use a preheated stone or bake on the lowest oven rack.
Burning Cheese on Edges: Keep sauce and cheese inside the borders. Any spillover can burn quickly.
Overcrowding Toppings: More isn’t always better. Too many toppings can weigh down the dough and make it soggy.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Main Dish Style: Serve sliced with a side salad for balance. Caesar or arugula works great.
Party Style: Cut into squares and serve on a platter with dipping sauces—ranch, garlic butter, or spicy marinara.
Drink Pairings: Pairs well with soda, root beer, or a light red like Pinot Noir. For kids, sparkling apple juice is always a hit.
Family-Style: Let it rest in the center of the table and let everyone grab a slice.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers: Wrap slices in foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating (Oven): Reheat at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy.
Reheating (Skillet): Place slice in a covered nonstick skillet over low heat for 5–6 minutes.
Avoid Microwaving: It softens the crust and makes it rubbery. Only use if you’re in a rush.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular mozzarella instead of string cheese?
Yes, but it won’t hold shape as well. Cut it into sticks and freeze for 10 minutes before stuffing the crust.
2. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free dough?
Absolutely. Just follow the same method and adjust baking time as needed, check the crust for browning.
3. How can I make this vegetarian?
Skip the pepperoni and load on veggies like mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers. Just don’t overload or it’ll get soggy.
4. Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can prep the dough and stuff the crust earlier in the day. Just cover and refrigerate. Add sauce and toppings just before baking.
5. What can I do if I don’t have a rolling pin?
Use a wine bottle, glass jar, or press the dough out with your hands. It doesn’t have to be a perfect circle.
Tips & Tricks
Use cold string cheese to prevent early melting.
Dust your baking pan with cornmeal for extra crunch.
Slice pepperoni thinner if you want more coverage without heaviness.
Let the dough rest at room temp for 20 minutes before rolling—it’s easier to stretch.
For crispier crust, par-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Recipe Variations
1. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Crust Pizza
Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce
Use shredded cooked chicken, red onions, and smoked Gouda
Add chopped cilantro after baking
2. Spicy Jalapeño and Sausage Pizza
Add crumbled cooked Italian sausage
Top with sliced jalapeños and red pepper flakes
Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for more bite
3. White Garlic Pizza
Replace tomato sauce with a garlic cream sauce
Add spinach, roasted garlic, and ricotta dollops
Brush crust with garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley
4. Breakfast Pizza
Use scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage
Replace sauce with a thin layer of cream cheese
Top with cheddar and bake as directed
Final Thoughts
We didn’t plan for that snowy afternoon to turn into a mini gathering, but the stuffed crust pepperoni pizza had a way of pulling people together. Before we knew it, the kitchen was full—of laughter, of warmth, of people wiping cheese off their chins. I wrapped up two slices for Harold to take home, though I’m fairly sure he ate one before he reached the driveway.
Sometimes, the best meals aren’t the ones you plan. They’re the ones that sneak up on you while you’re snowed in, with an old friend, a warm oven, and a pizza that reminds you why homemade will always taste better.
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Print ThisIngredients
- 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 slices pepperoni (beef or turkey)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Optional Seasonings:
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Grated Parmesan
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Use a pizza stone if you have one; otherwise, grease a baking sheet or pizza pan.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Roll dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface, about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 3: Stuff the Crust
Place string cheese around the edge, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold dough over and seal tightly.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread sauce over the center. Add shredded mozzarella and top with pepperoni.
Step 5: Brush the Crust
Brush the crust with olive oil or butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Bake for 15–20 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Rotate halfway if needed.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy that cheesy pull!
