Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza – The Ultimate Homemade Comfort Food

Why This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Belongs in Your Recipe Collection

There’s just something magical about biting into a slice of pizza and getting that ooey-gooey cheese-stuffed crust. It turns a regular pizza into a pizzeria-worthy treat — and with this homemade version, you’re skipping the delivery fees and customizing it exactly the way you love.

If you’re craving that classic pepperoni flavor but with an extra-cheesy twist, this recipe will blow your mind. Inspired by favorites like Pizza Hut’s famous stuffed crust, we’ve made it simple, fun, and absolutely crowd-pleasing.

 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough (or use store-bought):

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 ⅓ cups warm water

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Stuffed Crust:

• 8 mozzarella cheese sticks (or string cheese)

• Olive oil for brushing

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

For the Toppings:

• ¾ cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup sliced pepperoni

• Optional: crushed red pepper, fresh basil, grated Parmesan

 How to Make Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza

1. Prepare the Dough (Skip if using store-bought)

• In a large bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

• Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until soft and elastic.

• Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.

2. Shape and Stuff the Crust

• Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Grease a large pizza pan or baking sheet.

• Roll out dough into a large circle, about 14–16 inches.

• Place mozzarella sticks around the edge. Fold dough over each stick and pinch to seal — this creates the stuffed crust.

3. Add the Toppings

• Spread pizza sauce evenly inside the stuffed crust border.

• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously.

• Add a full layer of pepperoni.

• Brush the crust with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

4. Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

• Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

 Tips & Variations

• No string cheese? Use shredded mozzarella rolled tightly and packed into the crust.

• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or hot pepper flakes for a kick.

• Kid-friendly: Let kids help stuff the crust – it’s a fun and easy task.

• Vegetarian option: Replace pepperoni with mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.

 Serving Suggestions

Pair your homemade stuffed crust pepperoni pizza with:

• Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks

• Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad

• A cold soda or a glass of red wine

 Leftovers & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooled slices wrapped in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Use an oven or toaster oven for best results – 375°F for 8–10 minutes.

 FAQs About Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Can I use pre-made dough?
Yes! Store-bought pizza dough or even crescent dough sheets work great.

How do I keep the crust from opening?
Pinch the dough tightly over the cheese sticks and press down with a fork to seal if needed.

Can I use a pizza stone?
Absolutely! Preheat the stone in your oven for a crispier crust.

What cheese works best inside the crust?
Mozzarella sticks are classic, but you can try cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for fun variations.

Final Thoughts

This homemade stuffed crust pepperoni pizza is the ultimate DIY version of a takeout favorite. Whether it’s game night, movie night, or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe delivers big flavor and serious comfort.

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Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

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• Author: kecha

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Description

This stuffed crust pepperoni pizza is a pizzeria-style favorite you can easily make at home. It features a chewy, golden crust filled with gooey mozzarella sticks, topped with zesty sauce, bubbly cheese, and crispy pepperoni — a true comfort food classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough (or use 1 lb store-bought dough):

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 ⅓ cups warm water

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Stuffed Crust:

• 6–8 mozzarella string cheese sticks

• Olive oil (for brushing)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

For the Toppings:

• ½ cup pizza sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup sliced pepperoni

• Optional: crushed red pepper, fresh basil, grated Parmesan

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough (if not using store-bought):
   In a large bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

2. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Lightly grease a large pizza pan or baking sheet.

3. Shape the Dough:
   Roll the dough into a 14–16 inch circle. Arrange mozzarella sticks around the edge and fold the dough over them, sealing tightly to create the stuffed crust.

4. Add Sauce & Toppings:
   Spread pizza sauce over the base. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly, then top with pepperoni slices. Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

5. Bake:
   Bake for 13–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

6. Serve:
   Let cool slightly, then slice and serve hot.

Notes

• Time-saver tip: Use store-bought pizza dough or premade crust to cut prep time.

• Cheese options: You can swap mozzarella sticks with cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.

• Crispy crust trick: Bake on a preheated pizza stone or use a perforated pizza pan.

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.