Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza folds mozzarella string cheese into the edge of a twelve-inch dough round, then covers the center with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and pepperoni. The sealed rim bakes into a golden crust with a molten cheese center.
This recipe makes 1 large pizza and serves 6. It takes 15 minutes to prepare, 20 minutes to cook, and 35 minutes total, plus a required 5-minute cooling period before slicing.
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza Ingredients
For the base, use 1 pound store-bought or homemade pizza dough, 6–8 mozzarella string cheese sticks, and 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter. The accepted image uses 8 sticks and olive oil, both within the exact recipe choices.
The topping requires ½ cup pizza sauce, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, and 20–25 pepperoni slices; 24 are used here. Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan are optional crust seasonings.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Chile Relleno Burrito.
How to Make Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
- Heat the oven to 425°F. Preheat a pizza stone if using one; otherwise grease a pizza pan or large baking sheet.
- Roll 1 pound dough into a 12-inch circle and transfer it to the prepared surface.
- Arrange 6–8 string cheeses around the edge, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold dough over and seal firmly.
- Spread ½ cup sauce inside the rim.
- Add 2 cups shredded mozzarella and 20–25 pepperoni slices.
- Brush the crust with 2 tablespoons oil or butter and add optional seasonings.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly, then cool 5 minutes.
For storage details after serving, the USDA leftovers and food safety guidance.
Preheat the Baking Surface
Roll a Twelve-Inch Circle
Position Six to Eight Cheese Sticks
Seal the Stuffed Rim Firmly
Keep Sauce Inside the Border
Add Two Cups Mozzarella
Use Twenty to Twenty-Five Pepperoni
Brush with Oil or Butter
Bake for Fifteen to Twenty Minutes
Cool for Five Minutes
Serve Six Balanced Portions
Avoid Cheese Leaks
Conclusion
At 425°F, roll 1 pound dough into a 12-inch circle. Place 6–8 mozzarella string cheeses 1 inch inside the edge, fold dough over, and seal. Spread ½ cup pizza sauce in the center, add 2 cups shredded mozzarella and 20–25 pepperoni. Brush the rim with 2 tablespoons oil or butter and optional seasonings. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly, then cool 5 minutes before serving 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How many string cheese sticks go in the crust?
Use 6–8 mozzarella string cheese sticks; the accepted images show exactly 8.
- → How many pepperoni slices should be used?
Use 20–25 slices. The photographed version uses exactly 24.
- → What temperature should the pizza bake at?
Bake it at 425°F for 15–20 minutes.
- → Why does the pizza rest before slicing?
A 5-minute rest lets the very hot melted cheese settle for safer, cleaner cutting.