Enjoy a golden-baked pizza featuring mozzarella-stuffed edges, topped with zesty sauce, rich mozzarella, and flavorful pepperoni slices. Each bite offers a gooey cheese-filled crust and a delicious combination of melted cheese and savory meat. Finish with a brush of olive oil and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra aroma and taste. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this homemade delight brings a classic pizzeria experience to your kitchen.Stuffed crust pepperoni pizza is the ultimate comfort food when you want bold flavors and gooey cheese in every bite. This homemade version brings pizzeria quality to your kitchen with a buttery crust, loads of melty mozzarella, crispy pepperoni, and that irresistible cheesy stuffed edge. Whether you are hosting friends or craving a cozy family night, get ready to bake a pizza everyone will fight for the last slice
I first tried making this for a birthday party and every guest raved about the gooey crust I have not looked at pizza night the same way since
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: use store bought for quick prep or homemade for extra flavor look for dough that feels elastic and smooth
- Mozzarella string cheese sticks: the secret to a cheesy stuffed edge fresh string cheese melts best and gives a satisfying pull
- Pizza sauce: choose one with a bright tomato flavor and no added sugar or make your own for extra tang
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: always pick whole milk mozzarella for superior melt avoid pre-shredded if possible for best stretch
- Pepperoni slices: turkey or beef work choose ones with deep red color and minimal grease
- Olive oil or melted butter: this makes the crust golden and fragrant cold pressed olive oil lends a fruity touch
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder adds a savory kick italian seasoning brings herby warmth grated parmesan finishes the crust with a nutty flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 425 F or 220 C If you have a pizza stone place it in the oven so it gets piping hot while you work If not grease a pizza pan or baking sheet lightly so nothing sticks
- Shape the Pizza Base:
- Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it forms a twelve inch even circle Move this carefully to your prepared pizza pan or stone
- Stuff the Crust:
- Lay mozzarella string cheese sticks along the edge of the dough leaving about a one inch border Carefully fold the dough over the cheese and gently press around the edge with your fingers until it is fully sealed to lock in the cheese
- Top the Pizza:
- Spoon pizza sauce onto the center of the dough avoiding the crust Spread it out with the back of a spoon for even coverage Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce then place pepperoni slices so every bite gets some
- Flavor and Finish the Crust:
- Brush a generous layer of olive oil or melted butter around the stuffed crust Sprinkle on garlic powder or Italian seasoning if you wish Scatter grated parmesan for added flavor if you like
- Bake:
- Slide the pizza into your oven and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes Check at the fifteen minute mark The crust should turn golden and the cheese should bubble and brown slightly
- Cool and Slice:
- Take the pizza out and let it cool for at least five minutes so the cheese does not spill out when sliced Cut into wedges and serve while the cheese in the crust is still warm and gooey
