Few things beat the satisfaction of a cheesy, golden, bubbling slice of pizza fresh out of the oven—especially when it’s homemade and loaded with flavor. But what if we take it a step further and stuff the crust with gooey mozzarella cheese, then top the pizza with layers of spicy pepperoni? That’s what this Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza recipe is all about: indulgent, fun, and totally satisfying.
Whether you’re making it for a weekend treat, a movie night at home, or simply want to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills, this pizza is a must-try. You don’t need a wood-fired oven or fancy tools—just a rolling pin, some pantry ingredients, and a serious love for all things cheesy.
In this article, we’ll cover everything from making the dough from scratch, to crafting the perfect tomato sauce, choosing the best mozzarella, and even tips for achieving a crispy-yet-soft crust. Let’s dive into the magic of homemade pizza baking!
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
- Homemade goodness: Everything is made from scratch with simple ingredients.
- Cheese in every bite: The stuffed crust makes every slice extra satisfying.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, herbs, or even switch out the pepperoni.
- Fun to make: This is a great recipe to get kids involved in the kitchen.
- Better than takeout: You control the ingredients, flavors, and freshness.
🍕 Ingredients
For the Dough (makes one 12-inch pizza)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Stuffed Crust and Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for stuffing and topping)
- 10–12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or sliced mozzarella for the crust)
- 20–30 slices pepperoni
- Optional: red chili flakes, fresh basil, or extra cheese for topping
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. - Make the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. - Knead it:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. - Let it rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Homemade Pizza Sauce
- Sauté garlic:
Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. - Add tomatoes and herbs:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it cool.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking tray inside.
- This helps achieve that beautiful, crispy bottom crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Roll the dough:
On a floured surface, roll your dough out into a 14-inch circle. The extra size is important to fold over the cheese for the stuffed crust. - Stuff the crust:
Place the mozzarella sticks or slices in a circle around the outer edge of the dough. Fold the edges over the cheese and press to seal. You now have a stuffed crust! - Add sauce:
Spread a generous layer of the cooled tomato sauce over the center. - Add cheese and pepperoni:
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then layer on the pepperoni slices.
Step 5: Bake!
- Transfer to hot tray or pizza stone:
Carefully slide your pizza onto the hot tray or stone using parchment paper or a pizza peel. - Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Let your pizza cool for a few minutes to set the cheese, then slice and enjoy the glorious stuffed crust with a side of garlic dipping sauce or marinara.
👨👩👧👦 Tips for Pizza Night Success
- Make it ahead: The dough and sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper for some heat.
- Try different cheeses: Provolone, cheddar, or gouda make great additions.
- Use chapati flour: For a more wholesome crust, try substituting half the flour with chapati (atta) flour for a rustic twist.
- Double the batch: Want two pizzas? Just double the ingredients—no one ever regrets extra pizza.
🍴 Pairing Ideas
This pizza pairs beautifully with:
- Caesar salad or a crisp garden salad
- Garlic knots or breadsticks
- Lemon iced tea, cola, or a fruity mocktail
- Chocolate chip cookies or brownies for dessert
🌿 Variations to Try
1. Veggie Lovers’ Stuffed Crust Pizza
Add mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and onions with a dash of Italian seasoning.
2. Meat Feast Pizza
Add sausage, ham, and bacon with extra mozzarella and BBQ drizzle.
3. Margherita Stuffed Crust Pizza
Simple tomato slices, mozzarella, and fresh basil with a garlic butter brushed crust.
4. Spicy Chicken Pizza
Tandoori or BBQ chicken, onions, and jalapeños with chipotle mayo drizzle.
📌 Easy Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers: Wrap slices in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Heat in an oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–6 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain crust crispiness.
- Freeze it: Par-bake the crust for 5 minutes, let cool, add toppings, and freeze for a DIY frozen pizza.
📷 Cooking and Baking Fun for the Whole Family
Making pizza at home can be an interactive experience. Kids can help shape the dough, place the pepperoni, or even brush the crust with garlic butter. Get creative with toppings and let each family member design their own half!
If you’re someone who enjoys both cooking and baking, this recipe brings the two together beautifully—it’s like making a giant savory tart with layers of love and cheese.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is more than just a meal—it’s a homemade experience that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings people together. The joy of seeing molten cheese stretch from crust to bite is unbeatable. Once you try it from scratch, you’ll be hooked for life.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to pizza making, this recipe is foolproof and endlessly customizable. So roll up those sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to make your best pizza yet.
