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Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

A homemade Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza with a golden, cheesy crust that delivers restaurant-style wow factor. Made with fresh ingredients and customizable toppings, it's perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 1 large pizza (14-16 inches) servings
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pizza Dough: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • For the Stuffed Crust & Toppings: 12 low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese sticks (approx. 8 oz)
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1 package pepperoni slices (6-8 oz)
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Stir in salt and olive oil. Gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Knead and Rise: Turn dough onto floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
  • Preheat and Prep: Place pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C) 30 minutes before dough is ready.
  • Shape the Dough: Punch down risen dough and roll/stretch into 14-16 inch circle on floured surface. Transfer to parchment paper.
  • Create the Stuffed Crust: Arrange mozzarella sticks around edge of dough, leaving 1 inch border. Fold dough edge over cheese and press firmly to seal.
  • Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread pizza sauce over center, leaving crust bare. Top with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices. Optional: Brush crust with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  • Bake to Perfection: Slide pizza on parchment onto preheated surface. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
  • Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool on cutting board for 2-3 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Don't skip preheating the pizza stone/pan for a crispy crust. Seal the crust well to prevent cheese leakage. Use mozzarella sticks (not pre-shredded) for best stuffed crust results. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Reheat leftovers in oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 18gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 850mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
Keyword family dinner, homemade, pepperoni, pizza, stuffed crust
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