Ultimate Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza

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Cheesy crust, zesty sauce, and melty toppings—this pizza is a game-changer for homemade nights!

There’s something magical about biting into a pizza and getting a molten stretch of cheese not only from the toppings—but from the crust itself. Stuffed crust pizza has become a comfort food classic for good reason. It delivers everything we love about pizza—flavor, gooeyness, crispiness—with the added decadence of melted cheese in every single bite.

This homemade version of stuffed crust pizza is not only incredibly satisfying but also customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re planning a Friday movie night, a family gathering, or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.

 Ingredients (US Cup Measurements)

To recreate this show-stopping stuffed crust pizza, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1/2 batch homemade pizza dough (or 1 lb store-bought dough)

  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, divided

  • 1 tablespoon (8g) cornmeal

  • 7 string cheese sticks, unwrapped

  • 1/2 cup (127g) pizza sauce

  • 1½ cups (6 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Handful of pepperoni slices (or toppings of your choice: mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, etc.)

  • Optional: Sprinkle of dried herbs (basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning)

 Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

  • Servings: 8 slices

  • Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per slice

 How to Prepare the Recipe

Stuffed crust pizza might seem like something that should be left to the professionals, but with a bit of know-how, it’s very achievable at home. Here’s how to make your own perfect version, step by step:

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough

If you’re making your own pizza dough, start this step first. Here’s a quick summary of how to make your own from scratch:

Quick Homemade Pizza Dough (For those who want to go the extra mile)

Ingredients:

  • 2ÂĽ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

  • 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  • Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  • Mix in olive oil, salt, and flour. Stir until a dough forms.

  • Knead on a floured surface for 7–10 minutes until smooth.

  • Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.

Once your dough is ready (or if you’re using store-bought), move to the next step.

Tip: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before using.

2. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C).

  • If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating. This gives the crust a nice crispy bottom.

Tip: Allow the oven to fully preheat before baking the pizza. A hot oven is essential for a well-cooked crust.

3. Prepare the Baking Pan

  • Lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet with ½ tablespoon of olive oil.

  • Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornmeal on the pan. This prevents sticking and adds a subtle crunch to the crust.

🧂 Cornmeal isn’t required, but it adds texture and an extra layer of flavor to your base.

4. Shape the Pizza Dough

  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough into a 12-inch circle.

  • Transfer it onto your prepared pan.

If the dough springs back while rolling, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again.

Tip: Don’t make the dough too thin near the edges, as it needs to support the cheese.

5. Stuff the Crust

  • Arrange your string cheese sticks around the edge of the pizza dough, leaving a small border.

  • Fold the dough over the cheese and press tightly to seal.

This is the heart of the stuffed crust magic. Be sure the cheese is fully enclosed so it doesn’t leak while baking.

6. Add the Sauce and Toppings

  • Spread ½ cup of pizza sauce evenly over the center of the pizza.

  • Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

  • Top with pepperoni or other favorite toppings.

  • Sprinkle with optional dried herbs for extra aroma and flavor.

Tip: Less is more when it comes to toppings. Overloading can make your pizza soggy.

7. Bake the Pizza

  • Place your pizza in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Stuffed crust takes a bit longer to cook than regular crust. Keep an eye on it and rotate if needed for even browning.

8. Cool and Serve

  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before slicing.

  • This short rest period allows the cheese to settle and prevents burning your mouth on molten cheese.

Slice and serve hot!

 Tips for Perfect Stuffed Crust Pizza

Here are some expert tips to elevate your homemade stuffed crust pizza:

 Cheese Tips

  • Use full-fat mozzarella for optimal melt and flavor.

  • Want a gooier crust? Mix in shredded cheddar or provolone with the mozzarella in the stuffed edge.

 Dough Tips

  • Don’t overwork your dough when stretching it—this can make it tough.

  • Allowing your dough to rest at room temperature makes it easier to shape.

 Topping Tips

  • Use fewer toppings to ensure an even bake and crisp crust.

  • Pre-cook water-heavy toppings like mushrooms or spinach to avoid a soggy base.

 Equipment Tips

  • A pizza stone or steel creates a restaurant-style crust.

  • Use a pizza peel or large cutting board to transfer pizza if you’re using a stone.

 Serving Suggestions

Pair your stuffed crust pizza with:

  • A crisp Caesar salad or garden salad

  • Garlic breadsticks or mozzarella sticks for an indulgent twist

  • A chilled soda, beer, or sparkling water with lemon

For dessert, try:

  • Chocolate chip cookies

  • Ice cream sundaes

  • Tiramisu or cheesecake

 How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate:
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Wrap individual slices in foil or parchment and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat:

  • In the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes for crispiness

  • Or in a skillet with a lid over medium heat for 5–7 minutes

 Nutrition Information

Per slice (1/8 of the pizza):

  • Calories: 300 kcal

  • Protein: 12g

  • Carbohydrates: 30g

  • Fat: 15g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

  • Sodium: 700mg

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on your choice of dough and toppings.

 Final Thoughts

Homemade stuffed crust pizza isn’t just about indulging in cheesy goodness—it’s about crafting something satisfying with your own hands. The crust is perfectly crisp, the cheese-stuffed edge is irresistible, and every bite hits all the right notes.

Whether you’re creating this for family, a date night, or solo self-care, it’s bound to impress. The best part? You can make it entirely your own. Add veggies for a lighter touch, go heavy with the meat if you’re feeling indulgent, or create mini personal stuffed crust pizzas for a fun twist.

Now you’ve got everything you need to make the Ultimate Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza—go get your apron on and enjoy the pizza night of your dreams!

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