Stuffed Crust Pizza (Printable Version)

Golden pizza with mozzarella-stuffed crust, rich tomato sauce, and classic toppings

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (7 g) instant dry yeast
03 - 1 teaspoon sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 cup warm water

→ Cheese Filling

07 - 7 oz mozzarella cheese sticks or block mozzarella, cut into thin strips

→ Sauce & Toppings

08 - ¾ cup pizza sauce
09 - 7 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1.75 oz pepperoni slices (optional)
11 - 1 small bell pepper, thinly sliced
12 - 1.75 oz sliced mushrooms
13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1 teaspoon olive oil for brushing crust

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add olive oil and warm water. Mix until a soft dough forms.
02 - Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
04 - Preheat oven to 450°F.
05 - On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 13-inch circle. Transfer to a baking tray or pizza stone.
06 - Arrange mozzarella strips around the edge of the dough. Fold the dough over the cheese and tightly pinch to seal, creating a stuffed crust.
07 - Spread pizza sauce over the center. Top with shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sprinkle with oregano.
08 - Brush the stuffed crust with olive oil for a golden finish.
09 - Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
10 - Let cool slightly, slice, and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The stuffed crust creates those irresistible pull apart cheese moments that make everyone reach for the same piece
  • Making it from scratch means the crust actually has flavor and texture instead of just being a cheese vehicle
  • You can customize the toppings to match whatever vegetables are languishing in your crisper drawer
02 -
  • If the dough springs back while you are rolling it, let it rest for five minutes to relax the gluten
  • Make sure to seal the stuffed crust really well or you will lose melting cheese onto your baking sheet
  • A hot oven is non negotiable for that crisp crust structure you want
03 -
  • Grate a little parmesan over the stuffed crust before brushing with oil for extra flavor
  • Place a baking sheet on the lowest rack to catch any cheese that might escape
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