There’s something undeniably irresistible about pizza—but take that classic comfort food and give it a cheesy upgrade with a stuffed crust, and you’ve got a next-level dinner that steals the show. This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza brings bold flavor, stretchy mozzarella, and golden, bubbly crust all in one delicious homemade pie. It’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and layered with the perfect blend of sauce, cheese, and savory pepperoni.
Perfect for family pizza night, casual get-togethers, or game day spreads, this recipe is surprisingly easy to pull off at home with just a few pantry staples and a love of melty cheese. Whether you roll your own dough or use store-bought, the real magic is in the crust—stuffed with mozzarella sticks or cheese cubes that bake into a molten surprise with every bite.
Ingredients
1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
6–8 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or cheese cut into strips)
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup pepperoni slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet and set aside.
Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle about 12–14 inches wide. Lay mozzarella sticks (or cubes) evenly around the edge, about 1 inch from the border.
Step 3: Fold the outer edge of the dough over the cheese and press to seal, creating a stuffed crust ring.
Step 4: Spread pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough. Top with shredded mozzarella and arrange pepperoni slices evenly across the top.
Step 5: Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder and oregano over the edges for extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 7: Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
For a spicier version, use spicy pepperoni or drizzle hot honey after baking. You can also add other toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers. This pizza reheats well in the oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes or in a skillet for a crispier bottom.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 slices
Cuisine: American-Italian
Course: Main Dish, Dinner
Conclusion
This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza brings the perfect balance of nostalgia and indulgence with its classic toppings and molten cheesy edges. Whether you’re sharing it with family or devouring it slice by slice on your own, this pizza delivers that pizzeria-quality experience right from your home oven. Once you’ve tried a stuffed crust, it’s hard to go back to anything else.