Go Back
Stuffed crust pizza with cheese and toppings on a wooden table

Stuffed Crust Pizza

The Prestons
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water 110°F/45°C
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Stuffed Crust:

  • 8 ounces mozzarella string cheese 8-10 sticks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni or toppings of choice
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives optional
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms optional
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

  • In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture.
  • Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

Shape the Dough:

  • On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 14-inch circle. Transfer to a greased or parchment lined pizza pan.

Create the Stuffed Crust:

  • Place mozzarella string cheese sticks around the edge of the dough, leaving about 1 inch of dough exposed.
  • Fold the dough over the cheese sticks and press to seal. Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

Add Sauce and Toppings:

  • Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Add pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, or your favorite toppings.

Bake:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve:

  • Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy your cheesy stuffed crust pizza.

Notes

  • You can use pre made pizza dough for a quicker option.
  • Stuff the crust with cheddar or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor.
  • Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to maintain a crispy crust.
QR Code linking back to recipe