Stuffed Crust Pizza (Printable version)

Golden pizza with mozzarella-filled crust, rich tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings

# Ingredients list:

→ Dough

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

→ 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
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

# Steps:

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 Tips:

01 -
  • The stuffed crust creates this incredible cheese pull that makes every slice feel like a special occasion
  • You can customize the toppings endlessly but that crispy, cheesy edge remains the star
  • Homemade dough is surprisingly forgiving and transforms into something restaurant worthy
02 -
  • Sealing the stuffed crust tightly is crucial, otherwise cheese escapes during baking and creates a mess on your baking sheet
  • Don't overload the center with toppings or the middle won't cook through before your crust burns
  • Let the dough rest briefly if it keeps shrinking back while rolling, this relaxes the gluten and makes it more cooperative
03 -
  • Cold mozzarella strips are easier to handle and seal inside the crust than room temperature cheese
  • If your crust starts browning too quickly, tent the edge with foil while the center finishes cooking
Go back