Craving a slice of warm, gooey cheese-filled heaven? Look no further than homemade stuffed crust pizza. This comfort food classic combines the crust you love with an indulgent twist. Unlike the standard fare from the local pizza joint or grocery store, making your own allows for a truly authentic experience, tailored to your taste and mood.

Crafting Your Pizza

To start, whip up a batch of fresh dough. This is the foundation of your masterpiece. Roll it out with seasoning for that perfect crust, then get creative with your toppings. Opt for shredded mozzarella and your favorite veggies and meats, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. The versatility here is key – whether it’s a Hawaiian twist or a Spicy Hot Honey Pizza, the choice is yours.

Creating the Stuffed Crust

Now comes the fun part: the stuffed crust. Take your cheese sticks, wrap them around the edge of the dough, and seal it up. As it bakes in the oven, the cheese melts into a gooey surprise that elevates every slice to new heights of cheesiness. The anticipation builds as the aroma fills your kitchen, promising a delectable meal in just minutes.

Why I Love This Recipe

Making homemade stuffed crust pizza is a delightful experience that combines simplicity and deliciousness. I love this recipe because it brings a comfort-style meal to your table without the usual complexity. The endless options for customizing the toppings mean you can make your pizza truly yours. Whether you prefer a classic margherita or more adventurous combinations, there’s something for everyone to love.

The gooey mozzarella stuffed in the edges of the crust elevates the game entirely, making it a favorite for impromptu parties or busy nights. Plus, this stuffed crust pizza ensures you don’t have to wait long for that hot, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

Pizza Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt

Stuffed Crust

• 16 mozzarella cheese sticks or 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• Any other desired toppings
• Olive oil (for brushing)

Method:

Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Make the Sauce:

• In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Prepare the Pizza:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
• Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
• Roll out each portion into a large circle, slightly larger than your pizza pan.
• Place the rolled dough on the pizza pan. Lay the mozzarella sticks or shredded cheese around the edge.
• Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese and press to seal, creating a stuffed crust.

Assemble the Pizza:

• Spread half of the tomato sauce mixture over the dough.
• Add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
• Arrange half of the toppings (mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, onions, and any other desired toppings) over the cheese.
• Brush the crust with olive oil.

Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
• Repeat the assembly and baking process for the second pizza.

Additional Info About Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza.

Health Benefits:

• Rich in Protein: From the mozzarella cheese and any added lean meat toppings.
• High in Fiber: From the vegetables used as toppings.
• Good Source of Calcium: Due to the cheese.
• Vitamins and Minerals: From the various vegetable toppings.

Notes:

• Ensure all ingredients used are halal.
• Feel free to customize the toppings to your preference.
• Adjust the amount of cheese based on your taste.

Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Pizza pan
• Oven

Serving Suggestions

Pairing your homemade stuffed crust pizza with these complementary dishes can elevate your meal into a delightful culinary experience. Consider serving slices of pizza with a Cheesy Sauce for dipping, enhancing the already rich cheese flavor with an extra creamy, savory touch. For a bit of protein and crunch, Crispy Salami Bites can be a fantastic side, offering a contrasting texture and a burst of umami that pairs well with the gooey, cheesy pizza.

If you’re in the mood for a unique fusion, a drizzle of Chicken Katsu Sauce can add a tangy, sweet, and savory twist to each bite, blending beautifully with the pizza’s flavors. Finally, finish the meal with a sweet treat like Butter Mochi from Hawaii. Its chewy texture and subtle sweetness make for a perfect dessert, providing a delightful end to your delicious pizza feast.

Storing

After baking your delicious homemade stuffed crust pizza, promptly store any leftovers to preserve their ideal taste and textures. Refrigerate the pizza in an airtight container or cover it tightly with foil. This helps to keep it from drying out and maintains its cheese and crust flavors. Store it in the fridge for up to a few days for the best taste.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat your pizza, avoid using the microwave which can make the crust tough and the cheese rubbery. Instead, preheat your oven to a medium-high temperature for the best results. Place the slices on a baking tray and warm them for a few minutes until the cheese starts to melt and the crust becomes crispy again. This method ensures that your pizza tastes as good as it did when it was first baked, making the extra effort worth it. Enjoy your homemade stuffed crust pizza!

Recipe Tips

To achieve the perfect crust for your homemade stuffed crust pizza, begin by giving it an extra flavor boost. After baking, brush the crust with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. For a crispier edge, bake the crust for about 8 to 10 minutes until it turns light golden brown before adding your toppings. Once the toppings are added, continue baking the pizza for 12 to 16 minutes. This method ensures a well-cooked, flavorful, and delightful pizza every time.

Recipe Variation

When you’re making homemade stuffed crust pizza, there are plenty of ways to add exciting recipe variations to your creation. If you love a bit of meat, cooked chicken or pepperoni can be fantastic choices. For a touch of zest, consider jalapeños or even a bit of Serrano ham. For those who enjoy a more colorful and fresh option, loading up with sliced peppers, mushrooms, and olives can add both flavor and texture.

If you’re aiming for a super cheesy experience, go for a classic blend of cheeses like mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and parmesan. This combination, known as Quattro Formaggi, guarantees a rich and satisfying taste. Mix and match these ingredients to create a pizza that’s uniquely yours, whether you lean towards veggies or meat.

String Cheese Pairings for Delicious Pizza Toppings

When making stuffed crust pizza, the right choice of string cheese can take your creation to the next level. Mozzarella string cheese is a classic option due to its meltability and oozey texture when heated. Its low moisture content ensures that it doesn’t make the crust soggy, while its full-fat version offers a richer flavor.

For a spicy pizza twist, try using peppery cheese sticks. These add a delightful kick to each bite. If you prefer a veggie pizza, cheddar cheese sticks or reduced-fat mozzarella can be great choices, balancing calories and fat without compromising on taste. Taco pizza toppings can be elevated with pepper cheese for an added spicy flair.

In terms of prep time, using ready-to-use string cheese sticks saves valuable minutes in the kitchen. With various package sizes and flavors available, you can easily customize your recipe to suit your personal preferences. This variety ensures that your homemade pizza is always exciting and delicious.

Additional Notes

When making homemade stuffed crust pizza, a fun tip is to use mozzarella cheese instead of string cheese. Simply grab 7 pieces and line them up to form the ultimate stuffed crust. For your dough, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier twist. You can prepare the pizza dough a day ahead; just cover tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge overnight. To get that perfect crust, I recommend Red Star rapid-rise yeast. It’s ideal for those of us who aren’t particularly patient because it gets the crust ready in an hour. While other rapid-rise yeasts might take longer, this particular brand has always delivered reliable results.

How to Keep Cheese in Stuffed Crust?

To keep cheese inside the crust when making stuffed pizza, stretch the dough around the cheese sticks, pinch the edge to the bottom, and use a wet finger if needed to seal securely.

What kind of cheese is in stuffed crust?

For homemade stuffed crust pizza, high-quality mozzarella is key. The dough wraps around the cheese, creating a gooey center and a creamy, flavorful base with every bite.

How does CycloneCooking make their stuffed crust pizza?

Cyclone Cooking’s Epic Stuffed Crust Pizza features fresh dough hand-stuffed with cheese and pepperoni, then baked to create a garlicky seasoned crust.