Pizza night is a tradition in many households, and few things are as satisfying as pulling a hot, golden, cheesy pizza straight from the oven. But when you take that pizza and elevate it with a gooey stuffed crust filled with mozzarella sticks? You’ve just unlocked a whole new level of comfort food indulgence. This Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza combines everything you love about a classic pizzeria pie—crispy edges, bubbling cheese, and spicy pepperoni—while adding that iconic cheese-filled crust that makes every bite irresistible. Homemade stuffed crust might sound complicated, but it’s surprisingly simple. Using store-bought pizza dough or your own homemade version, string cheese gets tucked inside the edges, creating that familiar cheesy pull. Brushed with garlic butter or olive oil and finished with seasonings, the crust becomes the star of the show. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this pizza is a guaranteed win.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 6–8 mozzarella string cheese sticks

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 20–25 pepperoni slices (beef or turkey)

• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

→ Optional Seasonings

• Garlic powder

• Italian seasoning

• Grated Parmesan

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat. Lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet if not using a stone.

2. Roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer the dough to your prepared pan or stone.

3. Arrange mozzarella string cheese sticks around the edge of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold the dough over the cheese and press to seal, creating the stuffed crust.

4. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough, leaving the stuffed crust uncovered. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add pepperoni slices, spacing them evenly across the pizza.

5. Brush the stuffed crust with olive oil or melted butter. Add optional seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan for extra flavor.

6. Bake the pizza for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

7. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrients (per slice, approx. 1/8 of pizza)

• Calories: 290

• Protein: 14 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fat: 13 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sodium: 620 mg

• Calcium: 180 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s pizza, and then there’s stuffed crust pizza. This version is a crowd-pleaser because it takes the familiar comfort of pepperoni pizza and makes it feel extra special. The stuffed crust adds a playful, indulgent twist that makes every slice more fun. You’ll love how the edges aren’t just leftover bread anymore but a gooey, cheesy treat. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can switch up the toppings, the sauce, or even the type of cheese in the crust to suit your cravings. Plus, homemade pizza is fresher, more customizable, and often more budget-friendly than delivery.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

The idea of stuffed crust pizza was first popularized in the 1990s by big-name pizza chains, quickly becoming a staple on menus around the world. It was a clever marketing move: transform the least exciting part of a pizza—the crust—into the highlight of the meal. From then on, stuffed crust pizza became synonymous with indulgence. Making it at home gives you control over ingredients, lets you experiment with flavors, and adds that personal homemade touch. This recipe draws inspiration from the classic pepperoni pie while adding garlic butter and seasoning for a more elevated, restaurant-quality experience.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Pizza Dough: The base of any good pizza. Store-bought saves time, but homemade dough gives you that chewy, airy bite.

• Mozzarella String Cheese: Perfectly portioned and easy to tuck into the crust. They melt evenly for that gooey pull.

• Pizza Sauce: Use a tangy tomato sauce, either homemade or jarred. A good sauce balances sweetness and acidity.

• Pepperoni: Adds a salty, spicy kick. Turkey pepperoni works for a lighter version.

• Olive Oil or Butter: Brushed on the crust to create golden, glossy edges.

• Seasonings: Garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan transform the crust into something truly addictive.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, skip the microwave (which makes the crust soggy) and instead warm slices in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes. An air fryer also works beautifully to bring back the crispiness of the crust.

Common Variations to Try

• Different Fillings: Try stuffing the crust with cheddar, pepper jack, or even cream cheese for a flavor twist.

• Vegetarian Style: Swap pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives.

• Meat Lover’s: Add cooked sausage, bacon, and ham alongside the pepperoni.

• BBQ Chicken: Replace the pizza sauce with BBQ sauce, then add shredded chicken, red onion, and mozzarella.

• Hawaiian Style: Add ham and pineapple for a sweet-savory combo.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this pizza with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks make excellent sides if you want a full pizzeria-style spread. For drinks, soda is a classic, but if you’re entertaining adults, a light beer or glass of red wine complements the salty pepperoni and rich cheese.

Health Benefits

While stuffed crust pizza is definitely indulgent, it does offer some nutritional value. Mozzarella provides calcium and protein, supporting bone health. Tomato sauce adds antioxidants like lycopene. Making the dough at home or choosing whole wheat can boost fiber content. And when you control the toppings, you can sneak in veggies for added vitamins. Moderation is key, but there’s nothing wrong with enjoying this cheesy comfort food now and then.

Conclusion

Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza is more than just dinner—it’s an experience. From pulling the gooey cheese out of the crust to savoring the classic pepperoni topping, it delivers joy in every slice. It’s perfect for family pizza nights, game-day feasts, or whenever you want to impress your guests with a homemade treat that tastes like it came straight from a pizzeria. Once you try making it at home, you’ll see just how easy—and delicious—it is to bring this restaurant classic into your own kitchen.