Name: Stuffed Crust Pizza
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (about 105 degrees); 1 tablespoon dry active yeast; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour); 3-4 mozzarella cheese sticks; 1 ¼ cups marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, about 8 ounces); ½ cup pepperoni

Every slice of this delicious pizza is full of savory pepperoni, sweet marinara sauce, and crust stuffed with gooey cheese. If you are looking for a fun way to switch up family pizza night then thisStuffed Crust Pizzarecipe is for you!

Stuffed crust pizza is such an iconic American dish and it couldn’t be easier to make! We use cheese sticks to give the crust of this pizza that classic gooey, stringy, cheesy look. The mozzarella sticks melt perfectly as the pizza bakes in the oven.

Oureasy-to-make pizzacrust recipe is soft, chewy, and has the perfect amount of rise to help support whatever toppings you and your family are looking to add. By using this recipe as a base, you can truly customize your stuffed crust pizza in any way you would like. My kids love breadsticks anytime we have pizza and these20 minute breadsticks with cheeseare always a favorite.

Recipe Ingredients

Dry Active Yeast—To give the pizza dough its rise.
Olive Oil—Helps prevent the sauce from making the pizza dough soggy.
Granulated Sugar—Feeds the yeast to assist in the dough rising.
All-Purpose Flour—Can be replaced with gluten free or whole wheat flour.
Cheese Sticks—For the filling of the crust.
Marinara Sauce—Your favorite store bought brand.
Mozzarella Cheese—Freshly sliced or freshly grated works best.
Pepperoni—Or any other pizza toppings you would like to use.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Popular Substitutions and Variations

One of the reasons we love this recipe so much is because it is so easy to customize! Adding different toppings is an easy way to make this recipe your own. In addition to pepperoni and cheese, other toppings you can add include mushrooms, bell peppers, sausage, and olives. For a meat lovers pizza, try adding ground sausage andoven cooked baconto your pizza. I like to serve pizza with a fresh green salad or a side ofgarlic knotstoo.

How to Make Stuffed Crust Pizza

Step #1.Preheat your oven and cut each cheese stick into several small pieces. Set the cheese sticks aside. Whisk together the water and yeast gently. Let the mixture sit until foamy. Once the yeast is foamy, stir in the sugar and olive oil.

stuff crust pizza dough in a clear mixing bowl

Step #2.Gently mix in the flour until the dough comes together and begins to pull away from the side of the bowl.Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface before rolling it out into a large disc. Transfer your dough to a pizza pan.

stuff crust pizza dough laid out and cheese sticks for the crust

Step #3.Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface before rolling it out into a large disc. Transfer your dough to a pizza pan. Line the sliced cheese sticks around the edge of the pan and fold the crust over to cover them.

raw stuff crust pizza with pepperoni before baking

Step #4.Top the surface of the pizza dough with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. Bake your pizza until the cheese is bubbly. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What cheese works best for stuffed crust pizza?

Mozzarella cheese works best to get that classic gooey stuffed crust look. However, fresh mozzarella has a little too much moisture and melts down quite a bit as a result. We like to use cheese sticks since they hold their shape but still get nice and gooey when they melt.

Why is my pizza dough so stiff?

If you are noticing that your dough is on the stiff side while you knead it then your yeast may have died. Make sure you are using warm to hot water and giving your yeast a chance to bloom. A foamy yeast will make your dough much easier to knead and give it a nice rise.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to seal the edges properly by pinching the dough over the cheese. Also, avoid overstuffing the crust.

Expert Tips

You can use any flavor of marinara or red sauce! You can never go wrong with a classic garlic basil sauce or switch things up with a more creative flavor. Changing the sauce in this recipe is a quick and easy way to customize the flavor of your pizza.
For some extra flavor,brush your crust with oil and granulated garlic salt before adding any toppings.
Giving your yeast time to foam helps ensure it is not dead.If your yeast doesn’t foam up at all then you will want to dump it out and try again.

How to Store and Reheat Your Leftover Pizza

Your stuffed crust pizza will be best and most gooey when served fresh; however, you can store your leftover pizza in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply transfer your pizza slices to an airtight container or wrap them in tin foil to prevent the slices from sticking together. The easiest way to reheat your leftovers is by popping a slice or two in the microwave for about a minute.

How to Reheat Your Pizza On the Stovetop

Looking for an easy way to revive your leftover pizza? Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan and then add a slice of pizza. Cook your pizza for a few minutes and then add a tablespoon or two of water. Quickly cover the pan with a lid to capture the steam and let the pizza cook for a few more minutes. Once the water has completely evaporated you will be left with a delicious slice of pizza that tastes as good as the day you made it!