Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza – Adding Cheese the Right Way

There’s nothing quite like biting into a hot, cheesy slice of Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza, especially when the crust oozes with melty mozzarella!

The recipe delivers the full pizzeria experience right from your kitchen, with a crispy yet tender dough, a rich tomato sauce, and all your favorite toppings, plus that irresistible stuffed crust.

Perfect for family pizza night or a fun weekend project, this pizza can be customized with meats, veggies, or kept classic with just cheese.

Serve with garlic dipping sauce, a fresh Caesar salad, or some buffalo wings for a complete feast.

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Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza

Perfect for family pizza night or a fun weekend cooking project, this customizable pizza shines with meats, veggies, or can be kept classic with just cheese. Pair it with garlic dipping sauce, a fresh Caesar salad, or buffalo wings for a truly satisfying feast.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 8 slices

Calories 360 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• 12-inch pizza pan or baking stone
• Oven
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Pastry brush optional, for crust brushing
• Use a cast iron skillet for a deep-dish style version Alternative

Ingredients

  

Dough:

• 2 ¼  tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups  warm water (110°F / 45°C)
• 1 tbsp  sugar
• 3 ½ cups  all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp  salt
• 2 tbsp  olive oil

Stuffed Crust:

• 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks or ~8 oz of mozzarella cut into strips

Pizza:

• ½ cup  pizza sauce
• 1 ½ cups  shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup  sliced pepperoni or toppings of choice
• 1 tsp  Italian seasoning optional

Crust Brushing (optional):

• 1 tbsp  melted butter
• ½ tsp  garlic powder
• 1 tsp  dried parsley

Instructions

 

• Activate the Yeast:

  In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  Make the Dough:

  Add olive oil, salt, and flour gradually into the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
  
• Let it Rise:

  Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

  Preheat Oven:

  Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place your pizza pan or stone inside to heat up if desired.
  
• Shape the Dough:

  Roll out the dough into a 14-inch circle. Place it on parchment or your pizza pan.

  Stuff the Crust:

  Lay string cheese around the edge of the dough. Fold the edges over the cheese and press to seal all around.
  
• Add Toppings:

  Spread pizza sauce evenly over the base, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, add your toppings, and finish with a dash of Italian seasoning.

  Bake:

  Bake for 12–15 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
  
• Optional Crust Brushing:

  Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush over crust immediately after baking.

  Slice & Serve:

  Let rest 5 minutes, slice into 8 pieces, and enjoy!
  

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips:

• For an extra-crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings.
• Don’t overfill the crust—too much cheese can cause it to burst during baking.
• Use pre-shredded cheese blends or fresh mozzarella depending on your preferred melt and flavor.
• Want a healthier crust? Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour.
• Try different crust stuffings like cheddar, jalapeño, or even pepperoni slices for a fun twist.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	360 kcal
Carbohydrates	38g
Protein	15g
Fat	16g
Serving Size	~150g
Saturated Fat	6g
Polyunsaturated Fat	2g
Monounsaturated Fat	5g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	620mg
Potassium	220mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g
Vitamin A	450 IU
Vitamin C	2mg
Calcium	220mg
Iron	2.1mg

Keyword Comfort, Homemade Pizza, Italian, Vegetarian Option

How About Alternative Ingredients for this Recipe?

If you’re looking to tweak the classic stuffed crust pizza to suit dietary needs or personal preferences, there are plenty of delicious alternatives to try. For the crust, consider using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions while still maintaining a hearty base.

You can also experiment with cauliflower or almond flour-based crusts for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.

For the stuffed crust itself, while mozzarella sticks are traditional, you can stuff the edges with cheddar, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack for a bolder twist. Vegan cheese sticks or shreds also work well for a dairy-free option.

When it comes to toppings, the sky’s the limit. Swap out traditional pepperoni for turkey pepperoni, grilled chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives to suit your protein preferences. For a vegetarian version, load your pizza with:

• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Artichokes
• Bell peppers
• Olives

You can even drizzle on pesto or hot honey after baking for a gourmet finish. And if you’re watching sodium, make your low-salt pizza sauce or use crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs as a fresh and flavorful base.

The Bottom Line

Stuffed crust pizza brings excitement to any meal with its gooey, cheese-filled edges and customizable center. Every bite combines crispy crust, savory toppings, and melted cheese in a way that satisfies comfort food cravings with a fun twist.

Homemade versions offer full control over ingredients, allowing for healthier alternatives or creative spins. Try new cheeses, sauces, and toppings to match your taste. Fresh dough, quality cheese, and a hot oven are all it takes to transform a simple meal into something unforgettable.