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.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Italian
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: 360 per slice
• Estimated Cost: $12.00

Equipment Needed

• 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)
• Alternative: Use a cast iron skillet for a deep-dish style version.

Ingredients List

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!

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.

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.