Stuffed Crust Pizza Dough Recipe | Cheesy Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza
Stuffed crust pizza is the ultimate comfort food for cheese lovers, featuring a soft, chewy pizza dough wrapped around gooey mozzarella cheese to create a rich, cheesy crust that's just as delicious as the toppings. Every bite combines a golden, crispy exterior with a warm, stretchy cheese center, transforming an ordinary pizza into an unforgettable homemade meal.
Originally popularized by American-style pizzerias, stuffed crust pizza has become a favorite worldwide thanks to its irresistible combination of freshly baked dough and melted cheese. This homemade version uses a classic yeast dough that's easy to work with and bakes into a beautifully golden crust with a tender interior. String cheese or mozzarella sticks are tucked around the edge of the dough before sealing, ensuring the cheese stays perfectly melted inside the crust during baking.
This dough works wonderfully with classic toppings like pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, onions, grilled chicken, bacon, spinach, or extra mozzarella. Brushing the crust with garlic butter and sprinkling it with Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs after baking adds even more flavor and creates a restaurant-quality finish.
Perfect for pizza nights, birthdays, parties, game days, or family dinners, Stuffed Crust Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser. It can be prepared ahead of time, customized with your favorite fillings, and baked on a pizza stone, steel, or baking tray with equally delicious results.
Whether you're making your first homemade pizza or looking to recreate your favorite pizzeria experience, this Stuffed Crust Pizza Dough recipe delivers a soft, flavorful crust with a surprise cheesy center that's guaranteed to impress.
Cooking Method
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll the dough into a 14–16 inch circle, leaving extra dough around the edges.
- Arrange the mozzarella sticks around the outer edge, about 1 inch from the border.
- Fold the edge of the dough over the cheese and press firmly to seal the stuffed crust completely.
- Add pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings to the center of the pizza.
- Bake for 14–18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Mix the melted butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then brush over the hot crust. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
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