Cheesy Stuffed Crust Pizza Recipe

Servings: 2 medium pizzas
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough (Regular or Keto Option)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 2 ½ cups almond flour + ¼ cup coconut flour for keto)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp sugar (optional for regular, erythritol for keto)

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Stuffed Crust

• 8 oz mozzarella string cheese (cut into sticks)

• 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing)

• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for flavor)

For the Pizza Topping

• ½ cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought; keto option: sugar-free)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup sliced pepperoni or preferred toppings

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Optional: sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar (or erythritol) in warm water. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour (or almond + coconut flour) and salt.

3. Add yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

4. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth (if using keto flours, knead lightly until uniform).

5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size (skip rising for keto version if using almond flour).

2. Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

• If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.

3. Shape the Dough & Stuff the Crust

1. Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 portions for medium pizzas.

2. Roll out each portion into a 10–12 inch circle on a floured surface.

3. Place mozzarella sticks around the edge of the dough, 1 inch from the edge.

4. Fold the dough edge over the cheese and pinch to seal completely, forming a stuffed crust.

4. Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread ¼ cup pizza sauce evenly over the center, leaving the stuffed edge free.

2. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly.

3. Add toppings: pepperoni, veggies, Parmesan, or your choice.

4. Optional: Brush crust with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder for extra flavor.

5. Bake

1. Transfer the pizza to a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.

2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until cheese is melted, crust is golden brown, and toppings are cooked.

3. For extra crispiness, broil the pizza for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch carefully).

6. Serve

• Let the pizza cool 3–5 minutes.

• Slice with a pizza cutter, making sure each slice has a cheesy crust edge.

• Serve hot and enjoy the stretchy, melty cheese explosion!

Tips & Variations

• Keto Option: Use almond + coconut flour crust and sugar-free pizza sauce.

• Extra Cheesy: Mix mozzarella with cheddar inside the stuffed crust.

• Herb Twist: Add oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes on top before baking.

• Meal Prep: Make mini pizzas and freeze unbaked with the stuffed crust for later.