Cheesy Stuffed Crust Pizza

Cheesy Stuffed Crust Pizza

Introduction

Nothing beats the joy of biting into a hot, cheesy slice of pizza—especially when the crust is stuffed with gooey, melted cheese! This cheesy stuffed crust pizza is a treat for all pizza lovers, combining a crispy golden crust, rich tomato sauce, a generous amount of toppings, and an extra cheesy surprise in every bite of the crust. Perfect for family dinners, movie nights, or celebrations, this homemade recipe will make your kitchen smell like your favorite pizzeria.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Stuffed Crust:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into strips)

For the Pizza:

• 1/2 cup tomato or marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, etc.)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Stuffed Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
   • Roll out the dough into a large circle, slightly larger than your pizza pan.
   • Place mozzarella cheese sticks around the edge of the dough. Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese and press to seal, forming a stuffed crust.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet.
   • Spread tomato sauce evenly over the pizza base. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
   • Add your favorite toppings and sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.
4. Bake:
   • Brush the crust with olive oil to help it turn golden and crispy. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

This cheesy stuffed crust pizza is a delightful upgrade from traditional pizza, offering a surprise burst of cheese in every crust bite. The combination of a crispy base, flavorful sauce, and endless topping options ensures there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s a fun weekend activity or a dinner to impress, this recipe brings the joy of pizza-making right into your kitchen. Serve it hot and watch as every slice disappears in no time!