Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
A cheesy, flavorful stuffed crust pepperoni pizza with gooey string cheese inside, topped with rich pizza sauce, crispy pepperoni, and melted mozzarella—perfect for satisfying pizza cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and grease or spray a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Unroll the pizza dough and press it into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan.
- Place pieces of string cheese along the inside edges of the dough.
- Fold 1 inch of dough over and around the cheese, then press the edges to seal.
- Spread Ragu Pizza Quick sauce over the crust.
- Top with slices of pepperoni and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 425°F for 15 to 18 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, consider pre-baking the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding sauce and toppings. You can substitute the string cheese with mozzarella sticks or any cheese with good melting properties. If you want a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes atop the cheese. This stuffed crust also pairs beautifully with a side of marinara for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stuffed crust pepperoni pizza with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for a hearty meal. Pair it with Italian recipes like Baked Vegetarian Ziti for a delightful dinner spread. For a fun twist, add a drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce over the top for extra flavor. Enjoy with friends and family for a pizza night!
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed crust pepperoni pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, which helps retain the crust's crispiness. You can also microwave individual slices for a quicker option, but the crust may become softer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza contains roughly 365 calories, with 23g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value) and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1072mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade pizza dough, just make sure it’s enough to cover the bottom and sides of your pan. Roll it out to the same dimensions as the Pillsbury dough, and follow the same instructions for assembling the cheese crust.
What can I substitute for pepperoni?
If you want a different protein or a vegetarian option, try using turkey pepperoni, salami, or even sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. This pizza can easily adapt to your taste preferences while still maintaining its deliciousness.
How can I make this pizza spicier?
To add some heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking or use spicy pepperoni. You can also incorporate jalapeño slices or even a drizzle of hot sauce after baking for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).