There’s something magical about stuffed crust pizza.
Maybe it’s the way the golden, bubbling cheese stretches from the edges as you pull apart a slice.
Maybe it’s the surprise of a warm, melted, gooey center hidden inside the crust.
Or maybe it’s just the pure comfort of biting into something soft, cheesy, and blissfully indulgent.
Whatever the reason — stuffed crust pizza has become a global favorite. But here’s the thing: most people only experience it through big pizza chains. Yet the BEST version, the real irresistible version, is the one you make at home.
And I promise you this:
Homemade stuffed crust pizza is on a completely different level.
You control the dough.
You choose the cheese.
You build the crust exactly how you like it — buttery, chewy, crisp, full of flavor, and packed with melty mozzarella.
I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, inspired by Italian techniques but built for home kitchens. My stuffed crust pizza is:
- soft on the inside
- beautifully blistered on the outside
- full of elastic, stretchy cheese
- layered with rich tomato sauce
- topped with melty mozzarella
- and baked to golden perfection
Let’s dive into the recipe that will transform your pizza nights forever.
🍕 Why Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza Is Worth It
Store-bought stuffed crust is fun — but homemade is unforgettable.
Here’s why:
✔ Real mozzarella, not artificial cheese sticks
Pizza chains use processed cheese. You’ll use fresh, creamy mozzarella.
✔ A crust that’s soft AND crisp
You control the hydration and oven heat.
Result → artisan-quality crust.
✔ Customizable cheese levels
Mild mozzarella, smoky provolone, spicy pepper jack — you choose.
✔ No preservatives, no fillers
Only real ingredients with real flavor.
✔ Italian dough technique
Slow rise = better aroma, lighter texture, deeper flavor.
If you love pizza (and I KNOW you do), stuffed crust is worth making right.
🧾 Ingredients & Measurements for Authentic Stuffed Crust Pizza
Below is the full ingredient list for one large 14-inch stuffed crust pizza.
Pizza Dough Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bread flour or Tipo 00 | 3 cups (360g) |
| Warm water | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) |
| Sugar or honey | 1 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 ½ tsp |
Stuffed Crust Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Low-moisture mozzarella sticks OR string cheese | 8–10 sticks |
| OR: Fresh mozzarella cut into long strips | 1 ½ cups |
| Optional: Provolone slices | 2–3 |
Pizza Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tomato passata / crushed tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
Toppings
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shredded mozzarella | 2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup |
| Pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, basil | To taste |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Stuffed Crust Pizza
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast.
Let it sit 5 minutes until frothy.
This step ensures:
- strong rise
- fluffy interior crust
- soft dough that’s easy to shape
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a bowl:
- add flour
- add salt
Mix lightly.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Pour yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour.
Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
A stuffed crust pizza needs a strong dough to support the cheese.
Step 4: First Rise (1–2 hours)
Place dough in an oiled bowl.
Cover and let it rise until doubled.
The dough will become soft, airy, and easy to stretch.
Step 5: Optional — Cold Fermentation
Let dough sit in the refrigerator 12–24 hours.
Why?
- improves flavor
- creates perfect crust bubbles
- easier handling
- richer aroma
This is how Italian pizza restaurants do it.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese for the Stuffed Crust
Use:
- mozzarella sticks OR
- strips of fresh mozzarella OR
- rolled provolone slices
Cut them into long, even strips.
Cheese should be chilled — cold cheese melts slower and stays inside the crust.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Stretch the dough into a 14-inch circle, keeping the outer edge slightly thicker.
Never use a rolling pin — it destroys air bubbles.
Use your fingertips and knuckles like a true pizzaiolo.
Step 8: Add the Cheese to the Edges
Place cheese strips along the outside 1 inch of the dough.
Then fold the dough over the cheese, pressing firmly to seal.
No gaps.
No openings.
You want the cheese completely enclosed.
This is the secret to preventing cheese from leaking out.
Step 9: Add Sauce & Toppings
Spread your homemade tomato sauce evenly.
Add mozzarella.
Add your favorite toppings.
Keep it light — stuffed crust is already rich.
Step 10: Bake the Pizza
Preheat oven as hot as it can go:
- Pizza stone → 250–300°C
- Oven tray → 230–250°C
Bake 12–15 minutes, or until:
- crust is golden
- cheese is bubbling
- edges are crisp
- top is slightly browned
The stuffed crust should feel full and warm when tapped.
🌟 Tips & Tricks for the Best Stuffed Crust Pizza
1. Use low-moisture cheese for stuffing
Too much moisture will cause leaks.
Use firmer mozzarella or cheese sticks.
2. Seal the crust VERY well
Pinch it tightly.
Then fold again for extra security.
3. Brush the crust with garlic butter
Mix melted butter + garlic + parsley.
Brush before AND after baking.
4. Preheat your baking surface
A hot stone = crisp bottom + fluffy interior.
5. Don’t overload toppings
Stuffed crust is already rich.
Balance is key.
6. Let the dough rest before stretching
Even a 10-minute rest makes shaping much easier.
7. For extra flavor, add cheese inside AND ON the crust
Dust Parmesan or cheddar along the edges for a crunchy, cheesy rim.
❓ FAQ — Everything About Stuffed Crust Pizza
1. What cheese works best for stuffed crust?
Low-moisture mozzarella or mozzarella sticks are ideal.
2. How do I stop cheese from leaking out?
Make sure:
- dough edge is thick
- cheese is placed evenly
- seal is pinched very tightly
3. Can I use whole wheat dough?
Absolutely — stuffed crust works with any pizza dough.
4. Can I freeze stuffed crust pizza?
Yes, before or after baking.
5. What toppings go best with stuffed crust pizza?
Try:
- pepperoni
- mushrooms
- basil
- roasted garlic
- olives
- sausage
6. Why is my stuffed crust not soft?
Possible issues:
- too much flour
- not enough water
- overbaking
- oven temperature too low
7. Can I make mini stuffed crust pizzas?
Yes!
Use 6–8-inch dough circles for personal pizzas.
❤️ Final Thoughts — Your New Favorite Pizza Night Tradition
Stuffed crust pizza is pure joy.
It’s comfort.
It’s indulgence.
It’s nostalgic and fun, yet incredibly satisfying to make from scratch.
See Also: Sally’s Baking Addiction Pizza Dough | Easy, Soft & Authentic Italian-Style Crust
