🍕🧀 Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

If using a pizza stone, place it inside the oven while preheating. A thoroughly heated stone helps create a crisp, evenly baked crust.

If you’re using a pizza pan or baking sheet, lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2️⃣ Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface.

Using your hands or a rolling pin, stretch and roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.

Try to keep the center slightly thinner than the edges, as the outer rim will become the stuffed crust.

Transfer the dough to your prepared pizza pan, baking sheet, or pizza peel if using a stone.

3️⃣ Create the Stuffed Crust
Arrange the mozzarella string cheese sticks around the outer edge of the dough, leaving approximately 1 inch of dough extending beyond the cheese.

Fold the dough over the cheese sticks and firmly pinch the seam closed.

Work your way around the entire pizza, ensuring the cheese is completely sealed inside.

This step is essential to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.

4️⃣ Add the Sauce
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough using the back of a spoon.

Leave the stuffed crust exposed to maintain its golden appearance and ensure it bakes properly.

5️⃣ Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the sauce.

Cover the surface generously for maximum melt and stretch.

For extra cheesiness, reserve a small handful of mozzarella to add during the last few minutes of baking.

6️⃣ Arrange the Pepperoni
Place the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.

Distribute them so every slice gets plenty of savory pepperoni flavor.

For extra texture and flavor, tuck a few pepperoni slices beneath the cheese layer.

7️⃣ Season the Crust
Brush the stuffed crust generously with olive oil or melted butter.

Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan if desired.

This creates a beautifully golden crust with irresistible flavor.