Description
Garlic Butter Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups flour
1 cup warm water
1 tsp sugar
1 packet yeast
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup mozzarella sticks
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup pizza sauce
20 slices pepperoni
¼ cup melted butter
1 clove minced garlic
¼ cup green onions
Instructions:
Prepare dough and allow it to rise.
Roll out and stuff crust with mozzarella sticks.
Spread pizza sauce, followed by cheese and pepperoni.
Brush the crust with melted garlic butter.
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes.
Sprinkle with green onions before serving.
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. 2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. 3. Shape and Stuff: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large circle on a floured surface. Place mozzarella sticks end-to-end around the outer edge, about 1 inch from the border. Carefully fold the dough border over the cheese sticks and pinch firmly to seal, creating the stuffed crust. 4. Assemble: Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or baking sheet. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the inner base, leaving the stuffed crust bare. Top with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices. 5. Garlic Butter & Bake: Mix melted butter with minced garlic. Generously brush the entire stuffed crust edge with the garlic butter. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. 6. Finish: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions, slice, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pizza is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For dipping, offer a side of warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even the leftover garlic butter. It’s perfect for game nights, family dinners, or as a crowd-pleasing centerpiece at casual gatherings.
How-to Summary
Create a flavorful dough and let it rise. Roll it out, line the edge with mozzarella sticks, and seal to form the stuffed crust. Top with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Brush the crust with a simple garlic butter before baking until golden. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of green onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made pizza dough? Absolutely. Store-bought dough works well to save time. Just ensure it’s at room temperature before rolling and stuffing.
What can I use instead of mozzarella sticks for the crust? String cheese is a perfect substitute. You can also use thick strips of low-moisture mozzarella cut from a block.
How do I prevent the stuffed crust from leaking? The key is a secure seal. Pinch the dough over the cheese firmly and ensure no gaps. Avoid overfilling, and use cheese that melts well but isn’t overly watery.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time? You can prepare the dough and even assemble the pizza (without baking) a few hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then brush with butter and bake just before serving.
My crust isn’t browning. What can I do? For a crispier, browner crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or baking steel. You can also brush the crust with a little extra butter or olive oil halfway through baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using water that is too hot, as it will kill the yeast. Ensure your sealed crust edge is tight to prevent cheese leakage during baking. Do not over-sauce the pizza, as excess moisture can make the center soggy. Finally, let the pizza cool for 2-3 minutes after baking before slicing; this allows the cheese to set slightly for cleaner cuts.
Conclusion
Mastering this Garlic Butter Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza elevates homemade pizza night into a gourmet experience. The combination of a cheesy, garlic-infused crust with classic pepperoni toppings is irresistibly delicious. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a restaurant-quality pizza that will impress any crowd. Enjoy the process and the incredible results!