Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
For the Stuffed Crust:
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the crust)
For the Pizza Topping:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices pepperoni
- Optional: Oregano, basil, or other Italian seasoning for extra flavor
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and yeast mixture, then stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
2. Stuff the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out into a large circle, about 12-14 inches in diameter.
- Place the shredded mozzarella cheese along the edge of the dough, leaving about 1-2 inches from the edge. Carefully fold the dough over the cheese to create a stuffed crust. Pinch the edges together to seal it.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Layer the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
- Optionally, sprinkle some oregano or Italian seasoning over the top for added flavor.
4. Bake the Pizza:
- Brush the crust with a little olive oil to give it a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
5. Serve:
- Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade stuffed crust pepperoni pizza!