This Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pizza Crust is a cheesy and easy recipe, which is made with string cheese and pepperoni. It’s the ultimate fun pizza night recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipePioneer Woman Stuffed Pizza Crust Ingredients
- 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough (or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough)
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, divided
- 1 Tablespoon (8g) cornmeal
- 7 string cheeses
- 1/2 cup (127g) homemade or store-bought pizza sauce
- 1 and 1/2 cups (168g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Big handful pepperoni (or any other toppings you like)
- Optional: sprinkle of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, or an Italian seasoning blend
How To Make Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pizza Crust
- Prepare Dough and Oven: If making homemade dough, prepare it according to the recipe. If using store-bought, ensure it’s thawed. Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
- Prep the Pan: Grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan with about half of the olive oil. Sprinkle the cornmeal evenly over the pan for a crunchier crust.
- Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, roll or stretch your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. If the dough keeps shrinking, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before trying again.
- Stuff the Crust: Arrange the string cheeses around the perimeter of the dough circle. Fold the edge of the dough over the string cheese and press down firmly to seal it shut.
- Add Toppings: Use a fork to poke some dents across the surface of the dough to prevent large air bubbles from forming. Brush the remaining olive oil over the crust. Spread the pizza sauce evenly, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
- Bake the Pizza: Sprinkle with dried herbs, if using. Carefully transfer the pizza to the hot oven. Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let it cool for a minute before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips
- How to get a crispy crust? Using a preheated pizza stone is the best method. Sprinkling cornmeal on the pan also helps create a crispier bottom.
- Why is my dough shrinking back? If your dough is resistant to stretching, it means the gluten is too tight. Simply cover it and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax, making it much easier to shape.
- How do I get a good seal on the crust? After folding the dough over the string cheese, press down firmly. If it won’t stick, dabbing a tiny bit of water along the edge can help create a better seal.
- Can I use other cheeses for stuffing? While string cheese is convenient because of its shape, you can also use slices of mozzarella or provolone rolled into logs.
What To Serve With Stuffed Pizza Crust
This pizza is a meal in itself, but it’s even better with some classic sides.
- A simple garden or Caesar salad
- Garlic knots or breadsticks
- Crispy chicken wings
- Marinara sauce for dipping the crust
How To Store Stuffed Pizza Crust
- Refrigerate: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer for the best results.
Stuffed Pizza Crust Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! The recipe is designed to work perfectly with 1 lb. of store-bought dough, which saves a lot of time.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen pizza dough?
The best method is to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For a quicker option, you can leave it on the counter at room temperature for a few hours.
Can I use different toppings?
Yes, this recipe is completely customizable. Feel free to add any of your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or cooked sausage.
Try More Recipes:
Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pizza Crust Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings1
hour15
minutes300
kcalA fun and cheesy homemade pizza with a surprise mozzarella-stuffed crust that’s easy to make and delicious to eat.
Ingredients
1 lb. pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp cornmeal
7 string cheeses
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Handful of pepperoni
Optional: dried Italian herbs
Directions
- Preheat oven and pizza stone to 475°F (246°C). Grease a pan and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Stretch dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
- Place string cheese around the edge and fold the dough over, sealing it tightly.
- Top the pizza with sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
- Bake for 14–16 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- If the dough shrinks while you’re stretching it, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before continuing.
- Using a preheated pizza stone will give you the best, crispiest crust.
- Poke the surface of the dough with a fork before adding toppings to prevent it from bubbling up too much.
- Ensure the stuffed crust is sealed very well to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.