Stuffed Crust Pizza: Things to Know

Stuffed Crust Pizza

The taste of a hot, cheesy pizza is something that can make anyone’s mouth water. Now, with the invention of stuffed crust pizza, you can enjoy even more flavor and texture in every bite! Whether you are in the mood for a traditional cheese or pepperoni style or spicing things up with an all-veggie option, adding a delicious stuffed crust to your pie will take it to the next level.

With our guide on how to make homemade stuffed crust pizza (or where to find some pre-made options), you’ll have an easy way to get the perfect slice without sacrificing quality or flavor.

What is Stuffed Crust Pizza?

Stuffed crust pizza is exactly what it sounds like – the crust of a traditional pizza is stuffed with delicious ingredients. 

It’s a delectable pizza style characterized by having cheese and other irresistible ingredients incorporated into the outer edge of the crust. Indulge in the deliciousness of this pizza, the ultimate delight for those who may have underestimated the value of the crust.

You can choose to stuff the crust with whatever you would like, such as cheese, pepperoni, sausage, or veggies, or even create your unique recipes. The filling adds a unique flavor and texture to each bite, making it an enjoyable experience for all! 

The indulgent flavor and texture of stuffed pizza – where every slice offers an extra layer of gooey cheese beyond the norm. Enjoy a deliciously thick crust that boasts the added goodness of integrated ingredients. And don’t forget the tangy tomato sauce that ups the flavor ante before it even hits the oven. It’s pizza, elevated.

This pizza creation was first introduced by Pizza Hut in 1995, and over the years, it has evolved into various forms of culinary art. For instance, Pizza Hut rolled out a version with hot dog stuffing, while New Zealand offers Marmite-stuffed crust pizza. Meanwhile, in Japan, you could dig into a shrimp and mayonnaise stuffed crust pizza. Cheese may be the most popular choice for crust filling, but as you can see, many other options exist.

Treat yourself to a flavorful and satisfying dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.

History of Stuffed Crust Pizza

Pizza Hut has long claimed credit for inventing stuffed crust pizza in 1995, but it seems that the origins of this beloved dish may be traced back to Brooklyn’s own Anthony Mongiello. As a cheese maker, Mongiello filed a patent for his revolutionary creation in 1987, but unfortunately, his subsequent lawsuit against Pizza Hut for $1 billion in compensation was unsuccessful. Although the two products were deemed similar, Mongiello’s patent had not been infringed upon.

Pizza Hut’s iconic pizza was ingeniously invented by Patty Scheibmeir. She spent three years perfecting her recipe, which involved expertly encasing string cheese in pizza dough to create a one-of-a-kind taste sensation.

In 1995, Pizza Hut introduced its now-famous pizza, promoting it with a whopping $45 million advertising campaign. This helps explain why it’s become a go-to choice for millennials at slumber parties and gatherings.

The family of Anthony Mongiello once sued Pizza Hut for $1 billion, alleging infringement on Mongiello’s 1987 patent (US4661361A) on making stuffed pizza shells. However, in 1999, the court ruled in favor of Pizza Hut, stating that Mongiello did not have a product patent and therefore, Pizza Hut’s stuffed crust did not infringe on the patent. Despite the allegation, Pizza Hut continued providing its pizza to the public.

In 2001, DiGiorno introduced a cheese-stuffed crust pizza in grocery stores. 

Later on, in 2012, Pizza Hut debuted a unique hot dog stuffed crust pizza in various countries such as Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. Domino’s also followed suit, offering this hot dog pizza in the U.S., U.K., and New Zealand.

Pizza Hut branches all over the world have introduced innovative pizza crusts stuffed with exciting and unique flavors to delight your taste buds. From New Zealand’s Marmite to Japan’s Camembert, shrimp, sausage, and mozzarella-stuffed crust; Pizza Hut never fails to amaze. Germany’s “German King” has a sausage, bacon, and cheese-stuffed crust, while Hong Kong’s “Cheesy Lava” offers abalone sauce pizza. In Australia, taste a mini meat pie within your pizza crust. And that’s just the beginning of Pizza Hut’s delicious global crust creations.

In the year 2020, Papa John’s introduced a delectable cheese-filled stuffed crust pizza to their menu.

What Is the Difference Between Stuffed Crust and Pan Pizza?

What Is Pan Pizza?

Pan pizza – a culinary masterpiece that’s an absolute treat for your taste buds! Made in either a deep dish pan or sheet pan, pan pizza comprises two essential components – dough making and toppings. Artisans stack on an array of delicious toppings including tomato sauce, meat, chicken, and pepperoni, with cheese being spread on top. Blending multiple types of cheese like mozzarella, white cheddar, asiago, and fontina adds layers of flavor. What’s more, each region boasts distinctive flavor combinations, making it a truly unique culinary experience. Dig into different forms of pan pizza, from Italian tomato pie to Chicago-style pizza and Detroit pizza. Indulge in this delectable comfort food you won’t want to miss!

Pan pizza is an indulgent American classic, known for its crispy fried crust and thick layer of gooey melted cheese. To achieve this mouthwatering texture, the crust is coated in oil and fried in a pan, resulting in a satisfyingly crunchy exterior. The dough is then spread into the pan and baked at a high temperature for roughly 15 minutes, resulting in a deliciously savory and satisfying pizza experience.

Difference Between Stuffed Crust and Pan Pizza

Definition

To differentiate between these two popular pizza varieties, it’s essential to know that stuffed crust pizza has extra cheese or ingredients, such as sausages, stuffed within its outer crust. Meanwhile, pan pizza is cooked in either a deep dish pan or a sheet pan.

Crust

When it comes to pizza, the crust is everything. But have you tried stuffed crust pizza? This classic dish is not only filled with delicious cheese but also offers additional toppings like sausage or hot dog on the outer edge. Pan pizza, on the other hand, keeps it crispy and simple with no added fillings in the crust. So, which crust do you prefer?

Cheese Content

Stuffed crust pizzas are known for their abundance of cheese, making them a cheese lover’s ultimate choice.

Bottom Crust of the Pizza

The bottom crust of stuffed crust pizza differs from that of pan pizza in texture. While the bottom crust of the pan pizza is soft, stuffed crust pizza does not share this characteristic.

What Is the Difference Between Stuffed Crust and Stuffed Pizza?

What Is Stuff Pizza?

Stuffed pizza, also known as Chicago-style stuffed pizza, is a unique style of American pizza that features two layers of crust filled with various ingredients. The bottom crust is made from dough and the top layer can be either dough or pre-baked. 

Stuffed pizza, distinct from stuffed crust, is a type of deep dish pizza that elevates the genre in several ways. For one, it is regularly much taller than traditional deep dishes. Upon encountering your first slice, it is not uncommon to be struck by laughter given the sheer size of it. Indeed, it is unlike any other pizza you’ve likely seen before.

In between these two layers, an assortment of toppings such as mozzarella cheese, sausage, pepperoni, olives, and vegetables are added to create a fully loaded savory treat. 

In addition, stuffed pizza boasts a distinctive paper-thin crust layer sitting atop the cheese and toppings, followed by a generous coating of velvety tomato sauce before baking. This hallmark crust is what sets stuffed pizza apart and contributes to its hearty nature, making it an ideal meal choice.

Stuffed pizza is usually thicker than regular thin-crust pizzas and can even be served in slices like a cake. 

It has become increasingly popular over the years due to its delicious combination of flavors and textures. 

Difference Between Stuffed Crust and Stuffed Pizza

Definition

Stuffed crust pizza is a type of pizza that has extra cheese or other ingredients stuffed into its outer crust. Stuffed pizza, however, is characterized by two layers of dough filled with various toppings and an additional paper-thin top layer.

Crust

The primary difference between these two types of pizzas lies in their crusts. As the name implies, stuffed crust pizza typically involves stuffing the outside of the crust with cheese or other ingredients while stuffed pizza does not. 

Cheese Content

Stuffed crust pizza generally offers more cheese than stuffed pizza due to its extra filling. On the other hand, the stuffed pizza features an abundance of different toppings alongside its generous helping of cheese. 

Bottom Crust Texture

Another difference between stuffed crust pizza and stuffed pizza is the texture of their bottom crusts. While the bottom crust of a stuffed crust pizza is usually soft, the bottom layer of a stuffed pizza tends to be crispy.

Overall, both types of pizzas offer an enjoyable combination of flavors and textures that make them ideal for many occasions. Whether you prefer your pizza with or without stuffing, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings! No matter which type you choose, you can’t go wrong!

Ingredients In Cheese Stuffed Pizza

Pizza Dough

Elevate your pizza game by creating delicious homemade pizza dough using our simple instructions. However, if you’re short on time, store-bought dough, as well as frozen rolls or bread dough, work equally well. Keep them handy for effortless future pizza nights.

Mozzarella Cheese

This an effortless and convenient culinary trick to have on standby! The perfectly shaped and sized string cheese sticks require no prep – simply unwrap and enjoy. Is no string cheese available? No worries, simply slice a block of cheese into sticks.

Unlock the secret to perfect melty cheese pockets in your homemade pizza crust with this simple hack: string cheese. Don’t knock it until you try it – the shape, width, and texture of string cheese make it the ideal choice for achieving that gooey, pizza-perfect consistency. 

Not a fan of string cheese? No problem. Simply create narrow piles of shredded mozzarella or thinly slice fresh mozzarella to line around the edges and elevate your pizza game.

Butter

When preparing your crust, it’s essential to brush melted butter around the edges to enhance its flavor. Opt for either salted or unsalted butter. Alternatively, you can use olive oil as an excellent substitute.

Garlic Salt 

Enhance the flavor of your pizza by sprinkling garlic salt around the edge of the crust. Save yourself time and money by creating your garlic salt blend using equal parts of salt and garlic powder, or simply purchase pre-made garlic salt. Elevate your pizza game with this simple but flavorful addition.

Toppings For Pizza

As a devoted pepperoni and cheese household, we embrace the philosophy that there are no wrong pizza toppings. Even controversial picks like pineapple have our support – to each their own! Here are some additional suggestions to inspire your next pizza creation.

Satisfy your meat cravings by featuring a delicious blend of cooked sausage, diced ham, pepperoni, cooked ground hamburger, or grilled chicken. 

Savor the bold flavors of our Margherita-style pizza, infused with fresh basil, tomatoes, and delectable fresh mozzarella. Our Spinach and Artichoke pizza features luscious artichoke hearts, cooked spinach, creamy mozzarella cheese, and a tasty twist of crispy bacon. 

Veggie pizza is loaded with your favorite fresh veggies, including peppers, mushrooms, red onions, and delectable mozzarella cheese. 

Finally, spice things up with our Mexican pizza, complete with refried beans, corn, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, cooked taco meat, and a blend of Mexican cheeses. There’s something for everyone at our pizzeria.

How to Make Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza

How to Create Delicious Stuffed Cheese Crust Pizza in the Comfort of Your Home!

Begin by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Allow the yeast to sit until it bubbles and becomes frothy, usually in about 5-10 minutes.

After your yeast has been proofed, add the olive oil, salt, and 1 ½ cups of flour to the mixture. Use the dough hook to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Gradually mix in the remaining ¼ cup of flour until the dough separates from the bowl’s edges. Next, mix on low speed for 1-2 minutes. Finally, cover the dough and allow it to rest in a warm location for 15 minutes, or until doubles in size. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the dough overnight if making it a day ahead.

Shape the Dough

After the homemade dough is made, push it down to let out any air bubbles. Separate the dough in half and freeze one-half of the dough for a later time – instructions for freezing can be found in the pizza dough recipe.

Lightly dust a work surface with flour and start gently flattening the dough into the form of a disc. Place the dough on a prepared pan or directly on a baker’s peel dusted with cornmeal if using a pizza stone. Using your hands, gently stretch and flatten the disc into a 12-inch (30cm) circle, approximately half an inch thick.

If the dough pulls back while stretching, stop and cover it lightly for around 5-10 minutes before trying again. Once the dough is properly shaped, lift the edge of the dough to create a lip around the edges, and pinch the edges to create the rim.

How to Cook?

Stuff crust with cheese

Line up mozzarella string cheese sticks about ½”-¾” from the edge of your pizza dough and roll the dough over the top, covering the cheese completely and pinching it to secure it in place. Repeat this process around the entire edge of the dough, patching any holes and smoothing out any thicker areas as needed. Enjoy a cheesy, flavorful pizza crust with every bite.

Enhance the flavor of your dough with a simple addition of sauce and cheese

To elevate the taste of your dough, don’t forget to add a blend of flavors. Utilize a pastry brush to apply melted butter over the stuffed edges before seasoning with garlic salt. Next, spread the marinara sauce onto the surface of the dough evenly. To finish, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the sauce and add sliced pepperoni if desired. 

Bake

Bake your pizza to perfection by following these simple steps. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Then, slide your pizza in and let it bake for approximately 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese, as it should be melted and the crust lightly browned around the edges. To ensure the crust’s bottom is golden brown, carefully lift the pizza with a spatula or fork.

Once baked to your desired level of perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Then, sit back, relax, and savor every delicious bite of your perfectly baked pizza.

Tips for Cooking Stuffed Crust Pizza

Tuck the cheese in tightly and fold the edges over

Creating the perfect stuffed crust pizza comes down to one crucial step: tucking the cheese tightly into the crust. Be sure to press down firmly and fold the edges over to seal the crust shut. Don’t worry about small gaps, but if the cheese spills out onto the pizza instead of staying inside the crust, keep working until the edges are perfectly folded over and snugly shut.

The result? A delectable cheesy crust that can only be sliced with a pizza cutter and enjoyed with a big, satisfying bite! Even though the pizza won’t be perfectly round due to the string cheese, it will certainly impress. Give it a try at home and taste the difference for yourself.

Choose the best cheese

For optimal melting, it is not recommended to use low-fat or fat-free mozzarella or other cheese sticks in this particular situation. Instead, indulge in the full-fat mozzarella string cheese sticks for a delectable result. Save the low-fat or fat-free options for snacking purposes.

Methods for baking

Achieving that perfect homemade pizza has never been easier thanks to a variety of options including a pizza stone, baking steel, or oiled baking sheet. While preheating may be the traditional way to handle this task, it can be challenging to move the pizza onto the hot surface. That’s why I suggest trying it without preheating and adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Let’s make life simpler and enjoy a delicious, perfectly cooked pizza.

Sauce to use

You can use either homemade or jarred sauce. Choose the option that suits you best and discover the delicious flavors of this dish.

Store in the fridge

Extend the shelf-life of your mouth-watering homemade pizza by wrapping it in foil and storing it in the fridge. Enjoy its deliciousness for up to 2-3 days without compromising on its quality!

For a fresh and warm pizza experience, there are several reheating options available. To enjoy your leftover pizza, simply reheat it in the oven at 350 F until it is thoroughly warmed. Alternatively, you can use a microwave or an air fryer to heat the pizza to your desired temperature. Although some people may prefer cold pizza straight from the fridge, reheating it allows for a crispy crust and melted cheese that can be enjoyed just as much as the original meal.

Adding more toppings

Enhance your pizza experience by adding more toppings along with shredded cheese. However, beware of overloading your pizza as it might turn soggy. Additionally, ensure that all your toppings like bacon, sausage, meatballs, etc are fully cooked before including them in your pizza. Enjoy a delicious and crunchy pizza by following these simple steps.

FAQs

Can I make Stuffed Crust Pizza ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Stuffed Crust Pizza ahead of time. All you need to do is store the unbaked pizza in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake. For optimal storage, securely wrap the item and refrigerate overnight. When ready for use, allow it to reach room temperature for 20-30 minutes beforehand.

What temperature should I use when baking a Stuffed Crust Pizza?

The ideal temperature for baking a Stuffed Crust Pizza is 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). This is slightly lower than when cooking a regular pizza because it allows for even cooking and helps ensure that your cheese melts properly while also giving you a crunchy crust. It’s important not to go too high or too low when baking your pizza, as the results may be undesirable.

For optimal cooking results, keep an eye on your pizza and bake until the cheese has melted and is oozing out of the edges. The crust should also be golden brown. It’s also important to note that ovens vary, so check for doneness periodically throughout the baking process. 

What are some additional toppings I can use on my Stuffed Crust Pizza?

When preparing a Stuffed Crust Pizza, feel free to get creative with different toppings! Try adding veggies like bell peppers or olives, spices like garlic or oregano, meats like bacon or sausage, cheeses such as feta or blue cheese, and cooked mushrooms or onions for more flavor.

Stick to full-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella and cheddar, to ensure a rich and flavorful result. The possibilities are endless! Be sure not to overload your pizza with extra toppings so that it doesn’t turn soggy.

How do you keep the cheese leaking from the crust? 

When making a Stuffed Crust Pizza, it’s important to ensure that your crust is tightly sealed. My approach to achieving this is by ensuring a sturdy seal. This involves carefully tucking in the dough along the edges and ensuring that the dough covering the cheese stick has adhered to the pizza’s base.

Precision is key, so I usually employ a technique of pinching and pushing while taking care not to create any holes in the crust. If required, I resort to using a fork to crimp it into place.

What can I do if my dough can’t stretch anymore? 

If you find yourself in a situation where your dough won’t stretch anymore, the easiest solution is to use a rolling pin. Take care not to roll it too thick or too thin, as either can affect the texture of your pizza crust. Additionally, if you don’t have a rolling pin, you can alternatively flatten and spread out the dough with your hands before adding your toppings. This should help ensure even cooking and a delicious result!

Need help stretching your pizza dough without it shrinking back? Give it a break for five minutes. Allowing the dough to rest for a short time will help it relax and become more pliable, making stretching a breeze. Give yourself a break and enjoy perfectly stretched pizza dough every time.

How do you choose the right mozzarella cheese? 

When it comes to making Stuffed Crust Pizza, mozzarella cheese is a must. For optimal results when using string cheese in cooking, choose full-fat mozzarella string cheese. Avoid any varieties soaked in brine or appearing excessively wet, as they can add unwanted moisture to your dough.

Opt for the type of string cheese that comes individually wrapped and is commonly enjoyed by children and adults alike. Specifically, selecting full-fat mozzarella will ensure a smooth, even melting in your dish.

Additionally, avoid pre-shredded cheeses as they often contain additives that can prevent them from melting properly. Look for a block of real mozzarella instead and shred it yourself for optimal results. Finally, be sure to use fresh cheese, as this will give you the best flavor and texture! 

What do you serve with this pizza? 

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving Stuffed Crust Pizza. For the perfect side dish, try a light salad or vegetable-based appetizer. Some classic Italian sides such as garlic bread or bruschetta also pair nicely with pizza. If you’re looking for something heartier, opt for pasta dishes like lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs.

No matter which option you choose, remember that fresh ingredients always make the best meals! For dessert, consider pairing your pizza with a freshly made fruit tart or creamy gelato—an unbeatable combination! Enjoy!

How do you store cooked pizza?

Preserve your pizza leftovers like a pro by letting them cool down to room temperature, wrapping them in tight tin foil, and keeping them refrigerated for up to three days. Alternatively, you can store it in an airtight food container, but in my experience, tin foil works better for this shape. Remember, allowing the pizza to cool beforehand helps prevent any potential sogginess when it comes time to enjoy your leftovers.

Conclusion

Stuffed crust pizza is a classic item that seems to never go out of style. Although there are numerous variations and flavors, the basics remain the same. No matter what your favorite toppings and flavor combinations are, one thing is certain: nothing beats the melted cheese tucked within that fateful edge of pizza crust!

We only hope that what started as an experiment in 1986 will stay as beloved as ever, allowing us all to indulge in delicious stuffed crust creations for many years to come.

So next time you place your order for dinner, be sure to ask for that extra-special bowl of cheesy goodness that comes along with some classic stuffed crust pizza – you won’t regret it!

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