Cheesy Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust Pizza

Cheesy Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust Pizza (Copycat)

This recipe captures the gooey, cheesy goodness of Pizza Hut’s stuffed crust pizza, but you can make it at home!

Ingredients:

• Dough:
  • 1 1/3 cups (320ml) warm water
  • 2.5 tsp (8g) instant yeast
  • 1 Tbsp (14g) sugar
  • 2.5 Tbsp (35g) olive oil
  • 1.5 tsp (6g) salt
  • 3.5 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • Cornmeal for dusting
• Tomato Sauce: (Optional)
  
  • 4 oz (113g) guanciale (or pancetta), diced (can substitute olive oil)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 3 sprigs sage
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Cheese:
  • 16 mozzarella cheese sticks
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Toppings: (of your choice)
  
  • Pizza sauce
  • Pepperoni
  • Other favorite pizza toppings

Cooking Guide:

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in olive oil and salt. Gradually add flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Make the sauce (optional): In a skillet, cook guanciale (or heat olive oil) over medium heat until crispy. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Add crushed tomatoes, thyme, and sage. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove herbs.

3. Assemble the pizza: Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). Lightly dust a work surface with cornmeal. Punch down dough and roll it out into a large circle, about 1/4 inch thick.

4. Create the stuffed crust: Place mozzarella cheese sticks in a single row around the edge of the dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border. Brush the dough border with water. Carefully fold the dough edge over the cheese sticks, pinching the seam to seal.

5. Top the pizza: Spread pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought) over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the stuffed crust. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using). Add your desired toppings.

6. Bake: Transfer pizza to a baking sheet (or pizza stone) dusted with cornmeal. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips:

• For extra cheesy goodness, use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for the stuffed crust.
• Let the rolled-out dough rest for 10 minutes before adding toppings. This will help prevent the crust from shrinking.
• If you don’t have a pizza stone, bake the pizza on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Want to get fancy? Brush the crust with melted butter or garlic butter before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Enjoy your homemade cheesy Pizza Hut stuffed crust pizza!