Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza
If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your teeth into a pizza bursting with bold flavors, melty cheese, and a delightful surprise inside, then Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza is exactly what you need to try next. This hearty and savory stuffed pizza blends spicy pepperoni and seasoned sausage inside a golden crust, creating layers of deliciousness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a game night, family dinner, or craving a gourmet homemade treat, Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza offers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Explosive Flavor Combo: The marriage of spicy pepperoni and savory sausage creates a bold taste adventure in every slice.
- Cheese Heaven: Gooey, stretchy mozzarella melts perfectly inside, making it comfort food at its best.
- Generous Stuffing: This stuffed pizza delivers extra filling, turning a dinner into a feast that satisfies big appetites.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easy to adjust toppings based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry.
- Fun to Make: Crafting this stuffed pizza is engaging, making it perfect for cooking with friends or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each play a key role in flavor, texture, and appearance. From the perfectly seasoned meats to the fundamental dough, every component contributes to the magic inside this pizza.
- Pizza Dough: Use fresh or store-bought dough for a soft yet crispy base that holds the stuffing beautifully.
- Pepperoni Slices: Opt for classic pepperoni for a spicy, smoky kick that complements the sausage.
- Italian Sausage: Choose pre-cooked savory sausage or crumble and cook your own for controlled seasoning.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh shredded mozzarella ensures that melt-in-your-mouth gooeyness.
- Marinara Sauce: A rich and tangy tomato sauce adds moisture and balances the meats with acidity.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a final salty, nutty sprinkle that enhances the overall flavor.
- Italian Herbs: Basil, oregano, and garlic powder enhance the aroma and deepen the taste complexity.
- Olive Oil: A light brushing on the crust helps achieve that golden-brown, crispy finish.
Variations for Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza
Feel free to customize and make the Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza your own culinary creation. It’s incredibly easy to adapt based on dietary needs, ingredient availability, or adventurous flavor preferences.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage and pepperoni for grilled veggies or plant-based meat substitutes for a meat-free alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to turn up the heat.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for extra gooeyness and flavor depth.
- Gluten-Free Dough: Use gluten-free pizza crust recipes or pre-made dough for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Herb-Infused Dough: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for an aromatic surprise.
How to Make Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start with your pizza dough well rested and rolled out into two equal-sized rounds, roughly 12 inches in diameter. Make sure the dough is at room temperature to avoid shrinkage when rolling.
Step 2: Cook and Season the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart into small, bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat and mix in Italian herbs for extra flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Bottom Dough
Place one round of dough onto a lined baking sheet or pizza pan. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a border for sealing. Add an even layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by the cooked sausage and pepperoni slices.
Step 4: Add the Top Layer and Seal
Place the second dough round on top of the fillings. Press the edges firmly to seal the pizza completely, folding under itself if needed. Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and more Italian herbs.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the stuffed pizza for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and crisp. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to let the cheese settle.
Pro Tips for Making Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza
- Dough Resting: Rest your dough after rolling to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Even Layering: Distribute toppings evenly to avoid bursts or uneven cooking.
- Seal Edges Well: Make sure the dough edges are sealed tight to keep all the delicious fillings inside.
- Pre-Cook Meats: Always cook the sausage thoroughly before stuffing to ensure safety and flavor.
- Use a Pizza Stone: For extra crispy crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone if available.
- Cooling Time: Let the pizza rest a few minutes after baking for easier slicing and better cheese texture.
How to Serve Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes add a vibrant, fresh finish that enhances the robust flavors of the stuffed pizza.
Side Dishes
Pair your pepperoni-sausage stuffed pizza with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic broccoli for a perfect balance of freshness and comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice it into thick wedge-shaped pieces and serve on wooden boards with small bowls of marinara sauce and garlic butter for dipping and a rustic feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover stuffed pizza tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices or the whole stuffed pizza in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, ensuring the crust remains crispy and cheese melts beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pizza and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking, making it convenient for busy days or last-minute guests.
What type of sausage works best in this recipe?
Italian pork sausage with simple seasoning is best, but you can use chicken or turkey sausage as a lighter alternative without losing flavor.
Is Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza very spicy?
The spice level depends on your choice of pepperoni and sausage; using mild varieties makes it friendly for most palates, while spicy sausage adds heat.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch, and you can customize it with herbs or garlic to elevate the flavor even more.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy crust?
Ensure meats are well-drained and avoid overloading sauce to prevent moisture buildup, and always preheat your oven for a crispier crust.
Final Thoughts
Diving into a Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza is like enjoying a warm hug on a plate with every bite packed full of bold, gooey goodness. It’s a dish that brings people together, perfect for any occasion where flavor and fun matter most. So why not roll up your sleeves, try this amazing recipe, and experience the joy of stuffed pizza at home? Your taste buds will thank you.
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Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices (serves 4-6) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza is a hearty and savory stuffed pizza featuring spicy pepperoni, seasoned Italian sausage, and gooey mozzarella cheese layered inside a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or a gourmet homemade treat, this recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 rounds of pizza dough (fresh or store-bought), about 12 inches in diameter each
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Italian herbs (basil, oregano, garlic powder), to mix into dough or for sprinkling
For the Filling
- 1 cup pre-cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 20–25 slices of classic pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian herbs (basil, oregano, garlic powder), to mix with sausage and for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Start with pizza dough well rested and rolled out into two equal-sized rounds, each approximately 12 inches in diameter. Ensure the dough is at room temperature to avoid shrinkage when rolling.
- Cook and Season the Sausage: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart into small, bite-sized pieces. Drain any excess fat and stir in Italian herbs for extra flavor.
- Layer the Bottom Dough: Place one dough round onto a lined baking sheet or pizza pan. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border for sealing. Add an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, then top with the cooked sausage and pepperoni slices.
- Add the Top Layer and Seal: Place the second dough round over the fillings. Press the edges firmly to seal the pizza completely, folding under itself if necessary to prevent leakage. Brush the top with olive oil, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese and additional Italian herbs over the crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the stuffed pizza for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set.
Notes
- Rest the dough after rolling to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Distribute toppings evenly to avoid bursts or uneven cooking.
- Seal dough edges well to keep all fillings inside during baking.
- Always cook the sausage thoroughly before stuffing for safety and flavor.
- For extra crispy crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone if available.
- Let the pizza rest a few minutes after baking for easier slicing and better cheese texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: stuffed pizza, pepperoni pizza, sausage pizza, baked pizza, homemade pizza, Italian-American recipe
