Stuffed Crust Pizza Recipe with @Pillsbury Pizza Crust
Stuffed Crust Pizza Recipe with @Pillsbury Pizza Crust is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by By Nay A on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 47 min
Cost: $13.20 total, $3.30 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 links Italian Sausage (casing removed, crumbled)
- 10 sticks String Cheese (mozzarella string cheese)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened, for herb butter)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (adds herb flavor to butter)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (adds garlic flavor to butter)
- 0.5 cup Pizza Sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 20 slices Pepperoni (regular pepperoni slices)
- 1 large Pizza Crust (store‑bought dough or pre‑made crust)
- 1 sheet Parchment Paper (cut to fit pan)
Instructions
Brown the Sausage
Remove the casings from the two Italian sausage links, crumble the meat and brown it in a skillet over medium‑high heat until fully cooked.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium‑high heat on stovetop
Prepare Parchment
Cut a sheet of parchment paper to the size of your baking pan.
Time: PT2M
Stretch the Crust
Place the pizza crust on the parchment‑lined pan and gently stretch it a little larger than the pan edges.
Time: PT3M
Add String Cheese Edge
Lay the 10 sticks of string cheese around the outer rim of the crust, then fold the overhanging dough over the cheese and press to seal.
Time: PT4M
Poke the Crust
Use a fork to poke holes all over the crust edge to prevent air bubbles.
Time: PT1M
Make Herb Butter
In a small microwave‑safe bowl combine 2 Tbsp butter, 1 tsp dried oregano and 1 tsp garlic powder; microwave for about 45 seconds until melted.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: high (microwave)
Brush Butter on Crust
Brush the melted herb butter all over the exposed crust edges.
Time: PT1M
Spread Pizza Sauce
Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the interior of the crust, leaving a small border.
Time: PT2M
Add Toppings
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, arrange pepperoni slices, crumble the browned sausage, and add any extra cheese you like.
Time: PT3M
Bake the Pizza
Place the pizza in a pre‑heated oven at 475°F and bake for 10‑15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 475°F
Slice and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven, let it rest 2 minutes, then cut into slices and enjoy.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Italian Sausage: ground pork, chicken sausage
- Instead of String Cheese: shredded mozzarella
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Pizza Sauce: marinara sauce
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone
- Instead of Pepperoni: salami
- Instead of Pizza Crust: homemade pizza dough
- Instead of Parchment Paper: silicone baking mat
Equipment Needed
- Baking Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Fork
- Small Bowl
- Microwave
- Oven
- Knife or Kitchen Scissors
- Spatula or Spoon
- Rolling Pin (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Remove sausage casing and brown the sausage
- Fold crust over string cheese to seal the stuffed edge
- Brush herb butter on crust before baking
- Bake at 475°F for 10‑15 minutes
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh mozzarella for extra stretchiness
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter for a subtle kick
- Let the pizza rest a minute after baking to let the cheese set for cleaner slices
Troubleshooting
Crust is soggy in the middle
Pre‑bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding sauce and toppings, and avoid excess sauce.
Cheese doesn’t melt or browns unevenly
Increase oven temperature slightly or move the pizza to a higher rack; ensure cheese is evenly distributed.
Stuffed edge leaks cheese
Make sure the dough is fully sealed over the string cheese and press firmly; poke extra holes if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat directly in oven.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the herb butter mixture and store in the fridge
- Pre‑bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings if you want a firmer base
- Cook the sausage ahead of time and keep warm
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of stuffed crust pizza in American cuisine?
Stuffed crust pizza originated in the United States in the 1990s as a novelty twist on traditional Italian pizza, popularized by major pizza chains to add extra cheese and appeal to cheese‑loving consumers.
What are the traditional regional variations of pizza in Italian‑American cuisine?
Italian‑American pizza varies by region: New York‑style is thin and foldable, Chicago‑style is deep‑dish, and Detroit‑style has a thick, airy crust. Stuffed‑crust is a modern American invention rather than a regional Italian style.
How is stuffed crust pizza traditionally served in the United States?
It is typically served hot, sliced into wedges, and eaten as a main dish or party snack, often accompanied by a side of marinara for dipping the cheesy crust.
What occasions or celebrations is stuffed crust pizza commonly associated with in American culture?
Stuffed crust pizza is popular for casual gatherings, sports events, birthday parties, and movie nights because it offers a fun, indulgent twist on a familiar favorite.
What makes stuffed crust pizza special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The cheese‑filled edge adds an unexpected burst of gooey texture, turning the crust from a simple carrier into a flavorful component, which sets it apart from traditional pizza styles.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making stuffed crust pizza?
Common errors include not sealing the dough over the string cheese, using too much sauce which makes the crust soggy, and undercooking the sausage before adding it to the pizza.
Why does this stuffed crust pizza recipe use a butter‑oregano mixture instead of plain olive oil?
The butter‑oregano mixture adds richness and a herb‑infused flavor to the crust edge, helping the cheese melt smoothly and giving the crust a golden, aromatic finish that plain oil cannot provide.
Can I make stuffed crust pizza ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can assemble the pizza up to the topping stage, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the stuffed crust pizza is done cooking?
The crust should be golden‑brown and crisp, the cheese‑filled edge should be melted and slightly browned, and the mozzarella on top should be bubbly with a light caramelized color.
What does the YouTube channel By Nay A specialize in?
The YouTube channel By Nay A focuses on quick, home‑cooked comfort food recipes, often adding creative twists to classic dishes and providing clear, step‑by‑step visual guides.
How does the YouTube channel By Nay A's approach to pizza cooking differ from other cooking channels?
By Nay A emphasizes simple, pantry‑friendly ingredients and shortcuts like using string cheese for a stuffed crust, while many other channels may rely on more elaborate dough‑making techniques or specialty cheeses.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
