Little Caesars Stuffed Crust Pizza (Copycat Recipe)

This classic stuffed crust pizza recipe captures the essence of Little Caesars with a golden, flaky crust filled with gooey cheese and topped with savory tomato sauce and your favorite toppings. The combination of rich mozzarella, zesty tomato sauce, and a perfectly baked crust creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy any pizza lover. This recipe is made with traditional ingredients and methods, ensuring a delicious homemade experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (string cheese works well)
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large circle on a floured surface.
7. Cut the string cheese into halves and place them around the edge of the dough, folding the edge over to seal the cheese inside.
8. Transfer the stuffed crust to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet. Spread pizza sauce over the top, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce and add your desired toppings.
10. Sprinkle oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes over the top if desired.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve hot.