Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust Pizza (Copycat Recipe)

This homemade version of Pizza Hut's iconic stuffed crust pizza features a golden, crispy crust filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, topped with a rich tomato sauce, savory pepperoni, and a blend of Italian herbs. It's a delightful combination of textures and flavors that brings the pizzeria experience right to your kitchen. Perfect for family gatherings or movie nights, this recipe meets traditional cooking standards while delivering a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (string cheese or block, cut into sticks)
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp 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 (about 14 inches in diameter).
7. Place the mozzarella cheese sticks around the edge of the dough, folding the dough over to encase the cheese, and pinch to seal.
8. Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan. Spread the pizza sauce over the base, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then top with pepperoni slices, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve hot.