Bushra Griffith
There are many different types of cheese that can be used for a stuffed crust pizza, including mozzarella, string cheese, cottage cheese, gouda, provolone, and cheddar. The type of cheese to use depends on the desired texture and flavour of the crust. For example, string cheese is convenient because of its shape, width, and texture, which make it perfect for creating melty cheese pockets inside the pizza crust. Mozzarella is also a popular choice for its gooey, stretchy texture.
Characteristics and their values for cheese-stuffed crust pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Mozzarella, String Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Goat Cheese, Cheddar, Provolone, Gouda |
| Dough | Self-raising flour, All-purpose flour, Greek Yogurt, Whole Wheat Pizza Dough |
| Toppings | Sun-dried tomatoes, Plum tomatoes, Cherry tomatoes, Basil, Meat, Vegetables, Herbs |
| Sauce | Marinara Sauce, Passata, Tinned Tomatoes |
| Meat | Serrano Ham, Chicken, Pepperoni, Jalapenos |
| Vegetables | Peppers, Mushrooms, Olives, Chicory |
| Other Cheeses | Gorgonzola, Fontina, Parmesan |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is a popular choice
Mozzarella is a traditional Italian cheese made from buffalo or cow's milk. It is semi-soft and moist, with a delicate, slightly sour tang. Fresh mozzarella is sold in balls suspended in liquid, usually brine or whey. It is also available in blocks or shredded, which can be more convenient for pizza-making.
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches, but it is particularly well-suited for pizza. Its high moisture content means it melts easily and becomes stretchy, creating a gooey, stringy texture that is desirable in a stuffed crust.
When making a mozzarella-stuffed crust, you can use either fresh or shredded mozzarella. To create the stuffed crust, form your pizza dough into a disc, then create a ring of mozzarella around the edge, leaving a small gap between the cheese and the edge of the dough. Brush a little water inside the mozzarella ring, then fold over the edge of the dough to enclose the cheese. Press firmly to seal the dough and ensure the mozzarella doesn't ooze out during baking.
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String cheese is easy to use
String cheese is the perfect choice for a homemade stuffed-crust pizza. It's easy to use and will help you achieve the ideal shape, width, and texture for that melty, cheesy goodness. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a delicious string cheese-stuffed crust pizza at home:
Prepare the Dough
Start by preparing your pizza dough. You can use store-bought dough or make it from scratch. If you're using frozen dough, make sure it's thawed before you begin. For a simple dough recipe, all you need is flour, yeast, sugar, salt, oil, and warm milk. Mix the dry ingredients, then add the oil to the milk and combine with the dry mixture. Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to a temperature between 200°C and 246°C, depending on your recipe and oven type. It's essential to give your oven enough time to reach the desired temperature before baking your pizza.
Shape the Dough
Dust your work surface and rolling pin with a light coating of flour. Roll out your dough into a circular shape, aiming for a thickness of about half a centimeter. If you're using string cheese, you don't have to worry about making a perfectly round shape, as the cheese along the edges will create a unique, heptagon-like shape.
Add the String Cheese
Place your string cheese sticks along the outer edge of the dough, leaving a small gap between the cheese and the edge. You'll need about seven sticks of string cheese for a standard-sized pizza. The convenient shape and size of string cheese make it easy to arrange and ensure consistent cheese distribution in the crust.
Fold and Seal the Crust
Brush a little water inside the ring of string cheese. Then, carefully fold over the outer edge of the dough to enclose the cheese and create your stuffed crust. Press the dough firmly to seal it in place and ensure that the cheese won't ooze out during baking.
Top and Bake Your Pizza
Add your desired toppings to the middle of the base, being careful not to overload the pizza and disturb the stuffed crust. You can stick to classic options like marinara sauce and mozzarella or get creative with toppings like goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or even garlic sauce. Bake your pizza for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cooked to your liking.
Using string cheese for a stuffed crust pizza is a simple and effective way to achieve delicious results. It's all about embracing that cheesy goodness and getting creative with your toppings, so don't be afraid to experiment and enjoy the process!
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Dough type and preparation
The dough is a key component of any pizza, and especially so for a stuffed crust pizza. You can use store-bought pizza dough, but making your own is easy and can elevate your pizza to the next level.
Basic dough recipe
To make your own pizza dough, you will need the following ingredients: flour, yeast, sugar, salt, oil, and milk. Warm the milk in a saucepan until steaming, but not boiling. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add oil to the milk and leave to cool until just warm, then pour the liquid into the bowl and mix until the ingredients are well combined. Tip the mixture onto your work surface and knead for around 10 minutes, or continue mixing in the bowl for 5-7 minutes, until you have a smooth and elastic dough.
Dough preparation
If you have chilled your dough, remove it from the fridge and leave it at room temperature for about an hour. Dust your work surface and tip the dough onto it. Punch the dough to remove any air bubbles, then shape it into a disk. Roll out the dough to form a pizza base, to your desired thickness and width. If you want a light and airy dough, use self-raising flour. However, regular all-purpose flour can also be used; just remember to add baking powder to ensure the dough rises properly.
Stuffed crust preparation
To create the stuffed crust, use mozzarella cheese to make a ring around the outside edge of the pizza base, leaving a small gap between the edge. You can also use other types of cheese, such as string cheese, shredded mozzarella, or fresh mozzarella cut into thin pieces. Brush a little water inside the cheese ring, then fold over the edge of the dough to enclose the cheese and create the stuffed crust. Press firmly to seal the dough.
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Other cheese options
While mozzarella is the most popular cheese for a stuffed crust pizza, there are several other options to consider.
String cheese is a convenient choice for a stuffed crust pizza due to its ideal shape, width, and texture, which allow for the creation of melty cheese pockets inside the crust. It is a recommended option for those seeking a quick and easy solution.
For those who prefer a more tangy and flavourful option, goat's cheese is a suitable alternative. Its distinct flavour can enhance the overall taste of the pizza. Additionally, goat's cheese pairs well with various toppings, making it a versatile choice.
Cheddar, provolone, and gouda are other excellent options for stuffed crust pizzas. These cheeses offer a different flavour profile and can create a gooey and cheesy crust. Combining these cheeses with herbs or spices can further elevate the taste.
Experimenting with different cheese combinations is also an option. A classic four-cheese pizza, for example, might include mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and parmesan. This combination provides a range of flavours and textures, from the creaminess of mozzarella to the pungency of gorgonzola.
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Toppings and sauces
When it comes to toppings and sauces for a stuffed-crust pizza, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different cheese varieties, such as mozzarella, gouda, cheddar, provolone, or goat's cheese, for both the crust and topping. For a classic four-cheese pizza, combine mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and parmesan. If you're a fan of goat's cheese, try adding some tanginess and extra flavour to your pizza.
For the sauce, a simple marinara sauce is a great option. If you can't find marinara sauce, you can easily substitute it with passata or tinned tomatoes. Just remember to season it well. You can also add some spice to your pizza with jalapeños or create a garlicky masterpiece. Papa John's offers a garlic-stuffed crust option, where their special garlic sauce is stuffed into the crust and drizzled on top. If you're a fan of garlic, you can also make some cheesy garlic bread to serve on the side.
When choosing toppings, you can go with classic options like pepperoni or load up on veggies such as sliced peppers, mushrooms, and olives for a colourful and fresh-tasting pizza. If you're feeling adventurous, try a Hawaiian pizza or BBQ chicken pizza, which pair well with a stuffed crust. For a meat feast, add some Serrano ham or cooked chicken to your pizza. Don't forget to add some fresh herbs as a final touch before serving.
Remember, the beauty of making your own pizza is that you can personalise it to your taste preferences. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of cheeses, sauces, and toppings to find your perfect stuffed-crust pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella is a popular choice for stuffed crust pizzas, as it melts easily and has a gooey, stretchy texture. String cheese is the easiest option as it is the perfect shape and width, but you can also use shredded or fresh mozzarella.
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese for your stuffed crust pizza. Some alternatives to mozzarella include goat's cheese, cheddar, provolone, gouda, and feta.
To make a stuffed crust pizza, start by preparing your pizza dough. You can make your own dough or use store-bought dough. Roll out the dough into a large, thin circle. Place your chosen cheese around the edge of the dough, leaving a small gap between the edge. Fold the edge of the dough over the cheese and seal it. Top the pizza with sauce, cheese, and your desired toppings. Bake the pizza in the oven until it is cooked to your liking.
