Mozzarella Magic: The Ultimate Cheese For Stuffed Crusts

There are many different types of cheese that can be used for a stuffed crust pizza. Mozzarella is a popular choice, with some recipes calling for string cheese, and others for shredded mozzarella. Pizza Hut's original stuffed crust pizza uses 100% real cheese made from whole milk mozzarella. Other recipes suggest using a combination of cheeses, such as fontina and cheddar, or parmesan and pecorino romano.

Mozzarella is the best cheese for stuffed crust

Mozzarella is a mild-flavoured cheese, which means it won't overpower the other toppings on your pizza. It also has a beautiful, smooth texture when melted, which is exactly what you want for a stuffed crust. The cheese should be stretchy and stringy, and mozzarella does this perfectly when melted. This is why it is often used on pizzas, and why it is ideal for a cheese-stuffed crust.

Mozzarella is also a very versatile cheese. It comes in many forms, from fresh balls of buffalo mozzarella to low-moisture blocks and string cheese. Fresh mozzarella has a high moisture content, which makes it soft and creamy. This type of mozzarella is often sold in brine, and while it is delicious, it is not ideal for a stuffed crust. Instead, opt for low-moisture mozzarella, which will give you the desired stretchy, melty texture.

Low-moisture mozzarella is available in blocks or as string cheese. String cheese is the easiest option for a stuffed crust as it comes in the perfect shape and size. All you need to do is place the string cheese around the edge of your pizza base, fold over the dough, and seal. If you are using block mozzarella, you will need to cut it into thin strips first.

Mozzarella is the classic choice for a stuffed crust, and its popularity is well-deserved. It melts beautifully, has a mild flavour, and is versatile enough to come in a form that is the ideal shape and size for a stuffed crust. So, the next time you are making a stuffed crust pizza, be sure to reach for the mozzarella!

String cheese is the easiest to use

Mozzarella string cheese is the best option for the stuffed crust part of the pizza. It is important to use full-fat mozzarella string cheese as reduced-fat or fat-free cheese may not melt well. If you use a different type of cheese stick, like cheddar, it will not melt well and will become greasy.

When preparing the pizza, start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Lightly flour your work surface and pizza dough. Stretch the pizza dough out until thin and just barely fits on your pizza stone or baking sheet. Unwrap the cheese sticks and tear them in half lengthwise so you have eight to ten pieces. Place these around the edge of the pizza with little to no gaps between the pieces.

Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the cheese sticks, then pull up the pizza dough to go over the seasoned mozzarella. Continue this process around the entire edge of the pizza, ensuring that the crust is sealed tightly to prevent the cheese from melting out.

Once your crust is secure, add a thin layer of pizza sauce, followed by your choice of toppings and additional cheese. Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 15-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the cheesy goodness of your homemade stuffed-crust pizza!

Seal the crust well to prevent leaks

Sealing the crust of a pizza with a wet filling is essential to prevent leaks. Here are some tips to ensure a well-sealed crust:

Use the Right Type of Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a popular choice for stuffed crust pizza due to its stretchy and melty texture. However, it's important to use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess moisture from causing leaks. String cheese is an excellent option as it has the perfect shape, width, and texture for creating cheese pockets inside the crust. Alternatively, you can use shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella cut into thin pieces.

Prepare the Dough

Start with a stretchy and soft pizza dough, either homemade or store-bought. Make sure the dough is at room temperature before shaping it to prevent cracking. Divide the dough in half and freeze one half for future use. Gently flatten the other half into a disc on a floured surface, then stretch and flatten it into a circle about 12 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Create a lip around the edges by lifting and pinching the dough.

Add the Cheese Filling

Arrange the string cheese around the edges of the crust, leaving a 3/4-inch space. Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese and firmly pinch the seams to seal. Any gaps can cause the cheese to melt out, so take your time to ensure the edges are snugly shut. If you're having trouble sealing the dough, let it rest for a couple of minutes.

Baking Tips

Before baking, cover the dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest while you prepare the toppings. Use your fingers to push dents into the surface of the dough to prevent bubbling. Brush the dough with olive oil, then add your desired toppings. Bake the pizza at a high temperature, around 475°F (246°C), for 14-16 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Additional Tips

• If you're using shredded mozzarella, create narrow piles around the edges of the crust to ensure an even distribution of cheese.
• For a crispier crust, sprinkle cornmeal on the baking sheet or pan before placing the dough.
• To prevent the dough from shrinking back while stretching, cover it lightly and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before trying again.
• If you want to add extra toppings to the crust, such as pepperoni slices, wrap them under the string cheese before sealing.

Full-fat mozzarella works best

Mozzarella is a popular choice of cheese for stuffed-crust pizzas. It is a key ingredient in Pizza Hut's Original Stuffed Crust Pizza, which has been a menu staple since 1995. The cheese used in Pizza Hut's recipe is 100% real cheese made from whole milk mozzarella.

Mozzarella is a good option for stuffed crusts because it melts well and has a mild flavour that won't overpower other toppings. When making a stuffed-crust pizza, it is important to use full-fat mozzarella as low-fat or fat-free varieties do not melt as well. Full-fat mozzarella will ensure that you get the desired oozy, melty texture in your crust.

Mozzarella string cheese is a convenient option for creating a stuffed crust. Its shape, width, and texture are ideal for creating those melty cheese pockets inside the pizza crust. You can also use shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella cut into thin pieces. If using shredded mozzarella, be sure to create narrow piles around the edge of the crust to ensure even distribution.

When adding mozzarella to your stuffed crust, it is important to seal the dough tightly to prevent the cheese from leaking out. Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese, pressing down firmly to seal shut. Any gaps will result in the cheese melting out onto the pizza and not staying inside the crust.

In addition to mozzarella, you can also add herbs to your stuffed crust for extra flavour. Some suggested herbs include oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning.

Use herbs and seasoning for extra flavour

Herbs and seasoning can take your stuffed-crust pizza to the next level. The classic option is to use Italian seasoning, such as basil, oregano, or a blend of Italian herbs. You can sprinkle these dried herbs on top of the pizza before baking, or mix them with the cheese that goes into your stuffed crust.

If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different herbs and seasonings to add extra flavour to your pizza. For example, try using fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or mix in some red pepper flakes or garlic powder for a spicier kick. You could also try adding some Parmesan cheese to your crust for a sharper, more savoury flavour.

When choosing herbs and seasonings, consider the other toppings you'll be using on your pizza. For example, if you're making a pizza with lots of fresh vegetables, you might want to use lighter, more delicate herbs like basil or parsley. On the other hand, if you're making a meat-lover's pizza, you might want to use stronger herbs and seasonings like rosemary or red pepper flakes to complement the hearty flavours of the meat.

Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combinations that you like best! The beauty of making your own stuffed-crust pizza is that you can customise it to your own taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions