Papa John's Stuffed Crust Pizza features a golden, hand-tossed crust filled with melted mozzarella cheese, topped with tangy tomato sauce, savory pepperoni, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses, delivering a delicious combination of cheesy goodness and satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Dough mixer
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter
- Cheese grater
- Pizza peel
- Baking sheet or pizza screen
- Sauce ladle
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour
- 1½ cups (360ml) warm water
- 2¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 2 cups (225g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (for filling)
- 1½ cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 1 cup (110g) shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) pizza sauce
- 6 ounces (170g) sliced pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Using low-moisture mozzarella cheese for the crust filling is essential to achieve the perfect melt without excess moisture that can make the dough soggy. Ensure active dry yeast is fresh and properly dissolved in warm water to guarantee optimal dough rise and texture. Balancing the blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses on top enhances flavor complexity and creaminess. You should dust your baking surface with cornmeal to prevent sticking and create that crispy bottom crust characteristic of restaurant-style pizzas. The Stuffed Crust Pizza from Papa John's copycat menu combines a hand-tossed crust filled with melted mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, savory pepperoni, and a blend of cheeses for a satisfying cheesy crunch you can enjoy at home.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast; let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
- Add bread flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- Knead with dough mixer (or by hand) for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1–1.5 hours).
- Punch down dough and divide as desired.
- Preheat pizza oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Sprinkle cornmeal on pizza peel or baking sheet.
- Roll out dough into a large circle using rolling pin.
- Arrange shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese around the edge of the crust.
- Fold dough over cheese and pinch to seal, creating stuffed crust.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the center using a sauce ladle.
- Top with shredded mozzarella, provolone, and sliced pepperoni.
- Brush stuffed crust edges with olive oil using pastry brush.
- Transfer pizza to pizza oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove pizza, let rest for 2–3 minutes.
- Slice using pizza cutter and serve hot.
Substitution
Papa John's Stuffed Crust Pizza from this copycat menu replicates the iconic golden crust filled with melted mozzarella, layered with tangy tomato sauce, pepperoni, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses for a rich, cheesy flavor. If you're unable to find provolone cheese, feel free to substitute it with fontina or gouda, which provide a similar texture and meltability. When making the dough, ensure the water temperature is between 105degF and 115degF to activate the yeast effectively; using water that's too hot can kill the yeast and ruin the rise. If you don't have a pizza peel, a flat baking sheet or the back of a rimless baking sheet works well to transfer the pizza into the oven. Use cornmeal or semolina flour on your pizza peel or baking surface to prevent sticking and ensure easy movement.
Tips
Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm but not too hot to activate proper fermentation, vital for dough rise. When stuffing the crust with mozzarella, pinch the dough firmly to avoid cheese leaking during baking. Use cornmeal on the peel or baking sheet to prevent sticking and help slide the pizza easily into the oven. You'll find brushing the crust with olive oil enhances browning and adds extra flavor to your homemade stuffed crust pizza.
Nutritions
Papa John's Stuffed Crust Pizza provides a rich source of protein and calcium from the generous amounts of mozzarella and provolone cheeses used both in the crust and as toppings. The pepperoni adds flavor along with saturated fat and sodium, contributing to the pizza's savory profile. The bread flour supplies carbohydrates for energy, while olive oil offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that enhance the nutritional balance. Your intake of vitamins such as A and C comes primarily from the tomato-based pizza sauce, making this a flavorful yet energy-dense meal.
Storage
Store your Papa John's Stuffed Crust Pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Refrigerate the pizza if consuming within 3-4 days, ensuring it is reheated thoroughly before serving. For longer storage, freeze the pizza in a sealed freezer bag to preserve flavor and texture for up to one month.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute the pepperoni with spicy Italian sausage or sauteed mushrooms to cater to different taste preferences. Incorporate fresh basil or oregano into the pizza sauce for enhanced herbal flavors, or use a blend of smoked mozzarella and fontina cheese for a richer, creamier stuffing. You can also add a light garlic butter brush to the stuffed crust before baking to infuse a savory aroma. Experimenting with the dough by adding whole wheat flour can provide a nuttier taste and higher fiber content while maintaining the chewy texture.
Allergies
Papa John's Stuffed Crust Pizza contains common allergens such as wheat from bread flour and multiple dairy sources including mozzarella and provolone cheeses, which may trigger reactions in those with gluten intolerance or lactose sensitivity. The pizza also includes yeast, which can affect individuals with specific yeast allergies. Be mindful of your allergies before enjoying this cheesy, savory pizza to avoid any adverse effects.
Why this recipe?
Papa John's Stuffed Crust Pizza captivates pizza lovers with its perfectly golden, cheese-filled crust that adds a rich, gooey surprise to every bite. The combination of high-quality ingredients, including fresh hand-tossed dough and savory toppings, delivers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Many appreciate the indulgent twist on a classic pizza, making it a standout choice at Papa John's menu. Trying to make a copycat version lets you recreate this crowd-pleasing experience at home, tailored to your taste preferences.