Stuffed Crust Garlic & Herb Pizza: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe

There’s nothing quite like homemade pizza, and this stuffed crust garlic and herb-infused dough takes it to another level. With a buttery, cheesy crust and a perfectly seasoned, airy dough, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, the extra rise gives the crust even more flavor and texture!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

​​✅ Flavor-Packed Dough – Infused with garlic, basil, and oregano for an aromatic bite.
✅ Double Rise for Perfection – A short second rise before baking makes the crust even lighter and more flavorful.
✅ Cheesy Stuffed Crust – Because who doesn’t love a gooey, melty cheese surprise in every bite?

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​How to Make it
​

Yield, Prep & Cook Time
​
Yield: 2 large 12–14-inch pizzas (Serves 8–12)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
First Rise: 1 hour
​
Second Rise (after shaping): 15–20 minutes
Assembly Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours

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Ingredients :
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For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

For the Stuffed Crust:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese or string cheese sticks
• 1 tbsp butter (melted)
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Pizza Toppings:

• 1 cup pizza sauce (check out our homemade marinara sauce)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)

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Instructions:
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​Step 1: Make the Garlic Herb Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with a dough hook), combine flour, salt, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape and Stuff the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the dough into a large circle, about 12-14 inches.
3. Place shredded mozzarella or string cheese sticks around the edge of the dough.
4. Fold the dough over the cheese and press to seal.

Step 3: Second Rise for Extra Flavor & Texture

1. Cover the shaped dough and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before adding toppings.
2. This second rise allows the crust to develop a better texture and flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the crust exposed.
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and add your favorite toppings.
3. Brush the crust with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
2. Let it cool slightly before slicing.

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Step- By- Step Pictures

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✨ Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Crust Garlic & Herb Pizza
​

✅ Use High-Quality Cheese – For the stuffed crust, go for whole milk mozzarella or even a mix of cheeses like provolone and cheddar for extra flavor.
✅ Let the Dough Rest -If It's Tough to Stretch – If the dough keeps shrinking when you roll it out, let it rest for 5-10 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to shape.
✅ Cornmeal for a Crispy Bottom – Lightly dust your pizza stone or baking sheet with cornmeal before placing the dough on it. This gives the crust a slight crunch and prevents sticking.
✅ Bake on a Preheated Surface – If you have a pizza stone or steel, preheat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps achieve a crispy, pizzeria-style crust.
✅ Brush with Garlic Butter After Baking – While brushing the crust with butter before baking is great, adding another light coat after baking gives it a deliciously buttery, garlicky finish.
✅ Let It Cool Before Slicing – Allowing the pizza to cool for 5 minutes helps prevent the cheese from running everywhere, giving you cleaner slices.

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Items needed:

I've linked these items to the best choices on Amazon for your convenience. ​Disclaimer: As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
​

Rolling Pin
Dough Cutter
Thermometer
Pizza Stone

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this dough ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead and let it rise slowly in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Q: What cheese works best for stuffing the crust?

A: Mozzarella is the classic choice—either shredded or string cheese sticks. For more flavor, try adding provolone, cheddar, or even a bit of parmesan to the mix.

Q: Can I freeze the dough or the whole pizza?

A: Yes! The dough can be frozen after the first rise. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then let it come to room temp before shaping. The baked pizza also freezes well—wrap slices individually and reheat in the oven.

Q: I don’t have a pizza stone—can I still make this?

A: Absolutely. A baking sheet works just fine. For extra crispiness, preheat the sheet in the oven before adding the pizza.

Q: What if I want to make it spicy?
​
A: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some into the dough for a flavorful kick!

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Final thoughts
​

This stuffed crust garlic and herb pizza is the perfect homemade pizza upgrade! The second rise makes a huge difference, giving you an even airier and more flavorful crust. Pair it with a side of marinara or ranch for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that’ll rival your favorite pizzeria.
​
🍕 Have you tried making homemade stuffed crust before? Let me know how it turns out in the comments!

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