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Margherita with Stuffed Crust Recipe

Italian · Main course · 45 min total

A classic Margherita pizza with a twist: a cheesy stuffed crust that adds an extra layer of indulgence. This recipe guides you through making a crispy, golden crust filled with mozzarella, topped with tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 4 ounces mozzarella string cheese (4 sticks), for stuffing crust
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8-10 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting pan)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil; mix until dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat. Lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan or dust with cornmeal.
4. Punch down dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 14-inch circle. Transfer to prepared pan. Arrange string cheese sticks around the edge of the dough, about 1 inch from the edge. Fold the outer edge of dough over the cheese and press to seal, creating a stuffed crust.
5. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the stuffed crust bare. Arrange fresh mozzarella slices on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Remove from oven, top with fresh basil leaves, and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Tips

• For a crispier crust, bake directly on a preheated pizza stone.
• If you don't have string cheese, use mozzarella sticks cut in half.
• Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven.

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