Fluffy XL Pizza with Gooey Cheese-Stuffed Crust

If you want to take homemade pizza to the next level, this recipe is a must-try. This fluffy XL pizza dough is soft, airy, and bakes into a golden crust that’s irresistible. The secret? A delicious cheese-stuffed crust that adds extra flavor and makes every bite gooey and satisfying. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll prepare a pizza worthy of your favorite pizzeria right at home. Whether you fill it with ham, bacon, mushrooms, or keep it simple with melting cheese, this recipe guarantees a family favorite that will disappear in no time.

Fluffy XL Pizza Dough with Cheese-Stuffed Crust

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 2 votes

Course: Main dish, Pies and PastriesCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

324

kcal

Resting Time

30

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Make fluffy XL pizza dough with a delicious cheese-stuffed crust. Soft, golden, and perfect for loading with your favorite toppings — a homemade pizza that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

Metric US

• For the Dough

• 350 g 2 4/5 cup All-purpose Flour

• 200 g 6/7 cup Lukewarm Water

• 8 g 2 1/4 tsp Dry Yeast

• 5 g 1 tsp Salt

• 5 g 1 tsp Sugar

• 10 g 2 tsp Olive Oil

• 1 pinch 1 Dried Thyme or Oregano

• For the Sauce

• 100 g 3.5 oz Tomato Juice or Passata

• 10 g 2 tsp Olive Oil

• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme or Oregano

• For the Topping

• 400 g 14 oz Melting Cheeses (eg Mozzarella, Gouda, Cheddar)

• 100 g 3.5 oz Bacon slices

• 100 g 3.5 oz Ham slices

• 1/2 1/2 Tomato, diced

• 100 g 3.5 oz Sliced Mushrooms

Recipe directions

• Prepare the dough
• In a bowl, mix the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it activate for a few minutes.
• Add the flour, olive oil, salt, and thyme (or oregano). Mix and knead on a floured surface until the dough is elastic and no longer sticky.
• Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
• Transfer the dough to a floured surface, knead lightly to release air, shape into a ball, place on parchment paper, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
• Prepare the sauce
• In a bowl, combine tomato juice, olive oil, and thyme (or oregano). Mix until smooth.
• Assemble the pizza
• Roll out the dough into a round shape slightly larger than 32 cm (12.5 inches).
• Place a 32 cm (12.5-inch) baking pan upside down on the dough and press lightly to mark a circle as a guide for the crust.
• Arrange small pieces of cheese along the outer edge. Remove the pan and fold the edges inward over the cheese, sealing to form a stuffed crust.
• Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
• Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then add bacon, ham, tomato, and mushrooms.
• Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown with a crispy crust.

Recipe video

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🍕 The Secret to Fluffy XL Pizza Dough

This cheese-stuffed crust pizza is more than just a regular pizza — it’s a game-changer. The dough rises beautifully, thanks to dry yeast, and creates a soft and airy base. Folding cheese into the crust transforms every slice into a cheesy delight that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s the perfect recipe for pizza night when you want something special but still simple to prepare.

🧀 Endless Topping Possibilities

The best part of this XL pizza is how customizable it is. You can stick with the classic combination of ham, bacon, cheese, and mushrooms, or experiment with your favorite toppings. Try a Mediterranean twist with olives, feta, and oregano, or go spicy with pepperoni and chili flakes. With such a versatile base, this pizza adapts to any taste or occasion.

🔥 Tips for the Perfect Cheese-Stuffed Crust

To make sure your stuffed crust seals properly, press the edges of the dough firmly after folding over the cheese. You can also brush the crust with olive oil before baking for extra color and flavor. Bake on the lower rack of your oven for even cooking, ensuring the bottom crust gets golden and crisp while the cheese melts perfectly inside the edge.