Cheese Crust Pizza

String cheese is the secret to success for this popular stuffed-crust pizza. Prebaking the crust crust before you add the toppings assures that the cheese inside will melt completely.

Cheese Crust Pizza

Average Rating: 4.666666

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 25 min.
YIELD: 6-8 slices.

Ingredients

  • 2 to 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 8 pieces string cheese
  • 1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
  • 1 medium green pepper, diced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 jar (4-1/2 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • 1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast and salt. In a saucepan, heat water and oil to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  • 2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 14-in. circle. Transfer to a greased 12-in. pizza pan, letting dough drape 2 in. over the edge.
  • 3. Place string cheese around edge of pan; fold dough over cheese and pinch to seal. Prick dough thoroughly with a fork. Bake at 425° for 10 minutes.
  • 4. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, oregano, pepper and garlic powder; spread over crust. Sprinkle with meat mixture, mushrooms and mozzarella.
  • 5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 343 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 976mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.