Master the art of the stuffed crust pizza with this professional home technique
In short: Stuffed crust pizza is often dismissed as a fast-food gimmick, but it is a structural marvel when made correctly at home. By using a low-hydration dough and a specific sealing method, you can create a sturdy, cheese-filled ring that stays perfectly intact through the high-heat baking process.
The secret to a successful stuffed crust lies in the dough's structural integrity. A low-hydration dough is essential, as it provides the necessary strength to hold the cheese ring securely without bursting. To prepare the dough, combine 5 cups of bread flour with 2 1/4 cups of warm water, 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Knead the mixture, adding flour until the dough is only barely sticky. Dividing this into three equal balls allows for controlled rising, which can occur over two hours at room temperature or up to seven days in the refrigerator.
Preparation of the cheese ring requires precision. Use whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella string cheese, cutting the sticks in half lengthwise to ensure they fit properly within the crust. When assembling, roll the dough thin enough to leave at least 3 inches of excess material around the perimeter. Placing the halved cheese sticks end-to-end creates the ring, while a light application of water on the dough surface acts as a glue. Crimp the dough tightly around the cheese, then use butter seasoned with salt and dried herbs to press a final, firm seal.
Baking at maximum oven temperature is critical for achieving the right texture. Preheating a pizza stone or steel for one hour prior to baking ensures a crisp base. Whether using parchment paper or a metal screen, the process remains consistent: apply a thin layer of sauce, a dusting of parmesan, and the remaining mozzarella before transferring the pizza to the heat. Trimming excess parchment paper before sliding the pizza onto the stone helps manage the bake, resulting in a professional-grade stuffed crust.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Stuffed crust pizza, from Lauren Morrill's 'It's Kind of a Cheesy Love Story'
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