30-Minute Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza

Name: 30-Minute Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 150g self-raising flour; 150g cottage cheese; 75g grated mozzarella cheese; 3 tablespoons marinara sauce; 5 slices mozzarella cheese; 10 fresh basil leaves

Jump to Recipe

This is my 30-Minute Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza recipe that only uses two ingredients for the dough and is so simple to make. We have this at least once a week and change it up with different toppings. Honestly, I am obsessed. It’s so cheesy, so easy, and perfect for when you get those pizza cravings.

Close up of homemade stuffed crust pizza.

I was 24 years old when I had my first stuffed-crust pizza and I fell in love. I found myself looking up "how to make stuffed crust pizza" and I disliked how long it took for "authentic" pizza dough to be made, so I came up with this 2-ingredient pizza dough recipe using self-raising flour and cottage cheese. This 30-Minute Stuffed Crust Pizza is super light, super fluffy, and really easy to make.

What makes this homemade pizza even more enticing is its versatility. Switch up the toppings to suit your mood, and you've got a pizza experience that's tailored just for you.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Easy stuffed crust pizza that takes less than 30 minutes.

Effortless & Impressive - Enjoy comfort-style stuffed crust pizza without the complexity. This recipe's simplicity means you can have this homemade stuffed crust pizza on your table in just 30 minutes.
Creative Freedom - Make your pizza truly yours by customizing the toppings. From classic margherita to adventurous combinations, the options are endless.
Two-Ingredient Dough - With self-raising flour and cottage cheese, this homemade pizza dough requires only two ingredients, proving that amazing pizza doesn't need a lengthy ingredient list. You also only require your hands to make this dough, no stand mixer needed!
Stuffed Crust!! - Everyone loves a stuffed crust pizza. Elevate your crust game with gooey mozzarella stuffed in the edges.
Quick - Perfect for busy nights or impromptu pizza parties, this 30-Minute Stuffed Crust Pizza ensures you don't have to wait long for that hot, cheesy goodness.

If you like doughy dishes, why not try out my Feta Spring Flatbreads filled with feta, mint, spinach and garlic, or my 3-Ingredient Cheesy Naan Breads!

INGREDIENTS FOR THIS RECIPE

Self-Raising Flour - For a light and airy dough that comes together effortlessly.
Cottage Cheese - The secret to this two-ingredient dough's simplicity and delightful texture. I used full-fat cottage cheese, but using low-fat also works!
Cherry Tomatoes - Juicy bursts of flavour that complement the cheesy goodness. Simply slice these in half and place them face up onto the pizza base.
Mozzarella Cheese - Shredded and sliced for both the crust and the topping, ensuring gooey perfection.
Marinara Sauce - A saucy base that ties all the flavours together. You can just use store-bought marinara sauce, or make your own combining onions, garlic, and tinned tomatoes.
Fresh Basil - Fragrant leaves that add a burst of aromatic freshness.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Flour - Regular all-purpose flour can be used in place of self-raising flour. Just add baking powder (1.5 teaspoon per 150g/1 cup) to ensure proper rising.
Cottage Cheese - Greek yoghurt can be an alternative to cottage cheese for the dough. Or, if you want to make it vegan, feel free to use a plant-based yoghurt alternative.
Mozzarella - Experiment with your favourite cheese varieties for both the crust and topping. I adore goat's cheese on pizza, it's tangy and super flavourful.
Tomatoes - Sun-dried or plum tomatoes are great alternatives to cherry tomatoes for this 30-Minute Stuffed Crust Pizza recipe.
Marinara Sauce - if you can't find any marinara sauce, simply use passata or tinned tomatoes. Just make sure to season sufficiently!

VARIATIONS FOR THIS EASY STUFFED CRUST PIZZA RECIPE

Easy stuffed crust pizza with one slice missing.

Meat Feast - If you'd like to add a bit of meat to your pizza, I'd recommend adding anything from Serrano ham to cooked chicken bits. My personal fave is a pepperoni pizza with jalapeños!
Vegetarian - Load up on veggies like sliced peppers, mushrooms, and olives for a fresh flavour and colourful pizza.
Super cheesy - if you love a Quattro Formaggi, then add on all the cheese you can find. A classic 4-cheese pizza would include mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and parmesan.

HOW TO MAKE THIS 30-MINUTE HOMEMADE STUFFED CRUST PIZZA RECIPE: STEP BY STEP

STEP 1: MAKE YOUR DOUGH

Making pizza dough using self-raising flour and cottage cheese.

In a large bowl, combine your self-raising flour and cottage cheese. Mix until a rough dough forms, then knead for 3 minutes. Cover in cling film and set aside while you prepare your toppings.

STEP 2: PREHEAT THE OVEN AND PREPARE YOUR TOPPINGS

Preheat your oven to 220°C or 200°C fan.
Slice your cherry tomatoes in half, and cut your mozzarella into discs.

STEP 3: ROLL OUT YOUR 2-INGREDIENT PIZZA DOUGH & GARNISH

Homemade pizza dough with a mozzarella cheese crust.

Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and then roll out your dough into a large pizza shape around half a cm thick.
Place grated mozzarella cheese all around the edge of the pizza and then fold over the edges and seal to ensure that the mozzarella doesn’t ooze out and that the crust stays in shape.
Top your pizza base with marinara sauce, cherry tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, and basil.

STEP 4: COOK YOUR PIZZA

To cook your pizza, you'll want a large baking tray, pizza tray, pizza pan, or pizza stone. Place your homemade stuffed crust pizza onto your chosen piece of equipment and in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the pizza has puffed up and is golden. Feel free to serve up with a drizzle of olive oil and some more fresh basil leaves, and enjoy!

PIZZA LEFTOVERS

Leftovers are a treat in themselves! Store your extra pizza slices in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place slices on a baking tray in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Your pizza will taste as good as new!

For an on-the-go option, reheat individual slices in a microwave for 30-40 seconds on medium heat. Savour the flavours all over again!

HOMEMADE STUFFED CRUST PIZZA FAQS

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of self-raising flour for this easy stuffed crust pizza recipe?

Absolutely! If you opt for all-purpose flour, remember to add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder per 150g or cup of flour to ensure proper rising of the dough.

Can I replace cottage cheese with something else?

Certainly! Greek yoghurt makes a suitable alternative for the two-ingredient dough. It contributes to the dough's texture and simplicity.

What other cheese can I use besides mozzarella?

Experiment with your favourite cheese varieties for both the crust and topping. Goats cheese, cheddar, provolone, or gouda are excellent options. Just make sure you put some kind of gooey cheese into your cheesy stuffed crust!

Can I customise the toppings to my taste?

Absolutely. Personalise your pizza with toppings that suit your cravings and preferences. From meats to veggies, the choice is yours.

How can I store leftover pizza?

Leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave individual slices on medium heat for 30-40 seconds.

Can I freeze the pizza dough?

Yes, you can freeze the prepared dough. Wrap it tightly in cling film or tinned foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Let it defrost it in the refrigerator before using, and allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, preheat your oven thoroughly before baking the pizza. Additionally, make sure to use a thin layer of marinara sauce to avoid overloading the crust with moisture. Lastly, make sure to leave the pizza crust and not put any sauce over it, as you want the crust to stay fluffy and crispy.

Can I make mini stuffed crust pizzas for parties?

Absolutely! Divide the dough into smaller portions and create mini stuffed crust pizzas with various toppings. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties and gatherings.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes! Feel free to use your homemade pizza sauce to add a personalised touch to your pizza. The flavour will be even more exceptional. I love frying up some minced garlic and chopped red onion for 5 minutes, then adding in some great quality chopped tomatoes and herbs. Leave it to simmer for as long as you can. The longer you leave to simmer, the tastier the sauce. Don't forget to season with salt, pepper, and a bit of sugar.

How thin should I roll out the dough for the crust?

Aim for a thickness of around half a centimeter when rolling out the dough. This thickness strikes a perfect balance between a substantial stuffed crust and a beautifully cooked center.

Can I cook this homemade pizza in an air fryer?

Absolutely, although depending on the size of your pizza, you might want to make two pizzas from this recipe instead of one. When you've made your pizza, simply place it in your air fryer for 10 minutes at 190C. Check your pizza after 5 minutes to ensure it's not burning.

Got more questions? Feel free to ask in the comments below, and we'll be happy to help!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...