Cheese Crust Pizza
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 25 min.
YIELD: 8 slices.
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.—Terri Gonzalez, Roswell, New Mexico
Ingredients
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2 to 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 cup water
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2 tablespoons canola oil
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8 pieces string cheese
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1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
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1 medium green pepper, diced
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1 cup tomato sauce
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/4 teaspoon pepper
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1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 jar (4-1/2 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
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1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Directions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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