CHEESE CRUST PIZZA

Cheese Crust Pizza image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 8 slices.

Number Of Ingredients 14

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

Steps:

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. , 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. , 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. , 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., Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343 calories, Fat 17g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 976mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 20g protein.