Cheesy Bites Pizza

Name: Cheesy Bites Pizza with Mozzarella Stuffed Crust
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for bowl; 1 1/4 cups warm water; 8 mozzarella sticks (string cheese); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Flour, for dusting

Cheesy Bites Pizza features a homemade dough rolled around mozzarella sticks to create a pull-apart, cheese-filled crust, topped with shredded mozzarella and finished with a garlic butter brush.

🍴Copycat

🌍American 🏷️Pizza 🏷️Cheesy bites 🏷️Stuffed crust 🏷️Mozzarella Cheese pizza

🏷️

-0:00

tinekeyoungeronTikTok

Total

1h 30m

Servings

4

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by tinekeyounger

-0:00

tinekeyoungeronTikTok

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for bowl
1 1/4 cups warm water
8 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp butter, meltedoptional
1/2 tsp garlic powderoptional
Flour, for dusting

11 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar. Whisk to combine.
2
Add olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients.
3
Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then use your hands to knead the dough in the bowl until it's smooth.
4
Add a little more olive oil to the bowl, place the dough ball inside, and turn to coat it with oil.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest on the counter until it has doubled in size.
6
Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured piece of parchment paper.
7
Shape the dough into a large pizza circle.
8
Arrange mozzarella sticks around the perimeter of the dough.
9
Fold the edge of the dough over the mozzarella sticks and press to seal, creating a stuffed crust.
10
Use a fork to poke holes across the center of the pizza base.
11
With a knife, cut the stuffed crust into 1-inch sections, leaving them attached to the base.
12
Twist each section so the cheesy, cut side faces upwards.
13
Top the center of the pizza with shredded mozzarella cheese.
14
Bake at 430°F for about 15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
15
While the pizza is still hot, mix melted butter and garlic powder, then brush it over the cheesy bites crust.
16
Slice and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use warm water (110°F) for the yeast activation—too hot kills the yeast, too cold slows rising.
Pinch and seal the dough seams tightly around each mozzarella stick to prevent cheese from escaping during baking.
Brush the finished crust with garlic butter immediately after removing from the oven while still hot for maximum flavor absorption.
Place the pizza on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone to ensure the bottom crust bakes through evenly and prevents sogginess.

Substitutions

All-purpose flour → bread flour (produces a chewier, more elastic dough)
Mozzarella sticks → cubed fresh mozzarella or feta (note: fresh varieties may leak; freeze sticks for 30 minutes first)
Garlic powder → 2 minced fresh garlic cloves mixed into the melted butter
Olive oil → vegetable or canola oil (neutral flavor, same binding function)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust warms through.

Common Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an oiled bowl, covered. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and stuffing.

What temperature should I bake the pizza at?

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of string cheese?

String cheese works best for stuffing because it holds its shape. Fresh mozzarella may leak out during baking; if using it, cut into thick sticks and partially freeze first.

How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out?

Wrap the dough tightly around the mozzarella sticks and pinch seams closed. Place seams down on the baking surface to seal them as they cook.

Can I freeze this pizza before baking?

Yes, freeze the assembled pizza (before the garlic butter brush) on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to bake time.