Hello, pizza lovers! If you’re looking for a pizza that takes indulgence to a whole new level, this Neapolitan Ricotta Stuffed Crust Pizza is about to steal the show. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy crust filled with ricotta goodness, then reaching the perfect balance of savory toppings. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. Whether you’re treating yourself to a comforting dinner or impressing friends at a pizza party, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
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Why You’ll Love Neapolitan Ricotta Stuffed Crust Pizza
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this pizza—it’s made with simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Pizza Dough: The foundation of your pizza. Soft, chewy, and golden brown, it holds all the cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own, or store-bought dough will do just fine.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, smooth, and slightly tangy, ricotta fills the crust with a luscious surprise. It’s the secret to making this pizza truly special.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and gooey, mozzarella creates that dreamy cheese pull we all love.
Tomato Sauce: A rich, tangy tomato sauce adds depth to the pizza. You can use store-bought or make your own for a fresh touch.
Pepperoni or Sausage: These toppings bring a savory punch to the pizza. Feel free to swap them out for your favorite toppings, like mushrooms, olives, or fresh basil.
Olive Oil: Brushed on the crust for that golden, crispy finish.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor that complements the rich cheeses and savory toppings.
Dried Oregano: A classic pizza seasoning that brings a fragrant, earthy note.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your pizza that perfect crispy crust.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle on a floured surface. Stretch it out gently with your hands until it’s just the right size to fit your baking sheet.
Stuff the Crust: Spread the ricotta cheese along the outer edge of the pizza dough. Gently fold the dough over the ricotta to create a stuffed crust. Pinch the edges to seal the cheese inside.
Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the center of the pizza dough. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Top with pepperoni or sausage (or your favorite toppings).
Season the Pizza: Drizzle olive oil over the edges of the stuffed crust. Sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano on top for extra flavor.
Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. This allows the cheese to set before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the pizza and serve it hot! Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite of this incredible Neapolitan pizza.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Neapolitan Ricotta Stuffed Crust Pizza
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich pizza.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Garlic bread works wonderfully here.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the pizza’s flavor.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this pizza is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Just slice it up and savor every bite.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by prepping your toppings ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the pizza.
Spice It Up: Want a kick? Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for some extra heat.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, you can swap the pizza dough for a gluten-free version, or use dairy-free cheese.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Double the Batch: This recipe is perfect for making more than one pizza. Double it up if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the next day.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?
A1: Sure! You can try cream cheese or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile, but ricotta gives it that classic creamy texture.
Q2: Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
A2: Absolutely! Pre-made dough makes this recipe even quicker and easier. Just make sure to stretch it out well.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Q4: Can I freeze the pizza?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the whole pizza before baking. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Bake from frozen when you’re ready.
Q5: How do I make the crust extra crispy?
A5: For an extra crispy crust, brush the dough with olive oil before baking and place it directly on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
Q6: Can I use different toppings?
A6: Yes! This pizza is customizable. You can add veggies, different meats, or even a sprinkle of fresh basil after baking.
Q7: Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
A7: Absolutely! Skip the pepperoni or sausage and load it up with your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and olives.
Q8: How do I make the ricotta crust more flavorful?
A8: Mix some herbs like basil, parsley, or garlic powder into the ricotta for added flavor before stuffing the crust.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat this pizza?
A9: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure you have enough space in your oven for both pizzas to bake evenly.
Conclusion
This Neapolitan Ricotta Stuffed Crust Pizza is the kind of dish that makes you want to eat the whole pizza in one sitting—and trust me, it’s worth it. With creamy ricotta in the crust, melty mozzarella on top, and a delicious balance of savory toppings, this pizza is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this pizza is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
Neapolitan Ricotta Stuffed Crust Pizza
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Neapolitan-style pizza features a delicious ricotta-stuffed crust filled with gooey cheese, paired with savory sausage, fresh basil, and mozzarella. The perfect homemade pizza for a family dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 sweet or hot Italian sausage, casing removed (about 3 to 4 ounces)
- 1/2 cup passata or tomato puree
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Flour, for dusting
- 1 recipe Giada’s Pizza Dough, or 1 pound store-bought dough
- 1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely grated pecorino Romano
- 4 ounces whole-milk mozzarella, sliced
- 6 fresh whole basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven as directed for your pizza dough recipe or according to the store-bought dough instructions.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a pan and cook the sausage, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through.
- Add the passata or tomato puree to the sausage, stirring to combine. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through. Season with kosher salt. Set aside.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into your desired size and shape.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese and pecorino Romano. Spread this mixture around the edge of the pizza dough to form the stuffed crust.
- Fill the center of the pizza with the sausage and tomato mixture. Top with sliced mozzarella and basil leaves.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the ricotta mixture to create the stuffed crust.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the pizza, then bake according to your dough instructions until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Neapolitan-style stuffed crust pizza!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of sausage or cheese to suit your preference.
- If you’re using store-bought dough, make sure to follow the instructions for the best results.
Nutrition
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg