Viral Stuffed Crust Pizza Lava Ring with Marinara Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a restaurant-quality crust, brush the edges lightly with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs before baking.

This not only adds a delicious flavor profile but also helps the crust achieve a rich, golden color and a slightly crispy texture that complements the soft, molten cheese center perfectly.

When pulling off a slice, use a pizza cutter to score the dough between the cheese sticks before baking if you want easier portioning.

This creates clean lines for tearing off individual sections, making it much simpler for guests to grab a piece of the crust without disturbing the central marinara dip or the toppings.

Variations

• Spicy Pepperoni: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the shredded mozzarella and use spicy pepperoni slices to give the pizza a nice heat that cuts through the rich cheese.
• Veggie Delight: Replace the pepperoni with thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Ensure the vegetables are sliced thinly to allow them to cook through properly in the short baking time.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container.

Freezer

Freeze the unbaked pizza ring wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is hot.

If any pizza remains, store it in an airtight container to keep the crust from drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent the cheese from sticking. Consume within two days for the best quality and texture, as the dough will lose its crispness over time.

You can prepare the dough ring and stuff it with cheese ahead of time. Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to four hours before adding the center toppings and baking.

Avoid adding the marinara and shredded cheese too early, as the moisture can make the dough base soggy before it even reaches the oven.

Serving ideas

Serve this pizza immediately while the cheese is still molten and the crust is warm. Place the pizza on a large wooden board or a flat serving platter to allow for easy access from all sides. A pizza wheel or a sharp knife can be used to divide the inner section into smaller, manageable slices for guests.

Pair the pizza with a fresh side salad to balance the richness of the cheese.

The acidity of a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the savory, buttery crust and the warm marinara dip, making for a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and enjoyable for any casual dining occasion.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Viral Stuffed Crust Pizza Lava Ring with Marinara

Prep 15 minCook 15 minTotal 30 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams fermented pizza dough
• 8 whole mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 1/2 cup seasoned marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup pepperoni slices
• 2 tbsp melted garlic herb butter
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Roll out the pizza dough into a twelve-inch circle on a pizza peel. Arrange the eight mozzarella string cheese sticks in a circle along the outer perimeter of the dough. Carefully fold the outer edge of the dough over the cheese sticks and pinch the seam tightly to ensure the cheese is fully enclosed within the crust.
2. Place an oven-safe ramekin filled with seasoned marinara sauce in the center of the dough ring. Evenly spread the shredded mozzarella cheese over the remaining inner dough surface, then arrange the pepperoni slices on top. This creates a balanced distribution of cheese and meat while leaving the stuffed crust border clear.
3. Brush the prepared crust with the melted garlic herb butter and sprinkle generously with the grated parmesan cheese. Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for fifteen minutes. Once the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling, remove from the oven and serve immediately while the center sauce and crust cheese remain warm.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.