Heavenly Neapolitan Ricotta Stuffed Crust Pizza Recipe

Craft a mouthwatering neapolitan ricotta stuffed crust pizza that challenges every pizza expectation you’ve ever had.

Authentic Italian techniques merge with creamy cheese surprises in this delectable creation.

Crispy edges hide a delightful ricotta center that will make your taste buds dance.

Homemade dough becomes the canvas for this culinary masterpiece, promising layers of flavor in every single bite.

Regional techniques from naples inspire this innovative twist on traditional pizza making.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the rich, smooth ricotta carefully tucked inside the golden crust.

You cannot resist the combination of crisp exterior and molten cheese center that defines this extraordinary pizza experience.

Jump into this recipe and discover a new pizza dimension that will revolutionize your weekend cooking.

Ricotta Stuffed Pizza Crust With Cheesy Pull

• Savor Homemade Comfort: Irresistible Pizza Experience
• Craft Gourmet at Home: This recipe lets home cooks create restaurant-quality pizza without professional training, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Speed and Simplicity: Total preparation takes under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love customizing toppings and enjoying the crispy stuffed crust, turning dinner into a fun, interactive experience that brings everyone together.
• Authentic Flavor Explosion: Combining traditional Neapolitan techniques with rich sausage, creamy ricotta, and fresh basil creates a gourmet taste that transports you straight to Italy's culinary heart.

Ricotta Crust and Toppings for Neapolitan Pizza

• Pizza Dough: Soft, stretchy base for the pizza, foundational to the entire recipe.
• Flour: Helps roll out and shape the dough smoothly.

• Ricotta Cheese, Pecorino Romano: Creamy, tangy mixture for stuffing the crust, adds rich flavor.
• Mozzarella: Classic Italian cheese that melts beautifully, creates gooey texture.

• Italian Sausage: Provides savory, robust protein element to the pizza.
• Passata, Tomato Puree: Smooth, rich sauce base that complements the sausage, traditional Neapolitan style.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds bright, aromatic flavor, classic Italian herb.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook sausage, adds moisture and flavor to the pizza crust, traditional Mediterranean ingredient.

Neapolitan Ricotta Stuffed Crust Pizza Directions

Step 1: Prepare Sausage Base

Brown sausage in olive oil over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces until fully cooked.

Pour passata or tomato puree into the pan, stirring gently.

Let the mixture simmer, developing rich flavors.

Season with kosher salt and remove from heat.

Step 2: Create Ricotta Filling

Combine ricotta cheese and pecorino Romano in a mixing bowl.

Blend ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Roll Out Pizza Dough

Dust work surface with flour.

Carefully stretch pizza dough into desired shape, ensuring even thickness.

Step 4: Build Stuffed Crust

Spread ricotta mixture around the outer edge of the dough.

Carefully fold dough edges over filling, sealing the cheese inside.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Layer prepared sausage and tomato mixture across pizza center.

Distribute sliced mozzarella evenly.

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Drizzle remaining olive oil over pizza surface.

Place in preheated oven and bake until crust turns golden brown and cheese melts completely.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove pizza from oven, slice, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Pizza Tips For Neapolitan Ricotta Stuffing

• Choose high-quality Italian sausage like sweet or spicy versions to enhance the pizza's authentic flavor profile and match your personal taste preferences.
• Pat ricotta cheese dry with paper towels before mixing with pecorino Romano to reduce excess moisture and ensure a crispy, golden crust.
• Mix different cheese types like ricotta, pecorino, and mozzarella for a more complex and rich cheese flavor that elevates the pizza's overall taste.
• Pinch dough edges firmly when folding over ricotta mixture to create a secure seal and prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
• Allow pizza dough to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling to achieve better elasticity and easier handling during preparation.

Ricotta Pizza Crust Stays Warm in the Oven

• Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps.
• Warm pizza slices in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Cover with a lid to help cheese melt evenly.
• Heat pizza slices for 30-45 seconds. Note that microwave can make crust soggy, so oven or skillet methods are preferred.

Sweet Matches For Ricotta Pizza

• Elevate Sausage Pizza Pairing
• Uncork a robust Chianti red wine that balances the richness of sausage and cuts through the creamy ricotta with its bright acidity.
• Complement the Pizza's Flavor Profile
• Select a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add fresh, peppery notes that contrast the pizza's hearty meat and cheese elements.
• Wine Alternative Delight
• Grab a craft amber ale with malty undertones that can stand up to the bold sausage and provide a smooth, complementary drinking experience.
• Fresh Herb Sidekick
• Prepare a quick basil and parsley gremolata sprinkled over the pizza just before serving to enhance the herbal notes and add a vibrant finishing touch.

Cheesy Pizza Crust Stuffing Styles

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a plant-based version that maintains rich flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all ingredients like passata and cheeses are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute traditional pizza dough with cauliflower crust or a chicken-based crust, keeping the ricotta and mozzarella cheese filling intact for a protein-packed meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use cashew ricotta instead of traditional ricotta, swap mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives, and select plant-based sausage for those avoiding dairy products.

FAQs

• What makes Neapolitan pizza different from other pizzas?

Neapolitan pizza originates from Naples, Italy, and is known for its thin, soft, and chewy crust made with simple, high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute sausage with ground beef, pancetta, or even keep it vegetarian by using roasted vegetables or mushrooms as a topping.

• Is pecorino Romano necessary for the recipe?

While pecorino Romano adds a sharp, salty flavor to the ricotta mixture, you can replace it with parmesan cheese or skip it if you prefer a milder taste.

• How do I prevent the stuffed crust from opening during baking?

Ensure you seal the edges of the dough tightly by pressing them down firmly with your fingers and crimping the edges to create a secure seal before baking.

Neapolitan Ricotta Stuffed Crust Pizza Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet and savory Neapolitan ricotta stuffed crust pizza brings Naples’ culinary magic to home kitchens. Rich ricotta, classic tomato sauce, and perfectly charred crust invite you to savor authentic Italian flavors with every delicious slice.

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Ingredients

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Pizza Dough and Crust:

• 1 recipe Giada’s Pizza Dough, or 1 pound store-bought dough
• Flour, for dusting
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

Cheese and Filling:

• 1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely grated pecorino Romano
• 4 ounces whole-milk mozzarella, sliced

Sauce and Protein:

• 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
• 6 fresh whole basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven according to the specifications for your chosen pizza dough, ensuring optimal temperature for a crispy crust.
2. In a skillet, warm olive oil and sauté the sausage, methodically breaking it into crumbles until achieving a rich, golden-brown coloration and complete doneness.
3. Integrate passata into the cooked sausage, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious blend. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, developing depth of flavor, and season with a delicate touch of kosher salt. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Transform your work surface with a light dusting of flour, then expertly stretch and shape the pizza dough into a circular canvas, maintaining an even thickness throughout.
5. Craft the ricotta filling by blending ricotta cheese and pecorino Romano into a creamy mixture. Carefully distribute this luxurious combination around the dough’s perimeter, creating a foundation for the stuffed crust.
6. Artfully spread the sausage and tomato sauce across the pizza’s interior, ensuring even coverage. Strategically layer sliced mozzarella and scatter fresh basil leaves to enhance visual and flavor complexity.
7. Elegantly fold the dough’s outer rim over the ricotta mixture, securing the stuffed crust with gentle yet precise pinching motions to seal in the creamy filling.
8. Enhance the pizza’s final presentation by drizzling the remaining olive oil across the surface. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake until the crust transforms into a golden masterpiece and the cheese melts into a bubbling, appetizing display.
9. Remove from the oven, allow a brief moment to cool, then slice and serve this Neapolitan-inspired culinary creation while at its peak temperature and flavor.

Notes

• Experiment with alternative meat options like chicken, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage for diverse dietary preferences.
• Enhance ricotta mixture by adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for extra aromatic depth and complexity.
• Create a gluten-free version using cauliflower or chickpea pizza dough for a healthier alternative that maintains delicious flavor profile.
• Allow sausage and tomato sauce to cool slightly before spreading on pizza to prevent soggy crust and ensure crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg