Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Pizza
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Pizza
Step into a world where comfort food reigns supreme with this Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Pizza. This isn't your average weeknight pizza; it's a culinary adventure, transforming humble ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. Imagine a golden, perfectly baked crust, reminiscent of a savory pie, encasing a rich and creamy filling. Inside, tender florets of steamed broccoli mingle with the sharp, melting embrace of cheddar cheese, all bound together by a luscious cream cheese sauce infused with aromatic garlic and sweet sautéed onion. Stuffed pizzas have a storied history, often evolving from traditional calzones and strombolis to become a gastronomic canvas for innovative fillings. This particular rendition brings a delightful English and American comfort food sensibility to the Italian cuisine concept of pizza. It’s a dish that evokes warmth and nostalgia, yet feels fresh and exciting. The beauty of a stuffed pizza lies in its ability to deliver a substantial, flavorful experience in every bite, cutting through the expectations of a thin-crust slice to offer something far more substantial and indulgent. Preparing this Stuffed Pizza is surprisingly straightforward, and the reward is a culinary triumph that will undoubtedly secure its place in your recipe rotation. Get ready to elevate your pizza game and create something truly memorable!
- Preparation time
- 30 min
- Cooking time
- 40 min
- Total time
- 1 hr 10 min
- Servings
- 8
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
- 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or cast-iron skillet.
- 2Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3In a large bowl, combine the steamed broccoli florets (ensuring they are patted dry to avoid excess moisture), softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sautéed onion, and garlic. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Assemble the Stuffed Pizza
- 1On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to the prepared pan, allowing the edges to overhang.
- 2Spread the broccoli cheddar mixture evenly over the pizza dough in the pan, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge.
- 3Roll out the second disc of pizza dough into another 10-11 inch circle. Place it over the filling, aligning it with the edge of the topping.
- 4Bring the overhanging dough from the bottom layer up over the top layer. Pinch and crimp the edges of both doughs together securely all the way around to seal the stuffed pizza, creating a tight seal.
- 5Brush the top of the stuffed pizza generously with the beaten egg wash. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Bake and Serve
- 1Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and puffed up. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- 2Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring to a cutting board. This allows the filling to set.
- 3Slice into wedges and serve hot, perhaps with a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 451 kcal
- Protein
- 18 g
- Fat
- 26 g
- Carbs
- 35 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 451 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
Tips
- Ensure your broccoli is well-drained after steaming; excess moisture can make the filling watery and the crust soggy.
- Don't skimp on pinching the edges! A tight seal is crucial to prevent the delightful cheesy filling from oozing out during baking.
- Let the pizza rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set properly, making for cleaner cuts.