Cheese Volcano Pizza
A viral sensation featuring an elevated crispy crust cone crater in the center overflowing with molten cheddar and mozzarella cheese lava dip, surrounded by artisan pizza slices ready for dipping.
Tools & Equipment
Kitchen essentials needed for this recipe.
Cheese Volcano Pizza Ingredients
Click any item to cross it off as you assemble your mise-en-place.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow along through every stage of preparation and baking.
Mix the Molten Cheese Lava Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine 80g shredded sharp cheddar, 80g shredded mozzarella, 30g softened cream cheese, melted garlic butter, and a pinch of dried oregano. The cream cheese acts as a natural stabilizer so your molten lava center stays velvety and does not split into grease during high-heat baking.
Shape the 12-Inch Outer Base
Divide your 300g dough into two pieces: 230g for the main pizza base and 70g for the volcano cone. On a lightly semolina-dusted parchment paper, stretch the 230g dough into an even 11-to-12-inch round circle, leaving a slight outer crust rim.
Construct the Volcano Crater Collar
Place an oiled 3-inch oven-safe ramekin or stainless-steel ring directly in the center of the dough base. Roll the reserved 70g dough into a thick rope and wrap it tightly around the exterior of the center mold, pinching the bottom edge firmly into the base dough to form a water-tight, raised volcanic crater wall.
Dress the Outer Ring & Pack the Volcano
Spread 80g of tomato sauce evenly around the outer ring of the pizza. Top with 100g of shredded mozzarella and any favorite toppings. Pack the central dough volcano crater to the brim with your prepared cheddar-mozzarella cheese lava blend, mounding slightly in the middle.
High-Heat Bake (475°F / 245°C)
Slide the pizza onto a preheated pizza stone or heavy baking sheet at 475°F (245°C). Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the outer crust is deeply blistered with golden leopard spots, and the central cheese volcano is bubbling vigorously.
Slice, Cheese Pull & Dip
Brush the blistered volcano cone rim with garlic butter. Using a pizza wheel, slice the outer pizza radially into triangular dipping fingers radiating outward from the volcano. Pull a hot, crispy slice, dunk it into the molten cheese lava center, and enjoy the ultimate cheese pull!
Ready to start cooking?
Switch over to our Interactive Cook Guide for prep checklists, focused single-step instructions, and automated countdown timers.
Start Guided Prep Checklist➔