Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in a stuffed crust?

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

A single slice of a large, cheese stuffed crust pizza can pack over 300 calories, and with fatty toppings, the total can climb even higher. But how many calories are in a stuffed crust exactly, and what does this mean for your overall nutrition diet?

Quick Summary

Understand the calorie count of stuffed crust pizza, comparing it to other crust types. Discover how toppings and portion sizes affect nutrition, with practical tips for a balanced diet.

Key Points

High Calorie Content: A single slice of stuffed crust pizza can contain 300–400+ calories, significantly higher than other crust types.
Impact on Fat and Carbs: Stuffed crust adds considerably more fat and carbohydrates to each slice due to the extra cheese and dough.
Toppings Matter: High-fat meat toppings like pepperoni and sausage increase calories, while vegetables add nutrients with minimal extra calories.
Healthier Alternatives: Choosing a thin or vegetable-based crust, adding lots of veggies, and controlling cheese are simple ways to reduce calories.
Moderation is Key: Enjoying stuffed crust in moderation and balancing it with overall calorie intake and exercise is vital for a healthy diet.

The Calorie Reality of Stuffed Crust

The indulgent appeal of a stuffed crust pizza is undeniable, but it comes at a nutritional cost. The calorie count of stuffed crust varies significantly depending on the pizza size, the type of cheese or filling, and the brand. For instance, a single slice of a 14-inch Pizza Hut cheese stuffed crust contains approximately 321 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 44% carbs, 38% fat, and 18% protein. Frozen options, like a DiGiorno Bacon, Sausage & Pepperoni Cheese Stuffed Crust pizza, can contain 390 calories per serving. These numbers represent a substantial intake, even before factoring in other high-calorie toppings.

Stuffed Crust vs. Regular Crust: A Calorie Comparison

When evaluating a pizza, the crust type is one of the most influential factors in its nutritional profile. Adding cheese to the crust significantly increases both the calorie and fat content compared to a standard or thin crust. While a slice of regular crust pizza typically contains 250–325 calories, the same-sized slice with a stuffed crust can easily jump to 300–400 calories or more. This difference, though it may seem small per slice, adds up quickly. For someone eating two or more slices, the caloric difference can be several hundred calories.

This table illustrates the approximate calorie difference based on crust type for a large, cheese-only pizza (1/8th of a 14” pie):


Crust Type	Approximate Calories per Slice
Thin Crust	200–240 calories
Regular/Classic Crust	250–325 calories
Stuffed Crust	320–400+ calories
Deep-Dish	400+ calories

What About the Toppings and Other Ingredients?

The crust is just one piece of the puzzle. The ingredients you choose for your pizza can drastically alter its final calorie and fat content.

Meat Toppings: Processed meats like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon are high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. For example, two slices of a Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Lover’s can deliver over 800 calories.
Vegetable Toppings: Adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach adds minimal calories while boosting the pizza's nutritional value with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Cheese: The quantity and type of cheese are also crucial. Extra cheese means extra calories and saturated fat.
Sauce: Most traditional tomato-based pizza sauces are relatively low-calorie. However, some store-bought varieties contain added sugars, while richer, creamy sauces like alfredo can significantly increase the calorie count.

Making Healthier Pizza Choices

For those who love pizza but are mindful of their diet, here are some actionable tips:

Opt for a thinner crust. A thin crust offers a satisfying pizza experience with fewer carbohydrates and calories compared to a thick or stuffed crust.
Load up on veggies. Pile on nutrient-dense toppings like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and onions to increase fiber and nutrients while making the meal more filling.
Control the cheese. Ask for light cheese or reduce the amount used, especially on homemade pizzas. Consider using healthier cheese options like fresh mozzarella.
Blot the grease. For greasy takeaway pizzas, dabbing the surface with a paper towel can remove excess oil and fat.
DIY Pizza. Making pizza at home gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can experiment with whole-wheat or cauliflower crusts, low-sugar sauces, and lean protein sources like grilled chicken.
Pair with a salad. Serving a pizza meal with a large side salad can help you feel full faster and adds a significant nutritional boost.

How to Fit Pizza Into a Balanced Diet

Eating pizza doesn't have to sabotage your diet. The key is moderation and balance. Here's a balanced approach to enjoying pizza:

Portion Control: Stick to a single slice or two. The FDA provides serving sizes on frozen pizza packaging, but mindful portions are crucial for takeaway.
Plan Ahead: If you know you'll be having pizza for dinner, plan lighter meals for the rest of the day to manage your overall calorie intake.
Stay Active: A single slice of a cheese stuffed crust pizza can take a decent amount of exercise to burn off. While running for 33 minutes might burn off two slices of a regular pizza, a stuffed crust slice may require more. Staying active can help mitigate the extra calories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to how many calories are in a stuffed crust is that it’s significantly more than a traditional crust, mainly due to the added cheese and dough. While an occasional treat is fine, for those conscious of their nutrition diet, a stuffed crust pizza is a high-calorie, high-fat option. Fortunately, there are many ways to enjoy pizza in a healthier way, from choosing thinner crusts and veggie toppings to making your own version at home. By understanding the nutritional impact and practicing mindful eating, you can enjoy pizza while staying on track with your health goals. For a wealth of dietary information and tips, you can explore trusted resources such as Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical slice of cheese stuffed crust from a large pizza (e.g., a 14-inch pie) can contain around 320 to over 400 calories, depending on the brand and amount of cheese.

Stuffed crust is generally unhealthier than regular crust. The extra cheese and dough substantially increase the total calorie and fat count per slice compared to a standard or thin crust.

To reduce calories, opt for a thin crust, load up on vegetable toppings instead of fatty meats, and go for a lighter sauce. You can also blot excess oil off the surface with a napkin.

Yes, calorie counts vary widely by brand, size, and specific ingredients. Always check the nutritional information provided by the restaurant or on the packaging of frozen pizzas for the most accurate data.

A thin crust slice is often significantly lower in calories, typically ranging from 200–240 calories, while a stuffed crust can be over 320 calories per slice. This means you could save over 100 calories per slice by switching.

The amount of exercise needed to burn off pizza calories varies. For example, it might take 33 minutes of regular-paced running to burn off two slices of a standard pizza, meaning one stuffed crust slice would likely require more activity.

Yes, it is possible to include pizza in a diet plan. The key is moderation, portion control, and making healthier choices with crust and toppings. Balancing your meal with healthy side dishes and an active lifestyle is also crucial.