There's nothing that goes hand-in-hand more than Pizza Hut and original pan pizza.
The originator of the crispy buttery crust baked in a pan, this iconic Pizza Hut menu item has been a favorite since the 1960s when Dan and Frank Carney decided to open Pizza Hut. A mixture of a Chicago and Detroit-style pizza, the Pizza Hut pan pizza gave hungry costumers a golden-brown crust with a soft and chewy center. The pizza chain became an instant hit and caused competitors, like Domino's, to offer their own pan pizzas to compete.
The New Original Pan Pizza
In 2019, for the first time ever, the Pizza Hut brand decided that a new pan pizza recipe was needed. After three years of tweaking the original pan pizza recipe, a new recipe was born; complete with a new blend of cheese and tomato sauce. With a crispier crust, the new and improved recipe plus new pan technology brought the pizza to a whole new level.
Unfortunately, many people will not be able to enjoy this new and improved pizza for long. According to Pizza Hut, 500 dine-in stores are set to close their doors in the next two years. Thankfully there is a way to enjoy the taste of the original pan pizza (and it's in the comfort of your own home).
How To Make a Copycat Pizza Hut Original Pan Pizza
It's not a pan pizza without a pizza pan, so if you don't have one, I highly suggest something like this Wilton perforated pizza pan. The holes allow a crisper bottom crust and lets the air flow through the pan.
Prepare the crust by combining the dry yeast, sugar, dry milk powder with warm water and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Add the oil, salt, and flour and stir to combine. Once a dough forms, turn it onto a floured counter and knead until elastic, about 10 minutes. Divide the dough into 2 and let sit 10 minutes.
Roll into a 9-inch circle and place into pans sprayed with cooking oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 475 F and spoon marinara sauce on the dough, leaving a 1-inch crust. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and any other choice of toppings. Brush melted butter on the crust.
Cook until the crust is browned, about 11-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 4 minutes before cutting and serving.
Copycat Pizza Hut Original Pan Pizza
Making your own Pizza Hut Original Pan Pizza at home is easy with this copycat recipe! The only thing you need is a pizza pan.
- 1 package dry yeast
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup non-fat dry milk powder
- 1 1/3 cup warm water (105 degrees F)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- toppings of choice
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- Prepare the crust by combining the dry yeast, sugar, dry milk powder with warm water and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Add the oil, salt, and flour and stir to combine. Once a dough forms, turn it onto a floured counter and knead until elastic, about 10 minutes. Divide the dough into 2 and let sit 10 minutes.
- Roll into a 9-inch circle and place into pans sprayed with cooking oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 475 F and spoon marinara sauce on the dough, leaving a 1-inch crust. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and any other choice of toppings. Brush melted butter on the crust.
- Cook until the crust is browned, about 11-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 4 minutes before cutting and serving.
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