Copycat Pizza Hut Original Pan Pizza Recipe

For a very long time, the pan pizza from Pizza Hut has been a favorite for most pizza lovers.

It is also a great recipe to make at home, so here is the Pizza Hut copycat original pan pizza recipe. 

You can make your favorite pan pizza from Pizza Hut at home with this simple recipe.

However, you will need many ingredients to truly recreate the taste, texture, and flavor of the pizza.

It is not a secret, and you can find this recipe in many articles on the internet.

The thing, though, is they make the recipes a bit complicated, which makes it hard to recreate with their guides.

So here, we have set a simple guide that you can follow to make the pan pizza.

The secret behind it is to make the pizza with specific ingredients to have the same taste and texture. 

When you master this recipe, it will be more fun to make as you can edit the ingredients, especially the toppings; you can put anything you want on the pizza to make it familiar.

 First, let us start with the basics, and then you can edit the recipe later on.

Follow and read on as we take you step-by-step on how to make this delicious pan pizza recipe from Pizza Hut.

 

What You Will Need

 The first thing that you will see different from this pizza is in the dough.

Unlike most pizzas that use only flour, yeast, water, oil, and salt, this pizza’s dough also adds cornmeal to the mix.

 Although it is optional, and you can make the same crust with just a little bit of oil on the pan, cornmeal is necessary to recreate the texture and taste of the Pizza Hut pizza.

 You will also need to add a little bit of sugar to the dough to make it more buttery and sweet.

As for the pizza sauce, you can either get your favorite pizza sauce or make your own at home.

 To make the Pizza Hut version of the pan pizza sauce, you will need 15 ounces of tomato sauce, water, sugar, dried oregano and basil, dried thyme, garlic powder, and salt.

 You can also adjust the seasoning with some black pepper and lemon juice.

These are pretty common ingredients for most pizza sauce, so you can get a jar with the same ingredients.

 The toppings are the most versatile part of the pizza as you can replace the mozzarella cheese with whatever you like. The common toppings for the pan pizza are pepperoni and black olives.

 You can add or replace the toppings with sausage or ground meat if you like.

Putting some vegetables along with the meat toppings will also be great with the thick crust later on.

 

Pizza Hut Pan Pizza

 

Step 1: Make The Dough

 The most common pan pizza from Pizza Hut is either 8 inches or 12 inches in diameter.

You can make one with a small dough ball or make multiple dough balls to be used next time.

 Mix all the ingredients in a bowl together and then use a stand mixer to make the process easier and faster.

Add some flour to adjust the consistency to a firm ball that does not stick.

 After you are satisfied with the dough’s consistency, divide them into smaller dough balls and then let them rise on the table at room temperature for at least an hour before cooking.

 You can cook with the dough right away or refrigerate them for future use.

A fresh ball of dough will last up to four days in the refrigerator, but it will be unsafe to eat after four days.

 

Step 2: Arrange The Ingredients

 After the dough has risen, get one ball and then put the rest in the fridge.

Use a rolling pin to shape the dough into a flat 6-inch or 8-inch crust, and then prepare your pizza pan.

 You can also use a small cast-iron skillet for cooking the pizzas.

Before putting the dough on the pan, use a paper towel to brush a thin layer of oil on the pan or use cornmeal if you want.

 I figured it is better to use oil to make the dough get a golden brown color, and it is more buttery when cooked. Leave the dough flat at the bottom of the pan and get the toppings.

 Put a decent amount of pizza sauce on the dough, and then top it with your favorite toppings and grated mozzarella cheese. 

Be generous with the toppings and cheeses on the pizza.

 

Step 3: Preheat The Oven And Cook

 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and then cook the pizza.

If you are using a pizza stone, make sure that you preheat it inside the oven to distribute the heat evenly.

 Since you are using a cast-iron skillet, the pizza stone will not be necessary, but it will help create the oven spring. Place the pizza inside once the oven reaches the desired temperature. 

Let it cook for 15 minutes and check if the dough is starting to rise to the side of the pan.

It should have a nice golden brown color, with the oil slightly frying the edges of the crust. 

Wait until the toppings cook perfectly and the cheese is bubbling on top.

Remove the pizza from the oven after it is done and then brush melted butter on the crust.

Wait for about 5 minutes before serving, as the pizza will be piping hot this time.

You can start slicing it before letting it rest or slice it just before serving it while it is still on the pan.

 

Notes And Tips

 Making the dough ahead of time is better than when using it right after making it.

It lets the dough rise properly, so you will be able to manage it easier and bake easier later on.

 You can store the dough in the fridge for up to four days.

 If you want to store it longer than four days, you can freeze it, and it will last for three months before it starts to lose its texture and taste.

If you freeze the dough, make sure that you have let it rise completely.

Wrap it in plastic wrap and then put it in the freezer; let it defrost overnight if you decide to cook the next day.

 

Conclusion

You can always put other toppings on this pizza as long as you do not get the dough to drown in the pizza sauce. You need to make it crispy, so do not put too much weight on the dough. 

Make sure that you put oil or cornmeal on the pan before putting the pizza on it, or else it will stick to the pan. The pan will guide the shape of the pizza so you can adjust the size.

It is a great recipe, and one slice of this thick pizza will get you full. You can also make any type of pizza with this style and top it with your favorite meat or vegetables at home.

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