Copycat Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizza

Recreate the Iconic Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizza at Home! This easy, budget-friendly recipe delivers the crispy, cheesy, and mouthwatering pan pizza experience you crave. Perfect for family dinners or pizza nights, it features a soft, golden crust, flavorful homemade sauce, and endless topping possibilities. Learn tips, variations, and FAQs to customize your pizza just the way you like it!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 1/3 cups warm water (105-110°F)
• 1/4 cup non-fat dry milk (optional, can omit if unavailable)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing pans)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

For the Pizza Toppings:

• 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, grated
• Your favorite pizza toppings

For the Copycat Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce:

• 15 oz. tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 bay leaf

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Instructions

To Make the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, dry milk, and yeast. Add warm water and mix well.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
3. Stir in the salt and olive oil.
4. Gradually mix in the flour until a sticky dough forms. Do not add extra flour; the stickiness ensures a soft crust.
5. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead for 10 minutes or knead by hand on a floured surface.
6. Divide the dough into equal portions: 3 balls for 8-inch pans or 6 balls for 6-inch pans.
7. Place the dough balls in a warm, draft-free location to rise for 1.5 hours.

To Assemble the Pizzas:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Roll each dough ball into a circle that matches the size of your pan (6-inch or 8-inch).
3. Grease the bottom and sides of your pizza pans with olive oil or sprinkle with cornmeal.
4. Place the rolled dough into the pans, keeping the surface flat. The crust will rise naturally in the oven.
5. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough and add your favorite toppings.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
8. Optionally, brush the crust with melted butter before serving for extra flavor.

To Make the Pizza Sauce:

1. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer with the lid slightly ajar for 30-45 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Remove the bay leaf before using. Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 6 months.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Style Taste at Home: Perfectly recreates the iconic Pizza Hut pan pizza.
• Customizable: Tailor your toppings and sauce to your preference.
• Fun to Make: Great for a family pizza night or meal prep.
• Budget-Friendly: Cheaper than takeout and made with pantry staples.

Tips

• Warm Water Matters: Ensure water is between 105-110°F to activate the yeast properly.
• Sticky Dough: Resist the urge to add extra flour; a sticky dough makes a tender crust.
• Use Cast Iron Pans: If available, they help create a crispy crust.
• Rising Spot: Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area, such as inside an oven with the light on.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Choices: Swap mozzarella for a blend of provolone, cheddar, or parmesan.
• Toppings: Experiment with pepperoni, veggies, sausage, or pineapple.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free milk powder and vegan cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free pizza dough recipe.

FAQs

Can I freeze the dough? Yes, portion the dough into balls and freeze in airtight bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

What if I don’t have dry milk? You can omit it; the crust will still turn out great.

Can I use pre-made sauce? Absolutely! Store-bought pizza sauce works well in a pinch.

Why is my crust not crispy? Ensure the pans are well-greased, and avoid overloading with toppings that release water.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or garlic butter.
• Enjoy leftover slices reheated in the oven or air fryer for a crispy finish.

This Copycat Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizza recipe brings the classic taste of your favorite pan pizza right to your kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion!