Authentic Pizza Hut Pan Pizza (Print version)
Golden thick crust with soft interior and bubbly melted cheese topping
# What you'll need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
03 - 1 ½ tsp sugar
04 - 1 ½ tsp salt
05 - 1 cup warm water (110°F)
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
→ Sauce
08 - 1 cup canned tomato sauce
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - ½ tsp dried basil
11 - ½ tsp garlic powder
12 - ½ tsp onion powder
13 - ½ tsp sugar
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Toppings
15 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
16 - 20-24 slices pepperoni or preferred toppings
17 - 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing crust
# How to make it:
01 - Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water in a small bowl. Let sit until foamy, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Pour in yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on a floured surface for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
05 - Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with softened butter, then brush the bottom with a little olive oil for extra crispness.
06 - Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal portions. Press each portion evenly into the prepared pans, pushing up the sides slightly.
07 - Cover pans and let dough rest for 10-15 minutes.
08 - Preheat oven to 450°F.
09 - Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Spread half the sauce on each crust.
10 - Sprinkle cheese evenly over sauce, then add desired toppings. Brush the exposed crust edges with olive oil.
11 - Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
12 - Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve hot.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- The butter brushed pans create that irresistible crunchy bottom that makes pan pizza legendary
- This dough rises into the perfect pillowy soft interior while still holding up to generous toppings
02 -
- Room temperature butter spreads more evenly and creates better crust crispiness than cold butter
- Letting the dough rest in the pan before topping prevents air bubbles from forming under the sauce
03 -
- Cold fermentation in the fridge overnight develops deeper flavor and better texture
- A hot oven is non-negotiable, 450°F minimum for that crispy-chewy contrast