There's nothing that goes hand-in-hand more than Pizza Hut and original pan pizza.
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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
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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.
