Pizza Hut Copycat Pizza Recipe - Restaurant Secret Recipes

Pizza Hut Pan Pizza - Restaurant Copycat Recipe

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 1/3 cups warm water (105°F)
• 1/4 cup non-fat dry milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 packet dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for dough)
• 9 ounces vegetable oil (3 oz. per pan)
• Butter-flavored Pam spray

Sauce

• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dry oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon dry basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Directions

Dough Preparation

1. In a large bowl (2 qt.), combine yeast, sugar, salt, and dry milk. Add warm water and stir well. Let it sit for 2 minutes.
2. Add vegetable oil and stir again.
3. Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms and the flour is fully absorbed.
4. Transfer the dough to a flat surface and knead for about 10 minutes.
5. Divide the dough into three equal balls.
6. In three 9-inch cake pans, pour 3 ounces of vegetable oil in each, ensuring it is evenly spread.
7. Roll out each dough ball into a 9-inch circle and place them in the cake pans.
8. Spray the outer edge of the dough with Pam. Cover with a plate and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours.

Sauce Preparation

1. Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and let it sit for 1 hour.

Assembling and Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F.
2. For each 9-inch pizza, spoon 1/3 cup of sauce onto the dough, spreading it to within 1 inch of the edge.
3. Sprinkle 1.5 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
4. Add your choice of toppings in this order: pepperoni or ham, vegetables, and cooked meats (like ground sausage or beef).
5. Top with an additional 3 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and the outer crust is golden brown.

The History of Pizza

Ancient Origins

The concept of pizza dates back to ancient Greece, where people would mix flour and water to create a simple dough. This dough was then flattened and cooked over hot stones. The idea eventually made its way to Italy, where it evolved into what we now recognize as pizza.

The Birth of Modern Pizza

In the 18th century, flatbreads known as "pizzas" were sold by street vendors in Naples. These early pizzas were simple and lacked toppings. The turning point came in the late 19th century when Queen Margherita of Spain visited Naples. She was intrigued by the flatbreads and requested to try them. Chef Rafaelle Esposito prepared a special pizza for her, featuring tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil to represent the colors of the Italian flag. This creation was named Pizza Margherita and is still popular today.

Pizza's Global Journey

Pizza gained international fame after World War II. American and Western European troops stationed in Italy were introduced to pizza and brought their newfound love for it back home. This led to the commercialization of pizza, resulting in the diverse and delicious variations we enjoy today.

Interesting Pizza Facts

• Global Popularity: Pizza is a $145 billion industry worldwide, with the United States alone accounting for $46 billion of that market (source: Statista).
• Consumption: Americans consume approximately 3 billion pizzas each year, which equates to about 350 slices per second (source: Pizza.com).
• Most Popular Topping: Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in the United States, with 36% of all pizzas ordered featuring this spicy meat (source: The Daily Meal).

Conclusion

Pizza has come a long way from its humble beginnings in ancient Greece to becoming a global culinary phenomenon. With this Pizza Hut copycat recipe, you can recreate the magic of their famous pan pizza right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the rich history and delicious flavors that make pizza a beloved dish worldwide.

For more secret recipes from famous American restaurants, visit Favorite Recipe Secrets.