Get ready to transform your home kitchen into a pizza paradise with this mouthwatering Homemade Pizza Hut Original Pan Deep recipe! Imagine biting into a crispy, golden crust loaded with melty cheese and your favorite toppings - without ever leaving your house or spending a fortune on takeout. This copycat recipe will have your family and friends begging for seconds, and wondering how you mastered the art of creating restaurant-quality pizza in your very own oven.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup assorted toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, etc.)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Add olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir gently.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour to the liquid, mixing until a soft, sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with olive oil to create the signature crispy pan pizza crust.
- Punch down the risen dough and stretch it to fit the prepared pan, ensuring an even thickness and slightly raised edges.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
- Add desired toppings like pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, or other preferred ingredients.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, slice into squares, and serve hot.
Tips
- Yeast Activation is Key: Ensure your water is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast without killing it. The mixture should become foamy within 5-10 minutes.
- Dough Kneading Technique: When kneading, use the heel of your hand to push and fold the dough. This helps develop the gluten and creates a more elastic texture.
- Rising Environment: Place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. A slightly warmed oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works perfectly.
- Pan Preparation: The secret to that signature crispy crust is generous oil in the pan. Don't be shy with the olive oil!
- Topping Distribution: Spread toppings evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Layer cheese first, then toppings to prevent sogginess.
- Oven Positioning: Place the pizza on the middle rack for even heating and the perfect golden-brown crust.
- Cooling Time: Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes cutting easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
