Craving that cheesy, garlicky goodness of Pizza Hut's famous Cavatini? Forget the delivery fees and the wait! This recipe brings the irresistible taste of those little bread bowls right to your kitchen. It’s a surprisingly easy and fun recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful appetizer for your next gathering. This homemade version lets you control the ingredients, ensuring a delicious and satisfying experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. Divide the pizza dough into 12 equal portions.
Step 2: Creating the Cavatini Cups
Roll each portion of dough into a small ball. Gently press each ball into one of the muffin tin cups, forming a well in the center. The dough should come up the sides of the muffin cup.
Step 3: Infusing Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 4: Adding Flavor
Brush each dough cup generously with the garlic butter mixture. This adds incredible flavor and prevents the dough from becoming dry.
Step 5: Baking the Shells
Bake the dough cups for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 6: Filling the Cavatini
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and carefully fill each baked dough cup with a spoonful of pizza sauce. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Finishing the Dish
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 8: Serving and Enjoying
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cavatini cool slightly before carefully removing them from the tin. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Pizza Hut Cavatini!
Tips for the Best Cavatini:
- Don't overfill: Overfilling the dough cups can lead to messy spills and uneven cooking.
- Use high-quality cheese: The taste of the cheese really makes a difference in the final product. A good mozzarella will make these cavatini truly delicious.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, herbs, and spices to your liking.
- Experiment with fillings: While the classic mozzarella and pizza sauce combination is unbeatable, feel free to get creative with other fillings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or different types of cheese.
Variations:
- Spicy Cavatini: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Cavatini: Load them up with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach.
- Meat Lovers Cavatini: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or pepperoni for a hearty treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 8-10g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to enjoy the taste of Pizza Hut Cavatini from the comfort of your own home. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas, demonstrating the joy of homemade cooking and delicious dishes. Enjoy creating your own culinary masterpiece!