Craving that iconic Pizza Hut pan pizza but don't want to leave the house? Then you're in for a treat! This recipe brings the deliciousness of your favorite pizza joint right into your kitchen. Get ready to experience a crispy crust, bubbly cheese, and a flavor explosion that'll have you saying "WOW!" This is one of those easy recipes the whole family will love, perfect for a quick dinner or a fun weekend activity. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Your favorite pizza toppings! (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc.)
Instructions:
Step 1: Making the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding the remaining ½ cup of flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
- While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking the Pizza
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9 or 10-inch cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan generously with olive oil.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a circle slightly larger than your skillet. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared skillet, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides to form a crust.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and your desired toppings.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Pizza Hut-inspired pan pizza!
Tips for Pizza Perfection:
- For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings, as this can make the crust soggy.
- If you don't have a cast iron skillet, you can use a regular baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to create your own unique pizza masterpiece.
Delicious Variations:
- Vegetarian Delight: Load up on vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and olives.
- Meat Lovers' Special: Add pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, and ground beef.
- Spicy Supreme: Incorporate jalapeños, chili flakes, and a spicy sausage for a fiery kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the toppings used. However, a basic cheese pizza will contain roughly:
- Calories: 300-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This homemade pan pizza recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for family gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. It's a healthier alternative to takeout, allowing you to control the ingredients and portion sizes. Try it out and let us know what you think! We'd love to see your pizza creations!