Pizza Hut Copy Cat Recipe

                    

Friday nights are pizza night at my house.  I'm always looking for different varieties to make.  I like to make something that's always a little bit different than the previous week.  Whether it's using a different type of crust, cheese, or switching up the toppings.  If I could have my way, I'd order a pizza every Friday night.  But sometimes it's just not in the budget.  That's where this delicious recipe comes in handy. 

This recipe is actually really simple to make.  The dough is thick and fluffy and has the crispy crunch that Pizza Hut has.  The taste isn't identical to Pizza hut because frankly, no copy cat recipe ever is.  But it's a really good pizza recipe and does taste really similar.  And if you love thick, pan pizza then you'll love this delicious pizza pie!

Lets get started on the dough.  Make your dough and knead on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes.  I started doing this by hand and two minutes in I was getting really cranky. My arm felt like it was going to fall off. So I threw it in my Kitchen Aid stand mixer, put the dough hook on, and let it work its magic for 8 minutes.  It made the dough smooth and very easy to roll out.

Divide the dough into three balls.  I actually made two pizzas and used the third dough ball to make the Pizza Hut Copy Cat Breadsticks Recipe.  Roll out the dough into 9 inch circles.  Place them in oiled cake pans, making sure the whole pan is covered evenly with oil.  Cover with a plate or towel and let it rise for 1-1 1/2 hours.  ( I usually place mine in a non heated oven ).

Preheat oven to 475 degrees.  Spoon 1/3 cup pizza sauce on the dough, leaving a 1 inch border for the crust. Sprinkle on about 1 cup of shredded mozzarella onto each pizza.  Add your toppings of choice (pepperoni, ham, pineapple, veggies, etc.) Top with additional cheese.  About another 1/2 cup or so.

Place in the oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.  Around 10-15 minutes.  Slice and enjoy!

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Pizza Hut Copy Cat Recipe

Crust Recipe:

1 1/3 cup warm water (105 degrees F)
1/4 cup non-fat dry milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 package dry yeast
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for dough)
3 ounces vegetable oil (1 ounce per pan)
butter flavored cooking spray

Other Ingredients:

Toppings of your choice ( pepperoni, ham, sausage bacon, pineapple, etc. )
Shredded Mozzarella cheese

Sauce Recipe:

1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 tsp. salt

Directions:

Put yeast, sugar, salt, and dry milk in a large bowl. Add water and stir to mix well. Allow to sit for two minutes. Add oil and stir again. Add flour and stir until dough forms and flour is absorbed. 

Place onto a flat and lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes either by hand or in a stand mixer with your dough hook attachment.  Divide dough into three balls. In three 9" cake pans, put 1 oz. of oil in each making sure it is spread evenly. Using a rolling pin, roll out each dough ball to about a 9" circle. Place in cake pans. 
Spray the outer edge of dough with cooking spray. Cover with a plate or towel. Place in warm area and allow to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. 

While your dough is rising, combine all ingredients to make your sauce.  Cover and let it sit in your fridge until ready to use.  

Preheat oven to 475 degrees.  Add 1/3 cup of sauce onto dough, leaving a 1 inch border for the crust.  Add shredded mozzarella cheese and any additional toppings.  Bake until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.  About 10-15 minutes.