Personal Pan Pizzas: Point Values Explained

Pizza Hut's Personal Pan Pizza is a 6-inch, four-slice pizza that typically feeds one adult or two small children. It is considered the smallest pizza size at Pizza Hut, with a price of $7.99 at standalone restaurants and $3.99 to $4.99 at Pizza Hut Express in Target. The personal pan pizza has a special pan to maximise crust crispiness and is available in select Pizza Hut locations.

Pizza Hut's Personal Pan Pizza

The personal pan pizza is prepared in a special pan to maximise crust crispiness. The depth of the pan is critical to achieving the perfect crust, which emerges buttery and crunchy while the inside remains soft and fluffy. The dough is pushed down to create a ridge around the pan's circumference, acting as a handle and ensuring the crust is crispy and able to support the weight of the pizza.

The sauce is another key component, with deep-dish pizzas able to sustain the extra weight of generous helpings of tomato sauce. The sauce is spread in a slow and consistent counterclockwise motion to ensure even distribution.

The personal pan pizza is then topped with about 1/3 cup of mozzarella cheese, followed by toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, and green peppers. It is cooked in a 600-degree conveyor oven, which combines the benefits of a convection oven with the speed of a conveyor belt, resulting in an evenly baked pizza with a crispy crust and soft, spongy dough.

The price of a Personal Pan Pizza at a standalone Pizza Hut restaurant is $7.99, while at a Pizza Hut Express in Target, it ranges from $3.99 to $4.99, with the most common price being $4.49.

How to make a pan pizza

Making a pan pizza at home is easy and only requires a few kitchen essentials, some simple ingredients, and a bit of patience. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a pan pizza with a thick and crispy crust that's golden on the bottom, but puffy and soft under the layers of sauce and cheese.

Step 1: Mix and Proof

Weigh out your flour (400 grams), salt (10 grams), and yeast (4 grams) into a bowl, then add water (275 grams) and oil (8 grams). Mix it up, either with your hand or a wooden spoon, until there is no dry flour left. Wrap it up tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest, anywhere from 8 to 24 hours.

Step 2: Ball the Dough

After letting the dough rest, sprinkle the top with some flour and dump it out onto a floured work surface. Divide the dough into two even balls. Working with one ball at a time, form and roll the dough on the counter using the sides of your hands to create a taut ball with a smooth, elastic top. Use your fingers to pinch and smooth out the bottom side of the dough ball. Repeat this process with the second portion of dough.

Step 3: Proof Dough in Cast Iron Pan

Pour some olive oil into the bottom of a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or a 10-inch round cake pan. Place the dough balls in the pan and turn them to coat evenly with oil. Using a flat palm, press the dough around the pan, flattening it slightly and spreading the oil around the pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the dough sit at room temperature for about 2 hours.

Step 4: Touch Up the Dough

After 2 hours, the dough should have mostly stretched out to fit the pan. Use your fingertips to poke at the dough, working it into the corners and popping any large air bubbles. Make sure to lift the edges of the dough to let any air bubbles underneath escape.

Step 5: Sauce the Dough

You can use any sauce you like, or make your own from scratch. Spread a thick layer of sauce on the dough, going all the way to the edges if desired.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Spread cheese over the top of the pizza, again going to the edges if desired. Any good melting cheese will work, such as mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, Muenster, or Jack. You can also add other toppings of your choice.

Step 7: Bake in a Hot Oven

Place the pan in a very hot oven, ideally at 550°F (290°C). Bake the pizza until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the bottom is golden brown and crisp, which should take about 12 to 15 minutes.

Step 8: Add Some Post-Bake Flair

Some toppings, such as grated Parmesan cheese, are best added after the pizza is baked. Add any desired toppings and serve immediately.

The revival of Pizza Hut's Personal Pan Pizza

Pizza Hut's Personal Pan Pizza has long been a cult classic, with its thick crust, generous toppings, and deep-dish style. In 2019, Pizza Hut announced the return of this beloved menu item, giving it a modern twist while retaining the elements that made it a favourite for many.

A Brief History

Pizza Hut was founded in 1958 by Dan and Frank Carney, who started experimenting with crust thickness in their Wichita pizza parlour. They eventually settled on a thicker crust to support the weighty toppings that would become a staple of their brand. By 1975, Pizza Hut offered only a 10-inch pie, but their creation of a line of kids' toys, including an easy-bake oven, sparked interest in personal-sized pan pizzas. In 1983, they launched their famous Pan Pizza, a 6-inch mini pie that was larger than a slice but smaller than a full-sized pizza. This innovation increased lunchtime sales by 70% and fuelled the chain's rapid expansion.

The Decline and Revival

In the 2000s, the focus shifted to larger portions and more extreme pizza designs, and the Personal Pizza fell out of fashion. However, in 2019, Pizza Hut brought back the Personal Pan Pizza with a new recipe that took three years to perfect. This updated version features a special pan designed to maximise crust crispiness, among other improvements. The revival of this classic item showcases Pizza Hut's ability to adapt to changing trends while still offering the familiar favourites that their customers know and love.

Availability

The Personal Pan Pizza is available at select Pizza Hut locations, though it may only be offered for dine-in orders in some stores. For those looking for a quick bite, Pizza Hut Express in Target is a good option, as many locations still offer the personal pan pizza on their menu. Even some Target locations that have phased out the full Pizza Hut food court offer a grab-n-go option for those on the move.

Final Thoughts

The Personal Pan Pizza holds a special place in the hearts of many, evoking memories of childhood treats and rewarding reading achievements. Its small size yet dense and flavourful composition make it a satisfying option for those seeking a quick, indulgent meal. The revival of this classic favourite is a testament to its enduring popularity and Pizza Hut's willingness to listen to their customers' requests.

The price of a Personal Pan Pizza

The Personal Pan Pizza is a famous offering from Pizza Hut, which was first introduced in the 1990s. It is a 6-inch mini pie that is larger than a slice but smaller than a full-sized pizza. It typically has four slices and can feed one adult or two small children. The Personal Pan Pizza is available in the Original Pan Crust option, with each slice containing 100 calories.

In recent years, Pizza Hut has revived the Personal Pan Pizza, introducing a new recipe that features a special pan to maximise crust crispiness. While the Personal Pan Pizza is available at select Pizza Hut locations, it may only be offered for dine-in orders and not for delivery.

For those looking to save money, the BOOK IT program offers incentives for students aged 4-12 who are interested in reading. From October to March each year, students can earn Reading Award Certificates that can be redeemed for a one-topping Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut.

Where to buy a Personal Pan Pizza

If you're looking to buy a personal pan pizza, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, you can try Pizza Hut, which is known for its personal pan pizzas. Select Pizza Hut locations still offer the individual version of their famous pan pizzas, which were particularly popular in the 1990s. You may also be able to find personal pan pizzas at Pizza Hut Express in Target, either as a sit-down meal or as a grab-n-go option.

Alternatively, you can make your own personal pan pizza at home. You can find pizza pans in various sizes and materials online, such as on Amazon, or at your local homeware store. Once you have a pan, you can follow a recipe to make the pizza dough, add your favourite sauce and toppings, and bake it in the oven.

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