Pizza Hut's New Pan Pizza: Worth It?

Pizza Hut's Original Pan Pizza has been a staple for many, so when the company announced that it was tweaking its recipe for the first time in 40 years, it was met with both excitement and concern. The new recipe features a crispier, buttery crust, improved sauce, and a new cheese blend, which has sparked varied reactions from loyal customers. Some appreciate the subtle tweaks, while others prefer the original recipe they knew and loved.

The new recipe took three years to develop

Pizza Hut's new pan pizza recipe is the result of three years of research and development, marking a significant change for the brand, which had not altered its classic recipe in almost 40 years. The company, owned by Yum Brands, stated that it "focused on combining art, science, and culinary expertise" to enhance its iconic pan pizza. This lengthy innovation process involved subtle yet strategic adjustments to create a superior pizza experience.

The new recipe's success hinges on the interplay of three key components: the crust, the sauce, and the cheese. Firstly, the crust has been transformed with the introduction of a "newly engineered" pan, resulting in a crispier exterior and a chewier interior. This pan technology is a pivotal aspect of the recipe's overhaul, aiming to deliver the perfect balance of texture and flavour.

The sauce and cheese formulations have also been meticulously tweaked to complement the new crust. Pizza Hut adjusted the sauce-to-cheese ratio, opting for a tart and sweet tomato sauce and a mild, stretchy cheese blend. Notably, the cheese recipe underwent a significant change, switching from whole milk to part-skim mozzarella.

These refinements to the Original Pan Pizza recipe were designed to enhance the overall taste and texture of the pizza, creating a more harmonious combination of flavours and a superior eating experience. The three-year development period allowed Pizza Hut to meticulously test and refine these elements, ensuring they worked in tandem to elevate the pan pizza to new heights.

While the new recipe has received mixed reviews, with some loyal customers expressing their preference for the original, it represents Pizza Hut's commitment to innovation and staying competitive in the dynamic world of chain pizza. The company's willingness to revamp its signature menu item demonstrates its dedication to adapting to evolving customer tastes and staying ahead of the competition.

The sauce-to-cheese ratio has been tweaked

Pizza Hut's new pan pizza recipe includes changes to the sauce-to-cheese ratio. The sauce-to-cheese ratio has been adjusted, with some customers noting that there is "less sauce than there used to be". The sauce also seems to be "a little more acidic", and is "dolloped on with a lighter hand". The cheese used in the new recipe is part-skim mozzarella, as opposed to the whole milk variety used previously. It is stretchier, firmer, and saltier, with better texture.

The new recipe has received mixed reviews. Some customers have expressed disappointment, claiming that the new pizza is "blander" and that the original recipe was superior. Others have noted that the new recipe is a solid, inoffensive slice, and that the sauce-to-cheese ratio change is not a significant alteration.

The sauce-to-cheese ratio tweak is part of Pizza Hut's strategy to enhance the taste of its pan pizzas. Penny Shaheen, Pizza Hut's senior director of Culinary Innovation and Strategy, emphasised the importance of taste for their customers and expressed excitement about the new recipe. The company focused on combining art, science, and culinary expertise to improve the pan pizza.

The new recipe was developed over three years, with Pizza Hut aiming to perfect the balance of flavours and textures. The sauce-to-cheese ratio change is a key component of this, as the company strives to deliver a product that meets customer expectations and preferences.

The crust is crispier, fluffier and less golden

Pizza Hut's new pan pizza recipe has sparked mixed reactions, especially regarding the crust, which is said to be crispier and fluffier but also paler and less golden. The new recipe, unveiled in May 2019, is the first change to the classic Original Pan Pizza in nearly 40 years.

The Crust: Crispier, Fluffier, and Less Golden

Pizza Hut's new pan pizza features a crispier crust, achieved through a newly engineered pan. This innovation gives the crust a lighter crunch compared to the previous version. However, some reviewers noted that the new crust was undercooked, with a pillowy and fluffier centre. The outer crust was described as crispier, buttery, and dominant in flavour and texture. The crust's colour was also noted to be paler and less golden than the original recipe.

The new crust has sparked a range of opinions, with some appreciating the crispiness and others finding it undercooked. The colour and texture of the crust have deviated from the classic Pizza Hut pan pizza, which was known for its golden, crunchy exterior. The new recipe seems to have shifted the balance between the crispiness and fluffiness of the crust, creating a different sensory experience.

The crust of Pizza Hut's pan pizza has always been a defining feature, with fans of the original recipe expressing their loyalty to the golden, crispy, and buttery crust. The new recipe aims to enhance the crispiness while maintaining the trademark buttery flavour. However, the colour and texture changes have not gone unnoticed, and some loyal customers have expressed their preference for the original version.

The new pan pizza crust is a result of three years of research and development by Pizza Hut. The company aimed to improve upon the classic recipe while maintaining the elements that made it a favourite for many. The crispier and fluffier crust showcases the company's attempt to balance crispiness and fluffiness, creating a unique texture. However, the colour change, which makes the crust less golden, has sparked debates among fans, with some finding it undercooked and others simply preferring the original, golden hue.

In conclusion, the new pan pizza crust from Pizza Hut has sparked a range of reactions, with some praising the crispiness and others longing for the original golden hue. The crust's texture and colour have deviated from the classic recipe, creating a new sensory experience that not all customers have embraced. The change in crust characteristics showcases Pizza Hut's willingness to innovate and adapt to evolving customer preferences, even if it means risking the loyalty of fans of the original recipe.

The cheese is stretchier, firmer and saltier

Pizza Hut's new pan pizza recipe includes a new blend of cheese that is stretchier, firmer, and saltier. The cheese is described as "soft and very, very elastic", making it photogenic for the perfect cheese pull. The stretchier and firmer texture of the cheese creates a soft, stretchy bed for the toppings, allowing for a more cohesive bite and a more satisfying chewing experience.

The saltier flavour of the cheese adds a savoury note that enhances the overall taste of the pizza. The saltiness of the cheese also helps to bring out the sweetness of the tomato sauce, creating a dynamic flavour profile that delights the palate. The cheese's stretch and saltiness contribute to a more indulgent and crave-worthy pizza experience.

The new cheese blend is part of Pizza Hut's strategy to revamp its Original Pan Pizza recipe, which remained unchanged for nearly 40 years. The company aimed to improve the taste and texture of the pizza by tweaking the cheese blend, sauce, and crust. The new recipe is cooked in a "newly engineered" pan that creates a crispier crust, complementing the improved cheese and sauce.

While the new pan pizza received mixed reviews, with some loyal customers expressing their preference for the original recipe, the stretchier, firmer, and saltier cheese is a notable aspect of the updated recipe. This change in cheese texture and flavour contributes to a more modern and dynamic pizza experience, appealing to those seeking a more indulgent and sensory dining journey.

The new recipe is inoffensive but not a significant improvement

Pizza Hut's new pan pizza recipe is a subtle tweak to its iconic original. The chain claims that the new recipe features a crispier, buttery crust, complemented by a new cheese blend and sauce with improved flavour. However, some reviewers have found the new recipe to be underwhelming, with the thick, doughy crust overshadowing the other components.

The new recipe is not a significant improvement over the original. While it is not bad, it is also not particularly remarkable. The new pan pizza is a solid, inoffensive slice, but it may not be enough to keep Pizza Hut afloat in the competitive world of chain pizza. The taste is familiar, and it is difficult to detect any substantial changes.

The crust is where the most notable differences can be found. The new recipe yields a crust that is lighter and crispier, with a fluffier and pillowy centre. However, some have found it to be undercooked and doughy, detracting from the overall taste and texture. The cheese and sauce have also been tweaked, with Pizza Hut switching to part-skim mozzarella and reducing the amount of sauce. These changes have resulted in a pie that is less thick and crispy than the original.

The new recipe is not a drastic departure from the original, and it may not live up to the hype created by Pizza Hut's three-year innovation process. It is a safer option that may not satisfy those seeking a more substantial change. While it is not a failure, it is also not a remarkable success, leaving some fans longing for the return of the original recipe.

Overall, the new pan pizza recipe from Pizza Hut is a mild update that may not satisfy those seeking a more noticeable improvement. While it is inoffensive, it lacks the wow factor that could set it apart in a competitive market. The new recipe is a safer option that may not be enough to keep Pizza Hut at the forefront of the pizza chain landscape.

Frequently asked questions