Pizza Hut's Pan Pizza: Crust Secrets

Pizza Hut's pan pizza crust has a distinct taste that sets it apart from other pizza options. The original pan pizza, which was the signature premium option for almost 40 years, had a unique flavour and texture that garnered a loyal fan following. However, in 2019, Pizza Hut made a controversial decision to tweak the recipe, including changes to the crust, sauce, and cheese. The new recipe features a crispier and chewier crust, achieved through a newly engineered pan. While Pizza Hut claimed that the changes were made to cater to evolving consumer tastes, the response has been mixed, with many loyal customers expressing their preference for the original recipe. The new crust is described as paler, breadier, and less crunchy, deviating from the golden, crispy, and buttery characteristics of the original. This change in Pizza Hut's pan pizza crust has sparked debates and even petitions, reflecting the strong emotional connection that people have with the taste of their childhood.

Pizza Hut's new recipe

Pizza Hut has been one of the most popular pizza chains in the world since its inception in 1958. In 2019, the company announced a change to the recipe of its Original Pan Pizza for the first time in 40 years. The new recipe has sparked mixed reactions from customers, with some loyal fans expressing their preference for the original recipe.

The Original Pan Pizza

The Original Pan Pizza was Pizza Hut's signature premium option, also known as their deep-dish pizza. It had a reputation for its golden, crispy, and buttery crust, resembling crunchy focaccia. The crust was a unique feature that set Pizza Hut apart and was highly regarded by customers. The original recipe remained unchanged for nearly four decades, cultivating a loyal fan base.

The New Recipe

In May 2019, Pizza Hut introduced an updated version of their Original Pan Pizza. The new recipe included a crispier crust and a chewier interior, achieved through the use of a "newly engineered pan." The cheese and tomato sauce were also tweaked, with Pizza Hut claiming a new stringier brand of cheese.

Customer Reactions

The response to the new recipe has been divided. Some customers have noticed a breadier texture, a paler crust, and a less crunchy experience. The new recipe has been described as more bland and airy in comparison to the original. Loyal fans of the original recipe have expressed their disappointment, considering the taste of the pizza a nostalgic part of their childhood. A petition has even been started, calling for the return of the classic recipe.

Pizza Hut's decision to change their Original Pan Pizza recipe has sparked a debate among customers. While some appreciate the updated version, others strongly prefer the original. The taste of the pizza holds a special place in the memories of many, and any change to that experience can be met with strong emotions.

The original pan pizza recipe

The Original Pan Pizza was Pizza Hut's signature premium option and has been a staple since the late 1950s. Also known as their deep-dish pizza, the pan pizza recipe remained unchanged for almost 40 years.

The original recipe included a buttery, crunchy, and crispy crust, with a chewier interior. The underside of the crust resembled crunchy focaccia, as if it had been baked in a pan with a generous amount of olive oil. The crust was so good that some people looked forward to it the most when eating a Pizza Hut pizza.

The original sauce and cheese blend also contributed to the unique taste of the pizza. The sauce was made from scratch, and the cheese was not stringy.

In 2019, Pizza Hut announced changes to the original recipe, including a new type of pan to create a crispier crust, and tweaks to the sauce and cheese blend. However, the new recipe received mixed reactions, with some loyal fans expressing their preference for the original recipe and even starting petitions to bring it back.

Pre-packaged ingredients

Pizza Hut's pan pizza crust has changed over the years, with the company announcing in May 2019 that it was tweaking the recipe for the first time in 40 years. The new recipe has a crispier crust, a chewier interior, and a new stringier brand of cheese.

The change to a pre-packaged crust was implemented in the late '90s, with the sauce coming ready to go out of the bag, and every topping pre-cut. The dough is now frozen, and the tomatoes come chopped in plastic trays from the factory.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (.25-ounce size) dry active yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup non-fat dry milk powder
• 1 1/3 cup warm water (105 degrees F)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for dough)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 9 ounces vegetable oil (3 ounces per pan)
• Butter-flavored cooking spray
• Mozzarella cheese
• Pizza toppings of your choice

Method:

• Combine the yeast, sugar, salt, and dry milk in a 2-quart mixing bowl.
• Add the water and stir to mix.
• Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes or until the yeast starts to bubble.
• Add the oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
• Add the flour in one cup increments, stirring after each addition, until a dough forms and the flour is all combined.
• Turn the dough out onto a flat, lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes.
• Divide the dough into three equal balls.
• Place about 3 ounces of oil in the bottom of each 9-inch cake pan or cast-iron skillet. Tilt the pans to spread the oil evenly.
• Using a rolling pin, roll out each ball of dough to a 9-inch circle and place in the prepared pans.
• Lightly coat each dough disk with cooking spray or oil and cover with plastic wrap.
• Place in a warm, draft-free location and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until puffy.
• Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining all the ingredients until blended. Let sit at room temperature for at least one hour.
• Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
• For each 9-inch pizza: Spoon 1/3 cup of the sauce onto the dough and spread to within 1 inch of the edges.
• Sprinkle with 1 1/2 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Place toppings of choice in the following order: thin meats like pepperoni or Canadian bacon, vegetables, ground or cubed meats, additional mozzarella cheese.
• Place the pizzas in the oven and cook until the outer crust is brown and the cheese is bubbly in the center (11-15 minutes, depending on how many toppings you use).
• Remove from the oven. Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then remove from the pans to a cutting board and cut into wedges using a pizza cutter.

The impact of COVID-19

In May 2019, Pizza Hut changed the recipe for its Original Pan Pizza for the first time in 40 years. The new recipe included a new blend of cheese and sauce, and a re-engineered pan to cook the pizza in, resulting in a crispier crust and a chewier centre.

> Way before [COVID-19]. Don't be fooled we haven't done diddly shit for covid it's all for show."

However, another comment suggests that the taste change may be related to COVID-19, as they mention that they had their first Pizza Hut pan pizza since before the pandemic and noticed a difference in taste:

> I just had my first PH pan pizza since before Covid and it doesn't taste even close to their pre CV pan pizza. Nothing's the same, from the crust, the sauce, the cheese or the price. I'm going back to Domino's pan pizza.

It is worth noting that Pizza Hut has made multiple changes to its pan pizza dough, sauce, and cheese over the years, which may also contribute to the perceived taste difference. Some customers have expressed their desire for Pizza Hut to revert to the original recipe, citing allergies to new ingredients and a preference for the taste of the original pan pizza.

Nostalgia

Pizza Hut's pan pizza crust has a distinct taste that evokes a sense of nostalgia for many. The original pan pizza, with its signature deep-dish style, remained unchanged for nearly four decades, becoming synonymous with the Pizza Hut brand. However, in 2019, the company announced a recipe change, tweaking the crust, sauce, and cheese blend. While the new crust is described as crispier and chewier, it has sparked a wave of nostalgia among loyal customers who grew up savouring the original.

The original pan pizza crust had a unique flavour and texture that set it apart from other pizzas. It was known for its golden, crispy exterior and chewy interior. Some have compared it to crunchy focaccia or fried breadsticks, with a hint of butteriness that made it irresistible. This crust was so beloved that, for many, it defined their pizza experience, and the mere mention of Pizza Hut brings back fond memories of indulging in this crispy, buttery delight.

The recent recipe change, though intended to cater to evolving taste preferences, has disrupted this nostalgic comfort. The new crust, while still edible and adequate, falls short of the iconic standard set by its predecessor. It is described as paler, blander, and less crunchy, lacking the golden hue and satisfying crunch that characterised the original. This change has sparked a sense of loss among fans, who cherished the taste of childhood memories and the comfort of a familiar flavour.

The impact of this recipe alteration goes beyond a mere change in taste. Pizza Hut's original pan pizza crust was more than just a food item; it was a cultural touchstone, a symbol of shared experiences, and a taste of simpler times. It represented Friday night gatherings, family outings, and the joy of indulging in a treat. The new recipe, though intended to be an improvement, has inadvertently disrupted these cherished associations, highlighting the delicate balance between innovation and preserving the essence of a beloved classic.

The outcry from loyal customers who yearn for the return of the original pan pizza crust underscores the power of nostalgia in shaping our preferences and choices. It serves as a reminder that, sometimes, the comfort of familiarity outweighs the allure of novelty. While embracing change can lead to exciting new possibilities, it is also essential to acknowledge the emotional connection that certain foods can evoke, transporting us back to cherished memories and providing a sense of continuity in a constantly evolving world.

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