Copycat Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizza Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a cozy, buttery, and personal-sized pizza that hits the spot every time, then you know exactly what a Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizza is all about. The crispy, golden crust, the perfect balance of sauce and cheese, and just the right amount of toppings.

The good news is, you can make this iconic pizza at home—no need to wait for delivery. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying that nostalgic taste in your own kitchen!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for dough)
• Extra butter for greasing pans

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of sugar (optional, for sweetness)

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, etc.)

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Dough

• In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets bubbly and foamy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. (If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, let it knead for about 4 minutes.)
• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size.

2. Make the Sauce

While the dough rises, prepare the sauce by combining the pizza sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble the Pizza

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, preheat it as well.
• Grease two 6-inch round cake pans or pizza pans with butter—don’t skip this step; it gives the crust that signature crispy, golden texture.
• Punch down the dough and divide it into two portions. Roll each portion into a small, round circle that fits the bottom of your greased pans.
• Press the dough into the edges of the pan to form a thick crust along the sides.
• Spread a couple of tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top. Add any additional toppings you like.

4. Bake the Pizza

• Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown and crispy around the edges.
• Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid over-baking. You want the crust crispy on the outside, but soft and fluffy on the inside.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the pizza from the pan.
• Slice and serve hot, with a side of marinara or garlic dipping sauce if you like.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Personal Pan Pizza

• Butter makes it better: Don’t skimp on buttering the pans. It’s the key to that crispy, golden crust we all love.
• Let the dough rise well: Give it time to rise, so the crust is light and airy.
• Use fresh mozzarella: If possible, try using fresh mozzarella for that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Customize toppings: You can go classic with pepperoni or experiment with sausage, veggies, or even pineapple. The best part about personal pan pizzas is that you get to make them exactly how you like.

Why Make This Copycat Pizza at Home?

• Cost-effective: Why pay delivery fees when you can make a pizza that tastes just as good (if not better) at home?
• Customizable: You get to control the toppings, cheese, and sauce—perfect for picky eaters or those with dietary preferences.
• Family fun: Kids will love making their own personal pizzas. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought dough works fine. Just make sure to let it rise before assembling the pizzas.

How can I make the crust extra buttery?
Brush the crust with butter after baking and, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, brush it again before serving.

Can I freeze the dough or assembled pizza?
Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the fully assembled pizza (before baking). Just thaw it in the fridge before baking.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to get the crust nice and crispy again.

Wrap Up

There’s something undeniably satisfying about enjoying a Personal Pan Pizza fresh out of the oven, especially when it’s made from scratch at home. It’s quick, fun, and customizable to your taste.

Whether you’re craving something classic or want to get creative with toppings, this recipe will bring that iconic Pizza Hut experience right to your kitchen. Give it a try and treat yourself (and your family) to a homemade pizza night that’s sure to become a favorite!

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out, or share your favorite toppings in the comments!