Cheese Lovers Pizza from Pizza Hut features a golden, hand-tossed crust topped with a blend of melted mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses, creating a rich and gooey delight for every cheese enthusiast.
Equipments
- Oven (pizza oven or conventional oven)
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
- Pizza peel or spatula
- Pizza cutter
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Use freshly grated cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan to achieve the best melting and flavor combination similar to the Pizza Hut Cheese Lovers Pizza. Ensure the warm water used for activating yeast is around 100degF to properly bloom the instant yeast for a perfect dough rise. Olive oil enhances the crust's softness and adds a subtle richness, so don't replace it with other oils. The pizza sauce should be evenly spread but not soaked to maintain a balanced texture for the golden, hand-tossed crust. Your homemade Cheese Lovers Pizza will closely mimic the rich, gooey delight from Pizza Hut with these key ingredient tips.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- In mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar.
- Add warm water and olive oil; mix until dough forms.
- Knead dough on floured surface for 5-6 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Punch down risen dough and roll out to a 12-inch circle with rolling pin.
- Dust pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal.
- Transfer rolled dough onto prepared peel or baking sheet.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over dough, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses evenly over sauce.
- Transfer pizza to hot stone or bake on baking sheet.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until cheeses are melted and crust is golden.
- Remove pizza from oven; rest 2 minutes.
- Slice with pizza cutter and serve warm.
Substitution
The Cheese Lovers Pizza from Pizza Hut copycat menu can be easily customized by substituting the cheese blend with your preferred varieties such as provolone, gouda, or fontina for a unique flavor twist. If you don't have instant yeast on hand, you can use active dry yeast but make sure to proof it in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before mixing it into the dough. When using a conventional oven, preheating the pizza stone or baking sheet is crucial to achieve a crisp crust similar to a pizza oven. Cornmeal is ideal for dusting the pizza peel or baking sheet to prevent sticking, but you can also use flour if cornmeal is unavailable. Your sauce base can also be swapped for homemade marinara or alfredo to cater to different taste preferences.
Tips
To achieve the perfect golden crust, make sure your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet are preheated thoroughly to 475degF (245degC) before placing the pizza inside. When kneading the dough, work on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking, and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Dust your pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal to avoid the dough sticking and help your pizza slide easily into the oven. Your blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses should be spread evenly to melt consistently and create that rich, gooey texture that defines the Cheese Lovers Pizza.
Nutritions
Cheese Lovers Pizza from Pizza Hut contains a high amount of protein and calcium due to its blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses, essential for bone health and muscle repair. The hand-tossed crust provides carbohydrates for energy, while olive oil adds healthy fats that support heart health. One serving can be calorie-dense, so monitor portion size to maintain balanced nutrition. Your intake of sodium may be elevated from cheese and pizza sauce, so balancing this meal with fresh vegetables or a side salad can enhance overall dietary quality.
Storage
Store your Cheese Lovers Pizza leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Refrigerate within two hours of baking to prevent bacterial growth and consume within 3-4 days. For best results, reheat in an oven at 375degF (190degC) on a pizza stone or baking sheet until cheeses are bubbly and crust is crisp.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nutty flavor and boost the nutritional profile of your Cheese Lovers Pizza. Try incorporating fresh basil or oregano into the pizza sauce for a herbal twist that complements the rich cheese blend. For an extra gooey texture, consider adding a layer of ricotta cheese before baking; it melts beautifully, enhancing the creaminess. Using a pizza stone preheated in the oven ensures a crispier crust, but if unavailable, a well-greased baking sheet will work just as well.
Allergies
Cheese Lovers Pizza contains multiple dairy products such as mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies. The crust includes wheat flour, posing a risk for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Your best option is to check ingredient labels carefully and consult with a healthcare provider if you have known food allergies before enjoying this pizza.
Why this recipe?
Cheese Lovers Pizza from Pizza Hut stands out due to its rich blend of multiple cheeses, including mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan, delivering a creamy and flavorful experience. The generous cheese topping complements the soft, golden crust, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste that appeals to cheese enthusiasts. You can recreate this indulgent pizza at home, controlling the quality and quantity of cheeses to suit your preferences while enjoying a cost-effective alternative. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to savor the beloved flavors anytime without relying on restaurant availability.