Classic Pepperoni Pizza from Pizza Hut features a golden, hand-tossed crust topped with zesty tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and perfectly spiced, thinly sliced pepperoni, delivering a deliciously savory and crispy bite.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Dough roller or rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Dough scraper
- Sauce ladle
- Cheese grater
- Slicer/cutter
- Baking tray or pizza stone
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3½ cups (440g) bread flour
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water
- 2¼ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup (240ml) pizza sauce
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3½ ounces (100g) sliced pepperoni
Using bread flour is essential for achieving a chewy and crispy texture in your pizza crust, while warm water activates the instant yeast to help the dough rise properly. Olive oil not only adds flavor but also improves dough elasticity, making it easier to roll out with your dough roller or rolling pin. The amount of salt and sugar balances the yeast activity and enhances the overall taste of the crust. When selecting pepperoni, thin slices ensure a crispy, evenly cooked topping that complements the melted mozzarella cheese. Your Classic Pepperoni Pizza copycat will closely resemble Pizza Hut's signature offering when you use these precise ingredient measurements and proper equipment.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy (5-10 minutes).
- Add bread flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic (8-10 minutes).
- Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (1-2 hours).
- Preheat the pizza oven to 475°F (245°C). Place pizza stone or baking tray inside to heat.
- Punch down the dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface.
- Roll or stretch dough into a 12-inch round using a rolling pin or dough roller.
- Place the dough round onto a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal.
- Evenly spread pizza sauce over the crust with a sauce ladle, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange sliced pepperoni evenly over the cheese.
- Slide pizza onto the preheated stone or tray using the pizza peel.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove pizza from oven using the peel.
- Slice with a pizza cutter and serve hot.
Substitution
Classic Pepperoni Pizza from Pizza Hut copycat recipe calls for specific ingredients like bread flour and instant yeast to achieve the signature hand-tossed crust texture. You can substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour if needed, though it may result in a slightly less chewy crust. If you don't have a pizza peel, use a flat baking tray to transfer the pizza in and out of the oven safely. When pepperoni slices are unavailable, try using salami or spicy sausage slices as an alternative to maintain the savory flavor profile. Keep your oven hot and preheated thoroughly for a crisp crust that mimics the Pizza Hut pizza experience.
Tips
Make sure your yeast mixture becomes foamy before adding flour, as this indicates active yeast essential for dough rising. When kneading the dough, aim for a smooth, elastic texture to ensure a well-developed gluten structure for a chewy crust. Preheat your pizza stone or baking tray thoroughly in the pizza oven to create a crisp bottom crust. You should use a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal to easily transfer your rolled dough without sticking.
Nutritions
Classic Pepperoni Pizza from Pizza Hut offers a balance of macronutrients with carbohydrates from the bread flour crust, protein and fat from the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni, and moderate sodium levels due to salt and cured meats. A 12-inch pizza typically contains around 250-300 calories per slice, making it a flavorful yet energy-dense choice. The presence of olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the tomato sauce provides some vitamins like vitamin C and antioxidants such as lycopene. When enjoying your pizza, consider pairing it with vegetables or salad to add fiber and enhance overall nutritional value.
Storage
Store leftover Classic Pepperoni Pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and safety. To reheat, use a pizza oven or conventional oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5-10 minutes to restore the crispy crust and melted cheese quality.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, try swapping the bread flour with all-purpose flour for a softer crust texture that cooks slightly faster. You can replace pepperoni with sliced spicy Italian sausage or thin slices of prosciutto for a different savory flavor profile. Instead of rolling the dough, try stretching it by hand for a chewier crust with more irregular, airy edges. To add extra flavor, mix some dried oregano or garlic powder into the pizza sauce before spreading it on your dough.
Allergies
Classic Pepperoni Pizza from Pizza Hut contains common allergens such as wheat in the bread flour and dairy in the mozzarella cheese. The pizza sauce may also contain ingredients like garlic or preservatives that could trigger sensitivities. You should exercise caution if you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or processed meats like pepperoni.
Why this recipe?
Classic Pepperoni Pizza from Pizza Hut is favored for its perfect balance of savory pepperoni slices and rich, melted cheese atop a crispy, hand-tossed crust. The blend of tangy tomato sauce and evenly distributed toppings delivers a satisfying and familiar taste that appeals to diverse palates. Making a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to your preference while enjoying a cost-effective, homemade alternative. Your kitchen becomes a personal pizzeria, replicating the iconic flavors loved by many.