Jan's Copycat Version of Pizza Hut's Stuffed Crust Pizza

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Who doesn't love a good slice of pizza? And when it comes to pizza chains, Pizza Hut is definitely a crowd favorite.

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Jan's Copycat Version of Pizza Hut's Stuffed Crust Pizza
Prep
30 min
Total
1 hr 35 min
Servings
24

Method

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine 4 cups of bread flour, beer, water, shortening, yeast, brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

  2. While the mixer is running, gradually add the remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a ball. This should take about 2 minutes.

  3. Lightly grease a large bowl with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Place the dough into the greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise until it doubles in size. This should take about 1 hour.

  4. Grease 2 pizza pans with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil and dust them with cornmeal.

  5. Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into 2 equal portions. Place each portion onto a prepared pizza pan. Cover and let them rest for about 5 minutes.

  6. Stretch each portion of dough about 1 inch past the edge of the pan. If the dough shrinks back when stretched, cover it again and let it rest for another 5 minutes before stretching again.

  7. Arrange 8 sticks of cheese, with their ends touching, around the edge of one pizza pan. Fold the overhang of dough over the cheese and press to seal. Repeat this process with the second pizza pan.

  8. If desired, you can substitute olive oil

About this recipe

Who doesn't love a good slice of pizza? And when it comes to pizza chains, Pizza Hut is definitely a crowd favorite. One of their most iconic creations is the stuffed crust pizza. But what if you could recreate this delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen? Well, you're in luck! In this article, I'll share with you Jan's copycat version of Pizza Hut's famous stuffed crust pizza.

Why Make Your Own Stuffed Crust Pizza?

While ordering takeout or dining in at Pizza Hut is always a convenient option, there's something special about making your own pizza at home. Not only do you have control over the ingredients, but you can also personalize it to your liking. Plus, it can be a fun activity to do with family and friends. So why not give it a try?

The Secret to a Perfect Stuffed Crust Pizza

The key to a delicious stuffed crust pizza lies in the crust itself. It needs to be soft, chewy, and filled with gooey cheese. Jan's secret ingredient for achieving this is love. Okay, I may be exaggerating a bit, but seriously, the secret is in the dough. You'll want to make sure your dough is well-kneaded and has enough time to rise. This will give your crust that perfect texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Stuffed Crust Pizza

Now that you know the secret, let's dive into the step-by-step process of making your own stuffed crust pizza:

  1. Start by preparing the dough. Mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
  3. Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out one part into a circle and place it on a greased pizza pan.
  4. Take some string cheese sticks and place them around the edge of the dough, leaving a little space in between. Fold the edge of the dough over the cheese and press it down to seal.
  5. Spread your favorite pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Add your desired toppings and sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top.
  6. Roll out the second part of the dough and place it on top of the toppings. Pinch the edges of the two layers of dough together to seal the stuffed crust.
  7. Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?

Definitely! If you're short on time or prefer the convenience, you can use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for baking.

. Can I use different types of cheese for the stuffed crust?

Absolutely! While string cheese is commonly used for stuffed crust pizza, you can get creative and use any type of cheese you like. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of different cheeses can work wonders.

. Can I freeze the leftover pizza?

Yes, you can! If you have any leftovers, simply let the pizza cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven.

. Can I make a gluten-free version of this pizza?

Of course! There are many gluten-free pizza dough recipes available that you can use as a substitute. Follow the same steps for assembling the stuffed crust pizza, but make sure to use gluten-free ingredients.

. How long does it take for the dough to rise?

The rising time can vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen and the yeast you're using. On average, it takes about an hour for the dough to double in size. If you're in a hurry, you can place the dough in a warm oven (turned off) to speed up the rising process.

. Can I add garlic butter to the crust?

Absolutely! Adding a garlic butter brushed on the crust after baking can take your stuffed crust pizza to the next level. Simply melt some butter, mix in minced garlic, and brush it on the crust before serving.

. Can I customize the toppings?

Definitely! One of the joys of making your own pizza is the ability to customize it to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different toppings, whether it's classic pepperoni, veggies, or even pineapple (if you're into that debate).

. Can I make mini stuffed crust pizzas?

Yes, you can! If you prefer individual-sized pizzas, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and create mini stuffed crust pizzas. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Now that you have the recipe for Jan's copycat version of Pizza Hut's stuffed crust pizza, it's time to get in the kitchen and start cooking. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of this cheesy, delicious creation. Happy pizza-making!

Please note that Jan's Copycat Version of Pizza Hut's Stuffed Crust Pizza is a fictional recipe created for the purpose of this article. It is not endorsed or affiliated with Pizza Hut.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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