Copycat Pizza Hut Pan Pizza

For years (years ago), a co-worker and I would go grab lunch at a Pizza Hut near our office almost every day. Back then, Pizza Hut always had a lunch special that consisted of a personal pan pizza and a trip to the salad bar. It was always the highlight of our day. The crust on the pizzas was fantastic. So, I was eager to make this copycat Pizza Hut Pan pizza. That’s one of the special things about food. It can bring back such fond memories.

Copycat Pizza Hut Pan Pizza

Memories In Every Bite

This recipe for a copycat Pizza Hut pan pizza is absolutely spot-on the same taste I remember of the Pizza Hut pan pizzas. A little oily, a little crunchy, and oh-so-yummy. We will definitely be making these again (and again). I loved the original from the restaurant. And I really, really love this homemade version.

I found this recipe at CD Kitchen, one of my favorite food sites. There are tons and tons of great copycat recipes at CD Kitchen… go check it out!

You can also make these in a cast iron skillet.

Also try my copycat of Pizza Hut’s Meaty Marinara pasta.

This recipe is based on a recipe from CD Kitchen.

Copycat Pizza Hut Pan Pizza
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5 from 1 vote

Pizza Hut Pan Pizza

This recipe is absolutely spot-on the same taste I remember of the Pizza Hut pan pizzas.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, pizza
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 726kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the dough

For the pizza

  • 1 cup Pizza sauce
  • ½ cup Italian sausage crumbled, cooked, and drained
  • ½ cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ¼ cup Fresh mushrooms sliced, sauteed in Italian seasoning

Instructions

  • Combine the yeast, sugar, salt, and dry milk in a large bowl.
  • Slowly stir in the warm water.
  • Let sit for two minutes.
  • Stir in the 2 tablespoons of oil.
  • Add the flour and stir until a dough starts to form. Continue stirring until the flour is absorbed.
  • Remove the dough to a very lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes. The dough will form a wonderful consistency and smooth texture.
  • Add 2 ounces of oil to each of 3 9″ cake pans. Make sure the oil is spread out evenly in the pan.
  • Divide the dough into 3 equally-sized balls. Roll each ball out to a 9″ circle and place in the pans. Spray edges of dough with the non-stick spray.
  • Cover the pans with a dish towel or a plate and place in a warm area (around 78° F) and let the dough rise until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 475° F.
  • Divide sauce between pans. Add sausage, cheese, and mushrooms, or whatever toppings you desire.
  • Bake pizzas for about 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and hardened and the cheese is melted.

Notes

You’ll need 3 9″ cake pans for this recipe. You can also make the pizzas in 10″ pans, but of course the crush won’t be as deep. Or, you can make a single pizza in a large deep pizza pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 726kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 641mg | Potassium: 401mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 356IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Southwestern Cheese Sauce

This warm, creamy Southwestern cheese sauce is perfect as a dip for chips or pretzels. It’s also fantastic on hot dogs and hamburgers and anywhere else you need a cheese sauce. It has a really nice spicy kick to it too!! Next time you have a recipe that calls for that “other” cheese sauce, substitute this instead!

Southwestern Cheese Sauce

Creamy Spicy Deliciousness

I use my homemade Cajun seasoning in this Southwestern cheese sauce. It’s very easy to make. Plus it has the added advantage that I can control the amount of salt. I always keep a big batch of it in the pantry because I used it in just about everything. The store-bought stuff is absolutely fine, of course.

Also try my grilled queso dip.

Southwestern Cheese Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Southwestern Cheese Sauce

This warm, creamy Southwestern cheese sauce is perfect as a dip for chips or pretzels. It’s also fantastic on hot dogs and hamburgers and anywhere else you need a cheese sauce, but with a nice kick!
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, sauce, southwestern
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 87kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Warm milk in a small pan over medium heat until steamy. Keep an eye on it and don't let it boil.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour until smooth.
  • Whisk in the warmed milk until the sauce is thick and creamy.
  • Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cheese and stir until the cheese is melted.
  • Add in the salsa, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.

Notes

Use Monterey jack cheese for a less spicy version.

Nutrition

Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 257mg | Potassium: 89mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 255IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

There are a few variations on these chocolate chip caramel bars around the web. I don’t think it matters just exactly how you make these. They will be the best little bars you’ve ever had. They are gooey messy, very chocolatey, and just heavenly good.

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

Make sure these chocolate chip caramel bars are completely cooled before trying to cut them into bars. I was lucky enough to top my bar with some chopped pecans from my dad’s pecan trees. Some years he has very little nuts, some years lots and lots. This year we were fortunate to have bag after bag of great Georgia pecans!

Also try my chocolate-dipped peanut butter Bugles.

This recipe is based on a recipe from Deep South Dish.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars
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5 from 1 vote

Chocolate Chip Caramel Bars

These will be the best little bars you’ve ever had. 
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword bars, caramel, chocolate
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 240kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Press the cookie down into a 9" x 12" pan, covering the entire pan evenly.
  • Bake for 12 minutes and remove from oven.
  • Meanwhile, put the caramel and half and half into a double boiler and begin to melt, stirring occasionally.
  • Sprinkle the cooked dough with the chocolate chips and return pan to the oven. Bake, a minute at a time, until the chocolates are melted.
  • Use an offset spatula (or the back of a large spoon) to spread the chocolate out evenly over the cooked dough.
  • Pour the melted caramel over the chocolate. Sprinkle with nuts.
  • Place in fridge for an hour or until the caramel has set. Cut into small bars.

Notes

Feel free to substitute walnuts or peanuts for the pecans!

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 118mg | Potassium: 104mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sweetheart Buddies

These little sweetheart buddies are sure to be a hit with your sweetie on Valentine’s Day! They are chocolatey, crunchy, and sweet. What a wonderful take on the classic Muddy Buddies! I had no idea that there is a such thing as chocolate Chex cereal. What rock have I been living under? Not only is it great as a cereal, it’s perfect in sweet treat mixes like this one! Whomever came up with that idea deserves a medal!

Sweetheart Buddies

Make More. You’ll Need Them.

Sweetheart Buddies are fun to make and just as fun to eat. Make a double batch because they won’t last long. Make sure you don’t go nuts shaking or stirring the mix when you coat it. You don’t want to break the cereal pieces.

One of my other favorite lovey-dovey day treats are red velvet Rice Krispies treats. Also try my chocolate chocolate chip caramel bars.

Sweetheart Buddies
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5 from 1 vote

Sweetheart Buddies

These little sweetheart buddies are sure to be a hit with your sweetie on Valentine's Day!
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Chex mix
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 24
Calories 499kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place cereal in a large plastic bowl.
  • Melt candy melts in a double boiler or in a microwave per package instructions.
  • Pour melted candy over the cereal and stir to combine.
  • Spread coated cereal out onto wax paper and let cool almost completely.
  • Place cereal back into the bowl or into large baggies.
  • Add in the cake mix and sugar and gently shake or stir to combine.
  • Add in the M&Ms and gently stir.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 499kcal | Carbohydrates: 160g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 806mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 58g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 224mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Southwestern Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Wow, now this is the way to cook and serve up cauliflower. The flavors are fantastic, and just doesn’t get any easier to make. You can make this southwestern whole roasted cauliflower in any style you want, just substitute your favorite spices. I lean towards southwestern and Cajun flavors, so that’s what I used. A little citrus, a little earthiness, and just a bit of heat. It’s nice to have something that looks a little different!

Southwestern Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Crunchy Outside, Tender Inside

The yogurt coating forms a light crust over this southwestern whole roasted cauliflower. It’s a nice little crunchy contrast to the tender roasted insides. I was pleased with how well this cooked up. I was afraid the cauliflower would be hard. Instead it was perfect.

Also try Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Cajun cauliflower.

Southwestern Whole Roasted Cauliflower
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4 from 1 vote

Southwestern Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Wow, now this is the way to cook and serve up cauliflower. The flavors are fantastic, and just doesn’t get any easier to make. You can make this southwestern whole roasted cauliflower in any style you want, just substitute your favorite spices. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cauliflower, roasted, southwestern
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 64kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Trim the green leaves from the cauliflower. Also trim the stem so most of the woody part is gone and there is a nice flat surface on the bottom.
  • Note: Depending on how large your cauliflower is, and how you like yours cooked (we prefer a little bite to ours), you may want to steam or microwave the cauliflower a little first. Make sure you dry the outside of the cauliflower afterwards so that the yogurt mixture will adhere.
  • Spray a small baking sheet with non-stick spray.
  • Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
  • Dip the head of cauliflower into the bowl and swish it around to get it fully coated. Transfer to the baking sheet stem-side down.
  • Roast for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and starting to get tender. I inserted a long toothpick into the cauliflower to make sure it was cooked like I want it (a little al dente). Depending on the size of your cauliflower, it may take more or less time.

Notes

Best served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 655mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 872IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

6-Bean Beef and Sausage Chili

There are two things I really like to have in my chili: Italian sausage and lots of beans. I know, I know. I am violating several chili laws, specially by adding beans, but if it’s called 6-bean beef and sausage chili it’s gonna have beans in it!

Sausage Makes for Great Chili

The sausage adds such a great flavor. People often aren’t expecting it. This chili has chunks of beef, like you’re looking forward to, that are countered by the different texture and bite (I used hot sausage) of the sausage. The beans, well, the more the merrier. I just love the texture and flavor, particularly when there is a large variety of beans in the bowl.

6-Bean Beef and Sausage Chili

What’s This Pasta Thing?

My wife prefers her 6-bean beef and sausage chili over spaghetti. I had never seen or heard of such a thing before I moved to Indiana. But, I made her a small pot of pasta so she too could enjoy this great chili.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this chili and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Also try my prime rib chili.

6-Bean Beef and Sausage Chili
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4 from 1 vote

6-Bean Beef and Sausage Chili

There are two things I really like to have in my chili: Italian sausage and lots of beans. I know, I know. I am violating several chili laws, specially by adding beans, but if it’s called 6-bean beef and sausage chili it’s gonna have beans in it!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beans, beef, chili, sausage
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 376kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brown meats in a large pot or Dutch oven. Drain if desired.
  • Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, salt, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper, coriander, and cinnamon and cook over medium-high heat until vegetables are starting to soften, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Add bay leaves, tomatoes and beef stock. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially and simmer for 3 to 4 hours or until beef is tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Add beans, stir, and cook another 30 minutes.
  • Serve garnished with sour cream, cheddar, and chopped green onions.

Notes

Feel free to substitute hot Italian sausage for a nice little kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 1250mg | Potassium: 643mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 467IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Ham Salad Sandwich

I was digging around in the freezer when I came across a container of leftover smoked ham. My first thought was to make your standard ham-and-cheese sandwiches, but after more pondering, I decided that a ham salad sandwich would be way better. And it was. So much better.

Ham Salad Sandwich

A Great Ham Salad For Wraps, Too

This ham salad was fantastic on a sandwich. It has a nice bit of a crunch, and a little kick from the Cajun seasoning (I used more than a dash). The salad is also great in a wrap. And even fantastic on crackers. Got a fru-fru fancy luncheon planned? Yep, finger sandwiches with this salad are bound to impress everyone.

I’m Boiled Egg Challenged

I absolutely stink (best word I could think of) when it comes to making boiled eggs. Hard or soft, doesn’t matter. I am egg challenged. So I picked up a little cheap egg cooker like the one below. This lil baby cranks out 6 eggs in about 15 minutes and they’re perfect each and every time! I don’t even feel bad any more that I just cannot make boiled eggs!

You can use precooked ham from your grocery instead of a home-smoked one, of course.

Also try my delicious ham and egg sandwiches.

Ham Salad Sandwich
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4 from 1 vote

Ham Salad Sandwich

This ham salad was fantastic on a sandwich. Nice crunch, and a little kick from the Cajun seasoning (I used more than a dash). it’s also great in a wrap.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword ham, salad, sandwich
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 315kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pulse ham in a blender or food processor a few times to chop it further. Do not over-blend and create a paste.
  • Remove to a medium bowl.
  • Add the pickle to the blender or food processer and pulse a few times.
  • Remove to the bowl with the ham.
  • Add celery, onion, mustard, and mayonnaise.
  • Mix well.
  • Gently fold in the eggs.
  • Add Cajun seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve on a nice crusty bread or as a topping for crackers.

Notes

I like these sandwiches with dill pickle slices!

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 975mg | Potassium: 282mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 268IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Macaroni Salad

The key to this fantastic macaroni salad is the tang of the Blue Plate mayonnaise. Regular mayonnaise just won’t give you that kick. If you cannot find Blue Plate in your area, mix a little fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard into your usual mayonnaise. It’ll be more like Blue Plate, but nothing, absolutely nothing, is the same as Blue Plate.

This macaroni salad really reminds me of a traditional egg salad. Creamy, and crunchy. Well, and it does have eggs in it too.

Macaroni Salad

Want A Kick? You Got It!

For a little kick in your salad, add a few pinches (or more) of my homemade Cajun seasoning. Or add cubed pepper jack cheese.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my mac and Jack salad and my crazy-good Creole macaroni salad.

Macaroni Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad really reminds me of a traditional egg salad. Creamy, and crunchy. Well, and it does have eggs in it too.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta, salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 385kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions.
  • Drain well and let cool.
  • Place pasta into a large bowl.
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir (gently) to combine.
  • Let refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Notes

Substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning for the salt, pepper and garlic powder for extra kick!

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 705mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 368IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Deluxe Teriyaki Wings

Visit my other site, For The Wing, for all things chicken-wing!

Like our other favorite version of teriyaki wings, our deluxe Teriyaki wings disappeared in no time at all. The sauce is a little sweet and sticky yummy. If I’m in a spicy-wings mood I add a bit of red pepper flake to the sauce. If i’m in a very-spicy-wings mood I’ll add hot sauce, Sriracha or hot chili paste.

Deluxe Teriyaki Wings

I cook my wings on my Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-less Turkey Fryer using the Wingin’ator 3000 modification, but you can grill them or cook them in the oven and they’ll come out just fine.

My first version of Teriyaki wings are just as great.

Teriyaki Wings Version 2.0
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Deluxe Teriyaki Wings

This teriyaki sauce is a little sweet and sticky yummy. If I’m in a spicy-wings mood I add a bit of red pepper flake to the sauce. If I’m in a very-spicy-wings mood I’ll add hot sauce, Sriracha or hot chili paste.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword sauce, Teriyaki, wings
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 272kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 272kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 191mg | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Teriyaki Wing Sauce

Visit my other site, For The Wing, for all things chicken-wing!

This Teriyaki wing sauce is a great dipping sauce for chicken wings. Or toss your wings in the sauce just before serving. This is a slightly sweeter sauce than our other Teriyaki sauce. For some kick, add some red pepper flake. Or for more heat, add Sriracha or hot chili sauce.

Teriyaki Wings Version 2.0

Click here to see the fantastic chicken wings we made using this Teriyaki wing sauce. I cook a LOT of different flavors of chicken wings, from Asian-inspired, to southwestern.

Also try my tingle wings.

Teriyaki Wings Version 2.0
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5 from 1 vote

Teriyaki Wing Sauce Version 2.0

This Teriyaki wing sauce is a great dipping sauce for chicken wings. Or toss your wings in the sauce just before serving.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword sauce, Teriyaki, wings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 267kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the pineapple, soy sauce, Mirin, ginger, garlic, sugar, vinegar and sesame oil into a blender.
  • Blend until well combined and smooth. Blend more for a thinner sauce or leave it a bit chunky for a thicker sauce.
  • Transfer to a sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Add cornstarch to a small bowl or cup. Add in the water and stir until smooth. (I used a fork).
  • Whisk in the cornstarch mixture until it thickens.
  • Add red pepper flake, if desired, to taste.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.
  • Toss your wings in the sauce just before serving. Reserve some sauce for dipping if desired.

Notes

Store any leftover sauce in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3492mg | Potassium: 297mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 345IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.