Pepperoni Pan Pizza (Pizza Hut Copycat Recipe)

Step 1

In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, add the sugar and yeast to the water and stir. Let the yeast bloom for 10 minutes or until puffy looking on top.

Step 2

In a stand mixer, add the flour, salt, and milk powder and with the dough hook, mix to combine.

Step 3

Next add the yeast water to the flour mixture and mix on low (setting 2 or so) with the dough hook for about 10 minutes.  After one minute, add 2 tablespoons light olive oil while the mixer is still going.  Add an additional 1 or 2 tablespoons olive oil to the dough if it seems too dry as it's being kneaded by the mixer.  It should be soft and elastic after 10 minutes.

Step 4

After 10 minutes, remove the dough from the mixer and form into a ball.  Spray a large bowl with oil spray, then place the dough ball in the bowl and cover with a towel.  Let the dough rise for about 45 minutes to an hour.

Step 5

While the dough is rising, make the pizza sauce!  In a pot over medium heat, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and all the seasonings and stir until combined and heated through.  Turn off the heat and set aside.

Step 6

In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese and all the seasonings. Then mix in the melted butter.  Grab a basting brush and have it ready to use to apply this seasoning spread to the pizza crust.

Step 7

In a 10" cast iron pan, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and swirl around to cover the pan on the bottom and on the sides.

Step 8

Take one of the dough balls and press it into the pan, making sure to have it go up the sides as well.

Step 9

Paint on 1/3 of the pizza sauce onto the dough.

Step 10

Add shredded mozzarella cheese (as much as you want!) and sliced pepperoni.

Step 11

Place in a 475 degree oven for about 13 minutes or until the dough is browning around the edges and the cheese and toppings are hot and bubbly.

Step 12

Remove pizza from oven and paint on the Parmesan Cheese Herb seasoning all over the crust.  Cut and serve!