Pizza Hut Goodbye Pies: Recreating the Magic at Home (Plus Other Delicious Pizza Recipes!)
Remember the Pizza Hut Goodbye Pies? A fleeting moment of cheesy, saucy generosity that warmed hearts and filled stomachs? While those heartwarming, heart-shaped pizzas offered for free in honor of breakups may be a thing of the past, the longing for a delicious, homemade pizza experience certainly isn’t. This blog post is dedicated to recreating that pizza magic at home, with tips, tricks, and recipes inspired by Pizza Hut’s classic flavors, and a few other fantastic pizza variations to elevate your pizza night.
## The Nostalgia Factor: Goodbye Pies – A Brief Recap
For those who missed it, Pizza Hut’s Goodbye Pies were a limited-time offering designed to help people navigating the rough waters of heartbreak. Customers could nominate their recently-single friends to receive a free, heart-shaped pizza with personalized messages. It was a fun, lighthearted campaign that generated buzz and, of course, satisfied pizza cravings. While the official campaign is over, the desire for comfort food and a perfect pizza remains strong. So, let’s dive into recreating that comfort at home.
## Recreating the Pizza Hut Experience: Core Components
To truly capture the essence of Pizza Hut’s flavors, we need to focus on three key elements: the crust, the sauce, and the cheese. Let’s break each of these down:
### 1. The Crust: Achieving That Signature Texture
Pizza Hut’s crust is known for its slightly sweet, chewy texture with a crispy bottom. Here’s how to get close to that at home:
**Ingredients for a Basic Pizza Dough (Makes 2 medium pizzas):
* 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
* 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
**Instructions:**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time.
5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. **Punch Down and Divide:** Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough in half. At this stage, you can freeze one half for later use.
7. **Shape the Dough:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch one half of the dough into a 12-inch circle. For a crispier crust, brush a baking sheet or pizza stone with olive oil or sprinkle with cornmeal before placing the dough. You can also use a pizza screen.
8. **Pre-bake (Optional):** For a super crispy crust, pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings. This prevents a soggy bottom.
**Tips for a Pizza Hut-Style Crust:**
* **Sugar:** The sugar in the dough helps create a slightly sweet flavor and aids in browning.
* **Kneading:** Proper kneading is essential for developing the gluten, which gives the crust its chewy texture.
* **Olive Oil:** The olive oil adds flavor and helps create a slightly crispy crust.
* **Pre-baking:** Pre-baking, as mentioned, is key for a crispy base, especially if you’re using a lot of toppings.
* **Cornmeal/Olive Oil:** Using cornmeal or olive oil on the baking sheet/stone prevents sticking and adds to the crispy texture.
### 2. The Sauce: Sweet, Tangy, and Savory
Pizza Hut’s pizza sauce is known for its slightly sweet and tangy flavor. Here’s a simple recipe to replicate it:
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients.
2. **Simmer:** Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
3. **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or more salt and pepper for a bolder flavor.
**Tips for a Pizza Hut-Style Sauce:**
* **Sugar:** The sugar is crucial for achieving the signature sweetness.
* **Dried Herbs:** The dried oregano and basil are essential for the classic Italian flavor.
* **Simmering:** Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to develop and deepen.
* **Tomato Paste:** Using tomato paste adds richness and thickness to the sauce.
### 3. The Cheese: A Blend of Melty Goodness
Pizza Hut typically uses a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese. This combination provides both excellent melting properties and a slightly tangy flavor.
**Recommendations:**
* **Mozzarella:** Use whole milk mozzarella for the best flavor and melting quality. Part-skim mozzarella will also work, but it may not be as creamy.
* **Provolone:** Use a mild provolone cheese. Sharp provolone can overpower the other flavors.
* **Pre-shredded vs. Block:** While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Shredding your own cheese from a block is always the best option for optimal melting.
## Putting It All Together: The Classic Pizza Hut-Inspired Pizza
Now that we have the core components, let’s assemble our Pizza Hut-inspired pizza:
**Ingredients:**
* Prepared pizza dough
* Pizza sauce (recipe above)
* Shredded mozzarella cheese
* Shredded provolone cheese
* Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, etc.)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. **Prepare Crust:** Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place it on a baking sheet, pizza stone, or pizza screen.
3. **Add Sauce:** Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edge.
4. **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and provolone cheese over the sauce.
5. **Add Toppings:** Add your favorite toppings. Be careful not to overload the pizza, as this can make it soggy.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Let Cool:** Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
## Beyond the Classic: Exploring Other Delicious Pizza Recipes
While recreating the Pizza Hut experience is fun, let’s also explore some other delicious pizza recipes to broaden your pizza horizons:
### 1. Margherita Pizza: A Simple Italian Classic
Margherita pizza is a simple yet elegant pizza that highlights the fresh flavors of Italy. It’s made with just a few ingredients: tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil.
**Ingredients:**
* Prepared pizza dough
* High-quality tomato sauce (San Marzano tomatoes are ideal)
* Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
* Fresh basil leaves
* Extra virgin olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) or as high as it will go. A pizza stone is highly recommended for this recipe.
2. **Prepare Crust:** Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place it on a baking sheet or pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
3. **Add Sauce:** Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edge.
4. **Add Cheese:** Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
6. **Add Basil:** Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves.
7. **Drizzle with Oil:** Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. **Slice and Serve:** Slice and serve immediately.
### 2. Pepperoni Pizza: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite
Pepperoni pizza is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, delicious, and always a hit.
**Ingredients:**
* Prepared pizza dough
* Pizza sauce
* Shredded mozzarella cheese
* Pepperoni slices
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. **Prepare Crust:** Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place it on a baking sheet, pizza stone, or pizza screen.
3. **Add Sauce:** Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edge.
4. **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. **Add Pepperoni:** Arrange pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Let Cool:** Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
### 3. Vegetarian Pizza: A Customizable Delight
Vegetarian pizza is a great way to load up on vegetables and create a healthy and flavorful meal. The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings.
**Ingredients:**
* Prepared pizza dough
* Pizza sauce
* Shredded mozzarella cheese
* Your favorite vegetables (mushrooms, onions, green peppers, bell peppers, spinach, olives, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, etc.)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. **Prepare Crust:** Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place it on a baking sheet, pizza stone, or pizza screen.
3. **Add Sauce:** Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edge.
4. **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. **Add Vegetables:** Arrange your favorite vegetables over the cheese. You can saute some of the vegetables beforehand for a deeper flavor.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Let Cool:** Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
## Tips for Pizza Perfection
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the pizza. Use high-quality flour, tomatoes, cheese, and toppings.
* **Don’t Overload the Pizza:** Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy and difficult to cook evenly.
* **Preheat Your Oven Properly:** Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the pizza. This will help the crust to cook evenly and become crispy.
* **Use a Pizza Stone or Steel:** A pizza stone or steel helps to distribute heat evenly and create a crispy crust. If you don’t have one, you can use a baking sheet.
* **Let the Pizza Cool Slightly Before Slicing:** This will allow the cheese to set and prevent it from sliding off the pizza.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to try new and exciting toppings. Get creative and have fun!
## Pizza Night Essentials: Beyond the Pizza
To make your pizza night even more special, consider adding these essentials:
* **Salad:** A fresh salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the pizza.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to pizza.
* **Drinks:** Choose your favorite drinks, such as soda, beer, or wine.
* **Dessert:** A sweet treat like ice cream or brownies is the perfect way to end pizza night.
## Conclusion: Your Homemade Pizza Adventure Awaits!
While the Pizza Hut Goodbye Pies may be a fond memory, the joy of creating delicious, homemade pizza is a timeless experience. By following these recipes and tips, you can recreate the flavors of Pizza Hut at home and explore a world of other delicious pizza variations. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready for a pizza night that will impress your family and friends. Remember, the best pizza is the one you make yourself, with love and a dash of creativity. Happy pizza making!