Pizza Hut is updating its Original Pan Pizza for the first time in 40 years
Pizza Hut has been serving its Original Pan Pizza since 1980 and since then, it's been a fan-favorite. Now, just before the pizza turns 40, the chain is giving its signature dish a few exciting upgrades.
“Pizza Hut has a rich history of things we’re known for, and creator of the Original Pan Pizza is certainly at the top of the list,” Marianne Radley, Pizza Hut's chief brand officer said in a press release. “Re-inventing our most iconic Pizza Hut menu item is just another way we’re showing our customers that as a company we’re about the pizza first and will never become complacent when it comes to taste.”
The Original Pan Pizza, known for its thick, chewy crust, will be undergoing a new cooking process that will actually give it a crisper crust and a new type of cheese. While the complete recipe and cooking instructions are kept under wraps, Pizza Hut's senior director of culinary innovation and strategy Penny Shaheen spilled some details to TODAY Food.
"We’re now using a part-skim mozzarella cheese," she said, opposed to the whole-milk mozzarella Pizza Hut used before. There will also be more cheese applied to the pie, especially in the middle, so you'll get that gooey, greasy cheese pull with each slice. With more cheese, the chain will also be upping its sauce.
The pan also has slightly changed to give the crust a more golden, crisp texture on the outside, while keeping its beloved chewy texture on the inside.
“We know that taste is king for our customers, so we’re excited to roll out this new, state-of-the-art pan technology, combined with our perfected blend of cheese and sauce ratio,” Shaheen said in a press release.
AOL Lifestyle was able to taste test the new Original Pan Pizza and there were positive reviews all around, as well as requests for multiple slices.
The new and improved Original Pan Pizza is available now for delivery, carry-out or dining-in at all Pizza Hut locations across the U.S. For a limited time, customers can order a 2-topping large Original Pan Pizza online for $7.99.
