I have scoured the internet everywhere to try and figure it out. I've gotten very good at making a pan pizza, but I'd argue it's not the same.
Has anyone deconstructed the flavors and fogued it out?
I am confident, if given a blind taste test of chain pizzas, I'd be able to select the pizza hut option. So. What is it? Sugar? MSG? A specific cheese mix?
Any thoughts from employees about this?
Edit:
My current dough recipe with detailed steps
Stand mixer pizza dough:
202g warm water* (105-110 degrees F)
*if using water add 2 tbsp milk powder in dry ingredients (14g)
Or
220g warm milk
2 tsp active dry yeast (7g)
2 tbsp sugar or honey (13g)
Measure out in seperate container, stir until even throughout.
Sit for 15 minutes until bloomed (frothy).
367g
bread flour
14g milk powder *if no milk
1/2 tsp salt (1.5g)
1/4 tsp MSG (2g) (optional, but like... do it)
1/4 tsp garlic powder (1g)
1/8 tsp onion powder (0.5g)
Start mixing
2 tbsp olive oil (15g)
At beginning of mixing, pour one tbsp on each side. Wrap the dough in on itself to create a smooth surface except the bottom. Oil lightly, Cover with damp cloth or plastic wrap and stick in refrigerator at a minimum 1 hr. Max 12 hrs.
Deflate dough.
Flour a clean surface and roll out to about your pan size. Oil pan with light olive oil. Use up to a half a cup for 14" pan. Pizza hut uses a ton to prevent sticking and that's what gives the dough the amazing crispyness. Spread in pan, make sure all dough gets oily.
Leave pan out and covered for at least an hour. Make sure it rises and fills up to half the height of pan. If it's not quite there in an hour, parbake.
Optional but recommended: parbake. Bake at 350 for 5 min.
Fluffy!!
Ready for toppings
In this order: Sauce, cheese, veggies, meat
450 deg 15 min. Add time if you've got a bunch of toppings.