Andy Montoya
Pizza Hut is a popular pizza chain known for its innovative crusts and toppings. One of their most iconic offerings is the stuffed crust pizza, which was first introduced in 1995. The concept of stuffed crust pizza involves adding cheese or other ingredients to the outer edge of the crust, creating a unique and indulgent dining experience. Over the years, Pizza Hut has experimented with various stuffed crust options, including cheese, shrimp, sausage, and even hot dogs. While the availability of specific stuffed crust varieties may vary by location and time, the classic cheese-stuffed crust remains a staple on their menu. In recent times, other pizza chains have also begun offering their own versions of stuffed crust pizzas, but Pizza Hut stands by its original creation, claiming that many have tried to recreate it, but there's only one Original Stuffed Crust Pizza.
Does Pizza Hut still do cheese crust?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Crust | Yes, Pizza Hut still offers cheese-stuffed crust |
| Stuffed Crust | Pizza Hut popularized stuffed-crust pizza in 1995 |
| Variations | Pizza Hut outlets in different countries offer different stuffed crusts |
| Examples | Japan: Crust stuffed with shrimp, Camembert, or sausage; Germany: "German King" with sausage, bacon, and cheese-stuffed crust; Hong Kong: "Cheesy Lava" stuffed crust |
| Additional Charge | Yes, an additional charge may apply for stuffed crust |
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What You'll Learn
Pizza Hut's Original Stuffed Crust Pizza
The Original Stuffed Crust Pizza was created by Patty Scheibmeir and launched on March 25, 1995, with a commercial featuring Donald Trump. This innovative pizza offering changed the pizza-eating game forever and quickly gained immense popularity. Since its debut, many have tried to recreate Pizza Hut's iconic stuffed crust, but none have matched the original.
The success of the Original Stuffed Crust Pizza led to Pizza Hut experimenting with different variations of stuffed crust pizzas in various countries. For example, Pizza Hut Japan introduced a crust stuffed with shrimp and mayonnaise, while Pizza Hut Germany offered a "German King" pizza with sausage, bacon, and cheese-stuffed crust. Pizza Hut Australia took it a step further by creating a pizza with a crust stuffed with miniature meat pies.
In 2021, Pizza Hut celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Original Stuffed Crust Pizza with a special deal. Customers could enjoy a Large 3-Topping Original Stuffed Crust pizza for just $11.99 at participating locations. This offer showcased the enduring popularity of the Original Stuffed Crust Pizza, which has become a staple on the Pizza Hut menu.
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Additional charge for stuffed crust
Pizza Hut's Original Stuffed Crust pizza has been a menu staple since 1995. While the price of a stuffed crust pizza varies depending on the number of toppings, a large one-topping stuffed crust pizza typically costs $11.99. However, some customers have noted that the price of a stuffed crust pizza has increased over the years, with some now paying $22 for a one-topping stuffed crust pizza.
Pizza Hut has been known to offer deals and promotions on its stuffed crust pizzas. For example, in 2021, Pizza Hut offered a large three-topping Original Stuffed Crust pizza for just $11.99 at participating locations nationwide. Additionally, some Pizza Hut locations have been known to offer medium-sized stuffed crust pizzas, although this is not a standard option on the menu.
It's important to note that Pizza Hut locations in different countries may have unique offerings, and the availability of certain deals and promotions may vary. While stuffed crust pizzas typically come with an additional charge, customers can keep an eye out for deals and promotions to get the best value.
When ordering a stuffed crust pizza from Pizza Hut, it's worth checking the website or app for the latest deals and promotions. Additionally, some customers have noted that the quality of the pizza may vary, so it's always a good idea to read reviews before placing an order.
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Stuffed crust only offered on larges
Pizza Hut's Original Stuffed Crust Pizza, launched in 1995, is a large pizza with warm, melty cheese baked directly into the crust. It is still available at Pizza Hut locations, although product availability may vary.
The large size of the stuffed crust pizza is due to the dough's preparation and packaging. The dough comes frozen in large pucks, making it challenging to change the crust size. Additionally, the stuffed crust tends to puff out due to the use of pan dough, resulting in a larger pizza.
From a logistical perspective, offering stuffed crust in multiple sizes would complicate dough preparation and forecasting. Staff would need to pre-stuff the crusts with cheese, and having different dough types and sizes would increase the complexity and time required for preparation, especially during the dinner rush.
While some Pizza Hut employees have mentioned making medium or small-sized stuffed crust pizzas for staff, these are not officially offered on the menu. The large size allows for a medium amount of cheese and toppings, ensuring a balanced ratio of crust to toppings.
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Medium pan dough unpopular
It is unclear whether Pizza Hut still offers cheese crust as an option. However, it appears that the restaurant has made changes to its crust, which has received mixed reviews from customers. Some customers have expressed disappointment with the new crust, describing it as "plain" and "cardboard-like." On the other hand, others seem to prefer the old crust options, such as the original stuffed crust and the pan pizzas.
Regarding the medium pan dough, there could be several reasons why it might be less popular compared to other crust options. Firstly, customer preference and taste play a significant role in the popularity of any food item. Some people may simply prefer a thinner, crispier crust, such as a thin crust or flatbread option, over a thicker and chewier pan dough.
Secondly, the perception of value for money could be a factor. Pan pizzas tend to have thicker crusts, which may give the impression of having less overall toppings or a smaller overall size compared to other crust options in the same price range. This perception may influence customers to choose other crust varieties that appear to offer more toppings or a larger portion.
Additionally, health considerations could be a factor in the medium pan dough's unpopularity. With the growing awareness of healthy eating and nutritional information, some customers may opt for crusts that are perceived to be healthier, such as thin crust or gluten-free options. Pan dough, which is associated with deep-dish pizza and a more indulgent dining experience, may be less appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Furthermore, the cooking technique and presentation of the medium pan dough might impact its popularity. Pan pizzas are typically cooked in a pan coated with a generous amount of oil, which gives the crust its characteristic texture and flavor. However, some customers may find the oiliness off-putting or may prefer a lighter, less greasy option.
Lastly, regional and cultural preferences cannot be overlooked. Pizza is a highly customizable dish, and what is popular in one region or culture may not be as well-received in another. The medium pan dough may be less popular in certain areas where other crust options, such as thin and crispy or stuffed crust, are more deeply rooted in the local pizza culture.
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Pizza Hut sued over stuffed crust invention
Pizza Hut's stuffed crust pizza has been a beloved menu item since its launch in 1995. However, the invention of this iconic dish is mired in controversy, with several parties claiming to be the original creators. The debate has sparked a 30-year-old dispute, including a lawsuit against Pizza Hut by a family-run pizza business.
The Claimants:
Anthony "The Big Cheese" Mongiello:
Anthony Mongiello, also known as "The Big Cheese," claims to be the true inventor of the stuffed crust pizza concept. Mongiello's story, as told to Gastropod, began when he was just 18 years old and accidentally made a pizza with a large, puffy crust. Intrigued by the huge air pockets in the crust, he wondered what would happen if something were inside. With his father's advice to protect his idea, Mongiello patented his "Method of making a pizza" in 1987. He then approached several pizza chains, including Pizza Hut, to license his patent. Although Pizza Hut initially passed on the offer, they later launched their stuffed crust pizza, leading Mongiello to believe they had stolen his idea. In an interview with PMQ Pizza, Mongiello expressed his desire for recognition and frustration with the legal system, stating that patents do not always provide the expected protection. He also revealed that Pizza Hut offered him $50,000 over a phone call to drop the matter, but he asked for $24 million in settlement.
Angelo Mongiello's Children LLC:
In the fall of 1995, Pizza Hut was sued for a billion dollars by Angelo Mongiello's Children LLC, a family-run pizza company. They claimed that Pizza Hut stole their stuffed crust idea, for which they had filed a patent in 1987. The family alleged that they had approached Pizza Hut with licensing opportunities, but their attempts were rebuffed.
Pizza Hut's Response:
Pizza Hut has faced criticism and lawsuits over the years, but they have consistently denied any violation of patents. The company has not publicly acknowledged any specific inventor of the stuffed crust pizza.
The true inventor of the stuffed crust pizza remains a subject of debate, with various individuals and entities laying claim to the creation. Despite the controversy, Pizza Hut's stuffed crust pizza has endured as a popular menu item, with many customers enjoying its unique combination of crust and cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Pizza Hut still offers cheese-stuffed crust. In fact, Pizza Hut is credited with popularizing the stuffed crust pizza, which it debuted in 1995.
A stuffed crust pizza is a pizza with cheese (usually mozzarella) or other ingredients added into the outer edge of the crust.
Pizza Hut offers vary across countries. For example, Pizza Hut Japan and South Korea have sold pizza with shrimp and cheese-stuffed crust, and Pizza Hut Hong Kong made abalone sauce "Cheesy Lava"-stuffed crust pizza. Pizza Hut Australia made a pizza with a crust stuffed with miniature meat pies.
According to some Pizza Hut employees, stuffed crust is only offered on large pizzas. However, some customers have noted that medium-sized stuffed crust pizzas are available in certain locations.
