Randy Chandler
Pizza Hut is a popular pizza chain with locations across the globe. While the company does not disclose the specific types of cheese used in its pizzas, former employees have claimed that Pizza Hut uses a mix of mozzarella and provolone, with some suggesting that the mozzarella is part-skim aged mozzarella supplied by Leprino Foods. Some customers have also speculated that the cheese is a combination of mozzarella, white American, or Wisconsin brick cheese. Pizza Hut offers a range of pizzas with different toppings and cheeses, and customers can contact the company directly to inquire about specific ingredients or allergens.
Does Pizza Hut have a white cheese pizza?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Part skim aged mozzarella (aka pizza cheese) |
| Supplier | Leprino Foods |
| Other Ingredients | Salt |
| Allergens | Egg, milk, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, gluten |
| Nutritional Values | Nutritional values may vary due to seasonal influences, differences in suppliers, ingredient substitutions, recipe revisions, and/or product production at the restaurant |
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What You'll Learn
- Pizza Hut uses part-skim aged mozzarella, also known as pizza cheese
- The cheese is supplied by Leprino Foods, which supplies several other major US chains
- The cheese sauce at Pizza Hut is thinned with milk
- Sargento sells low-moisture whole milk mozzarella, which is what Pizza Hut uses
- Pizza Hut's restaurants are not gluten-free environments
Pizza Hut uses part-skim aged mozzarella, also known as pizza cheese
Pizza Hut's cheese is supplied by Leprino Foods, which also supplies several other major US chains and packaged food manufacturers. The cheese they supply to Pizza Hut is part-skim aged mozzarella, also known as pizza cheese. This is a type of low-moisture whole milk mozzarella, which is typically difficult for consumers to find in stores. This may be because it has a short shelf life, and therefore, places don't carry much stock. It is possible to find this type of mozzarella in restaurant supply stores, but it usually needs to be bought in bulk.
Mozzarella is a popular choice of cheese for pizza due to its stretchiness and meltability. However, pre-shredded whole milk mozzarella is not ideal for pizza because anti-caking agents are added to prevent the shreds from clumping together in the package, which results in less than ideal melted cheese. Therefore, it is preferable to buy mozzarella in blocks and shred it yourself.
In addition to mozzarella, Pizza Hut's cheese may also contain other types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, swiss, or monterey jack. These cheeses can add flavour and improve the stretchiness of the pizza cheese blend. It is also possible that Pizza Hut's cheese contains salt, as salt is known to improve the stretchiness and meltability of cheese.
While Pizza Hut's cheese blend is not available for purchase in stores, there are some alternative options for those looking to recreate the Pizza Hut taste at home. One option is to use a blend of mozzarella and provolone, which can improve the stretchiness of the cheese. Another option is to use shredded Oaxaca cheese, which some have found to produce better results than shredded mozzarella.
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The cheese is supplied by Leprino Foods, which supplies several other major US chains
Pizza Hut's cheese is supplied by Leprino Foods, which also supplies several other major US pizza chains, including Papa John's, Little Caesars, and Domino's. Leprino Foods is a large-scale supplier of cheese to packaged food manufacturers and pizza chains, and they do not sell their products directly to consumers.
The type of cheese Pizza Hut uses is part-skim aged mozzarella, also known as pizza cheese. This variety of mozzarella is different from the kind typically found in grocery stores, which is usually part-skim and not made with whole milk. Whole milk mozzarella is available at Walmart and Publix, but it is often challenging for consumers to find.
Mozzarella is the primary cheese used in Pizza Hut's recipes, but some have speculated that it may be mixed with other varieties, such as white American or Wisconsin brick cheese. One former employee of a different pizza chain claimed that their establishment used a 50/50 mix of mozzarella and provolone, which improved the stretchiness of the cheese. This combination is also used by St. Louis pizzerias, though they are an exception among pizza restaurants.
The cheese used by Pizza Hut is likely customized for commercial use and is not available for retail purchase. The secret to the distinct taste of Pizza Hut's cheese may lie in the addition of extra fine salt to the shredded mozzarella.
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The cheese sauce at Pizza Hut is thinned with milk
Pizza Hut is a popular pizza chain, and its cheese is a signature ingredient. The cheese sauce at Pizza Hut is thinned with milk, and this is a key part of the recipe. The sauce is made with a few simple ingredients, and milk is used to thin the cheese to the desired consistency. This is a standard practice in many pizza restaurants, and it is an effective way to create a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
The type of milk used is important, and whole milk is the preferred option for Pizza Hut's cheese sauce. This is because whole milk has a higher fat content, which contributes to the creaminess and stretchiness of the cheese. The milk also helps to prevent the cheese from becoming too thick and clumpy, ensuring a smooth and even texture.
In addition to milk, Pizza Hut's cheese sauce likely contains a type of mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza due to its stretchy and melty texture when cooked. Specifically, Pizza Hut is rumoured to use a low-moisture, part-skim, whole milk mozzarella, which is supplied by Leprino Foods. This type of mozzarella has the ideal characteristics for pizza cheese, as it melts and stretches well without becoming greasy or clumpy.
Pizza Hut's cheese sauce may also contain other ingredients, such as salt, which can enhance the flavour and texture of the cheese. Additionally, the sauce may include other types of cheese, such as provolone, which can improve the stretchiness and overall taste of the sauce. The specific recipe for Pizza Hut's cheese sauce is not publicly available, but it is likely that the combination of milk, mozzarella, and other potential ingredients creates a unique and signature flavour for the chain.
It is important to note that Pizza Hut does not sell its cheese sauce in stores, and the exact ingredients and proportions are carefully guarded by the company. The milk-thinned cheese sauce is a key component of Pizza Hut's pizzas, contributing to the overall taste and texture that customers know and love. The use of milk to thin the cheese is a simple yet effective technique that helps create a signature pizza experience.
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Sargento sells low-moisture whole milk mozzarella, which is what Pizza Hut uses
While it is unclear whether Pizza Hut has a white cheese pizza, it is evident that the cheese they use is of great interest to many. The cheese used by Pizza Hut is likely to be low-moisture whole milk mozzarella, which is generally considered the best option for pizza. This type of mozzarella is known for its meltability and stretch, resulting in a gooey and elastic texture that is desirable for pizza.
Sargento, a third-generation, family-owned company, sells shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese, which can be used for pizzas, pasta dishes, and sandwiches. The cheese is shredded from blocks and packaged with an easy-close FreshLock® feature to maintain freshness. Sargento's shredded whole milk mozzarella is available in 8-oz packages, containing approximately 2 cups of shredded cheese.
However, it is important to note that the low-moisture whole milk variety is not easily accessible to consumers. Sargento, for instance, sells this variety in bulk on their website, primarily targeting restaurants. Similarly, Walmart offers low-moisture whole milk mozzarella in blocks, while Publix sells it by the pound in their deli section.
The challenge in finding low-moisture whole milk mozzarella for consumers may be attributed to its short shelf life, requiring bulk purchases from restaurants. Additionally, pre-shredded whole milk mozzarella is not ideal for pizza due to the anti-caking agents added by manufacturers, which can affect the melting quality of the cheese. As a result, consumers seeking to replicate the Pizza Hut cheese experience may need to opt for purchasing blocks of low-moisture whole milk mozzarella and shredding it themselves.
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Pizza Hut's restaurants are not gluten-free environments
As one of the world's largest pizza chains, Pizza Hut has made efforts to cater to customers with gluten intolerance by offering gluten-free crust options. However, it is important to note that Pizza Hut restaurants are not gluten-free environments. This means that while they offer gluten-free alternatives, they cannot guarantee complete freedom from gluten or the risk of cross-contamination.
Pizza Hut locations use shared kitchen spaces, and while they have implemented measures such as separate pizza cutters and designated boxes for gluten-free pizzas, there is still a possibility of gluten-containing ingredients coming into contact with gluten-free orders. This is especially important for individuals with severe gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, who may be at risk even from trace amounts of gluten.
The availability of gluten-free options can vary across different Pizza Hut locations. Currently, only about one-third of Pizza Hut restaurants in the United States offer gluten-free crust options. This limited availability means that customers seeking gluten-free meals may need to inquire about the availability of gluten-free crust before placing their orders.
While Pizza Hut's gluten-free crust provides an alternative for those avoiding gluten, it is important to recognize that the restaurants themselves are not gluten-free environments. This distinction is crucial for customers with varying levels of gluten sensitivity or allergies. For those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, the potential for cross-contamination in a shared kitchen space may pose a significant health risk. Therefore, while Pizza Hut provides gluten-free choices, customers must make informed decisions based on their individual needs and consider the possibility of gluten exposure.
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