Randy Chandler
In 2019, Pizza Hut partnered with Kellogg's Cheez-It to create a limited-time menu item, the Stuffed Cheez-It Pizza. The dish, which costs $6.49, is an appetizer consisting of four square pastries filled with cheese and comes with a side of marinara dipping sauce. The orange-tinted exterior of the pizza has been described as tasting like a pie crust made of Cheez-Its.
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What You'll Learn
Pizza Hut's collaboration with Kellogg's Cheez-It
In 2019, Pizza Hut collaborated with Kellogg's Cheez-It to create a limited-time menu item, the Stuffed Cheez-It Pizza. This creation was a result of Pizza Hut's focus on delivery and its NFL sponsorship, aiming to boost sales. The Stuffed Cheez-It Pizza is a unique take on the traditional pizza, resembling more of a calzone or a Hot Pocket. It is described as a jumbo, crispy, Cheez-It-flavoured square, baked and stuffed with cheese or a combination of cheese and pepperoni. The pizza is served with a side of marinara dipping sauce, adding to the indulgent experience.
The collaboration between Pizza Hut and Kellogg's Cheez-It was a strategic move by both brands. For Pizza Hut, it was an opportunity to cater to a specific demographic of its customers, particularly college students, and to offer a unique twist on weeknight dinners for families. The partnership also allowed Pizza Hut to tap into the growing trend of brand collaborations, where customers crave mashups between beloved food brands.
Kellogg's acquisition of Cheez-It in 2001 as part of its Keebler deal paved the way for this collaboration. Through this partnership, Pizza Hut's Chief Brand Officer, Marianne Radley, gained insight into the secret behind Cheez-It's iconic cheese flavour. She learned that the brand bakes real cheese into their crackers, a revelation that surprised her and many others.
The Stuffed Cheez-It Pizza received mixed reactions, with some comparing it to a mozzarella stick, a ravioli, or a sandwich. However, it successfully combined two iconic American products, creating a buzz-worthy menu item. The collaboration between Pizza Hut and Kellogg's Cheez-It showcased both brands' willingness to innovate and cater to their customers' evolving preferences, including the growing interest in plant-based meat alternatives.
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The price of the pizza
On September 24, 2019, Pizza Hut announced a promotion for the pizza, reducing the price to $6 when customers purchased two or more additional $5 N' Up Lineup menu items.
One reviewer mentioned that the price of the pizza at their location was $7.99, which they considered less expensive than expected for a pizza of that size. They also noted that the pizza would be part of a mix-and-match $5 promotion in the following week.
The price of the Cheese-Stuffed Cheez-It Pizza may vary across different Pizza Hut locations, and it is always a good idea to check for the latest promotions and discounts.
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The taste and texture of the pizza
The Pizza Hut Stuffed Cheez-It Pizza comes in two varieties: cheese and pepperoni. Both varieties feature a Cheez-It-based crust and a layer of cheese on the inside. The crust is described as having an orange tint and tasting like a pie crust made of Cheez-Its. It is said to be soft, chewy, and crumbly, with a strong Cheez-It flavor.
The cheese version is described as "dreamy," with gooey and melty cheese. It is also said to be bland and lacking in flavor, with the crust carrying most of the taste. The pepperoni version, on the other hand, is described as "angrier" than the cheese version, with the pepperoni meat permeating the entire dish. The pepperoni is said to be salty and greasy, overpowering the otherwise bland Cheez-It flavor.
The Stuffed Cheez-It Pizza is served with Pizza Hut's marinara sauce, which is described as cloyingly sweet. Some reviewers found that the sauce paired better with the pepperoni version, as it helped temper the saltiness of the meat. Overall, the cheese version is preferred for its simplicity, while the pepperoni version may be better suited for those who like their food on the spicier side.
The texture of the pizza is described as similar to a mozzarella stick, with the cheese wrapped in a Cheez-It pie crust. However, it lacks the signature stretchiness of a mozzarella stick. It is said to be satisfying to bite into, with a soft and chewy crust and gooey cheese filling.
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The popularity of brand collaborations
In 2019, Pizza Hut launched a limited-time collaboration with Kellogg's Cheez-It to create a giant Cheez-It stuffed with pizza. The product was inspired by a major demographic of Pizza Hut's customers: college students. The chain also believed that the new offering would be a success for orders during football games and for families. The cheese-crusted creation, priced at $6.49, was available in two varieties: cheese and pepperoni.
Brand collaborations can also bring credibility and 'cool' to a company, helping them tap into these commodities rather than creating them from scratch. For instance, H&M has collaborated with high-fashion stars like Versace, Moschino, and Jimmy Choo, allowing H&M to release designs that are unique and desirable at reasonable prices. Similarly, Adidas and Kanye West teamed up to launch the Nike Air Yeezy, with West having previously worked with Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Reebok.
Additionally, co-marketing and co-branding collaborations provide a cost-effective way for brands to boost awareness, reach new consumers, expand their brand reach, and build trust. When done right, these partnerships can ensure the mutual success of both brands. For instance, the partnership between Facebook and Ray-Ban led to the creation of Ray-Ban Stories, stylish glasses that allow users to listen to music, take photos, and even take calls, all while interacting with the world around them.
Overall, brand collaborations offer a way for companies to innovate, excite their consumers, and expand their reach, ultimately benefiting both brands involved.
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The pizza's shape and size
The Cheez-It Stuffed Pizza from Pizza Hut is a unique take on the traditional pizza, and its shape and size are quite different from the classic round pizza pie. This stuffed pizza is square-shaped, resembling the shape of the Cheez-It cracker it is inspired by. It is described as "jumbo" and giant in size, indicating that it is larger than a typical pizza slice or personal pizza.
The Cheez-It Stuffed Pizza is not a single large square but consists of four individual square pastries, creating a uniform shape and size. This portioning makes it convenient for sharing, as each person can have their own square, although some may be tempted to indulge in more than one! The square shape also allows for a consistent filling distribution, ensuring each bite is stuffed with cheesy goodness.
While the exact dimensions of the pizza are not publicly available, it is safe to assume that each square is a few inches long, creating a substantial snack or appetizer. The size is comparable to other stuffed pocket foods like Hot Pockets or calzones, which are typically designed for individual consumption. The jumbo size of the Cheez-It Stuffed Pizza sets it apart from similar snack options, offering a heartier and more indulgent eating experience.
The shape and size of this pizza are part of what makes it so distinctive and appealing to customers. The square shape is a fun departure from the usual round pizza shape, adding to the novelty of the collaboration between Pizza Hut and Cheez-It. The larger size also contributes to the perception of it being a satisfying and indulgent treat, perfect for sharing with friends or family during game nights or as an easy weeknight meal.
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Frequently asked questions
The Cheese-Stuffed Cheez-It Pizza is a jumbo, crispy, Cheez-It-flavoured square. An order comes with four squares, making it easy to share.
The exterior of the pizza tastes like a pie crust made of Cheez-Its. The cheese version is described as bland, while the pepperoni version is said to be angrier and greasier.
The pizza costs $6.49 and was available for a limited time at Pizza Hut locations nationwide.
