As a fan of Netflix’s Stranger Things, I’ve always loved the way the show pays tribute to the ’80s. From the iconic music to the retro style, it’s a nostalgic adventure—and now, we get to bring that vibe straight to our kitchens with a Pizza Hut Stranger Things Pizza. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to munch on a slice while hanging out at Hawkins High or sharing laughs with the gang at the arcade, this is your moment.
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How to make Pizza Hut Stranger Things Pizza
Pizza Hut Stranger Things Pizza is a themed promotional pizza created to tie in with the Stranger Things TV series. It is inspired by the show’s retro, 1980s aesthetic and sometimes references the fictional pizzeria Surfer Boy Pizza, which appears in the series.
Ingredients
To make this Pizza Hut Stranger Things Pizza, you’ll want to capture the classic Pizza Hut style while giving it a fun retro-inspired twist.
For the Pizza Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce (unsalted)
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
For the Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage (crumbled)
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- ½ cup green or red bell peppers (sliced thinly)
- ½ cup mushrooms (optional)
- ½ cup black olives (sliced)
Optional Garnishes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh chopped basil
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently, then let the mixture sit for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy (this activates the yeast).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2. Prepare the Sauce
- While the dough is rising, make your pizza sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper.
- Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together. Adjust salt to taste and set aside to cool.
Step 3. Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a cast-iron skillet, lightly grease it with oil or butter to create that classic Pizza Hut crust. (You can also use a pizza stone or baking sheet.)
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to fit your desired pan (make sure your crust has a medium thickness for that signature Pizza Hut feel). Press the dough into the pan or skillet, ensuring it reaches the edges.
- Spread a generous layer of sauce over the dough, leaving about half an inch around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then layer your toppings. Start with pepperoni and sausage, then add your vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc.). You can arrange the toppings neatly or go for a fun, chaotic look to mimic the Stranger Things vibe.
Step 4. Bake the Pizza
- Transfer your pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden-brown, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Stranger Things Pizza
- Cheese Overload: For that gooey Pizza Hut experience, combine mozzarella with provolone or Monterey Jack for extra cheesiness.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: This helps create the perfect crispy but soft, pan-style crust, similar to Pizza Hut classics.
- Add a Spooky Twist: For Stranger Things-themed gatherings, use Halloween cookie cutters to cut toppings—like bats, stars, or letters—to fit the show’s eerie atmosphere.
- Flavorful Crust Hack: Just before baking, sprinkle garlic powder and Parmesan cheese along the edges of the dough for an upgraded flavor.
What to serve with
The perfect pizza night isn’t complete without some delicious sides and beverages to complement your Pizza Hut Stranger Things Pizza.
a. Garlic Breadsticks
Nothing pairs better with pizza than soft, buttery garlic breadsticks.
How to Make: Use pre-made refrigerated breadstick dough or roll out pizza dough, cut it into strips, and bake. Before popping them in the oven, brush with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried parsley. Bake until golden brown.
b. Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are one of Pizza Hut’s most iconic sides—and they’re a guaranteed hit.
How to Serve: If you’re short on time, grab frozen mozzarella sticks from the store and heat them up. Or, make a batch from scratch by breading mozzarella cheese in seasoned breadcrumbs and frying until gooey.
Dips: Marinara or ranch dressing pairs perfectly with these cheesy bites.
Ingredients Substitutes
Cooking at home is all about flexibility! If you’re missing some ingredients or catering to dietary needs while recreating the Pizza Hut Stranger Things Pizza recipe, don’t worry—there are plenty of alternatives you can use.
1. Substitutes for Pizza Dough
If you don’t have time to make homemade pizza dough from scratch or need alternatives to specific ingredients, here are some easy swaps:
a. Store-Bought Pizza Dough
Don’t have yeast or time for the dough to rise? Head to your supermarket and grab pre-made pizza dough or crust.
Options: Refrigerated pizza dough, frozen pizza bases, or ready-made flatbreads work well.
(Tip: If you want a pan-style crust, roll out store-bought dough and press it into a greased cast-iron skillet—it replicates Pizza Hut’s buttery crust perfectly.)
b. Gluten-Free Dough Alternatives
For a gluten-free version:
Use gluten-free pizza dough from stores or make your own using almond flour, gluten-free all-purpose flour, or cauliflower-based dough.
(Tip: Cauliflower crust adds a unique flavor while being naturally gluten-free. Add parmesan cheese to the crust for extra flavor and binding.)
c. Low-Carb / Keto Dough Alternatives
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet:
Try fathead dough (made from mozzarella cheese, almond flour, and eggs), or a zucchini crust (blended zucchini, eggs, and cheese).
d. Tortillas or Naan Bread
For quick substitutions: Use large tortillas, pita bread, or naan for instant pizza bases. These options are thinner and lighter but still work well for casual pizza nights.
2. Substitutes for Pizza Sauce
Pizza Hut’s classic tomato sauce can be elevated or replaced using other ingredients if you’re out of staples or want a creative twist.
a. Canned Alternatives: If you don’t have tomato paste, Use canned crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, or Marinara sauce as your base. Simmer with herbs and spices to replicate pizza sauce flavor.
b. Jarred Sauces or Speciality Spreads: Use jarred spaghetti sauce, pesto, or BBQ sauce for a unique flavor.
3. Substitutes for Cheese
Pizza wouldn’t be the same without gooey melted cheese, but there are plenty of ways to substitute or elevate its flavors—even for those who need vegan, dairy-free, or low-calorie options.
a. Cheese Type Swaps: If mozzarella isn’t available or you want to mix it up: Try provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or fontina cheese for a rich flavor profile.
b. Vegan Cheese Options: Use dairy-free shredded cheese brands such as Violife, Daiya, or Follow Your Heart.
c. Low-Fat Cheese Alternatives: Opt for low-fat mozzarella, cottage cheese, or ricotta cheese. Ricotta adds creaminess without overloading on calories.
d. Nutritional Yeast or Tofu: Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the pizza for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Final Thoughts
Your homemade Pizza Hut Stranger Things Pizza is now ready to devour. Serve it up with your favorite sides (breadsticks, anyone?) and get comfortable as you head to Hawkins for a night of nostalgic TV magic.
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