Copycat Pizza Hut Priazzo Recipe: A Retro Revival!
Craving a slice of the ’80s? Let’s rewind to the golden age of fast food with this Pizza Hut Priazzo Italian Pie—a deep-dish, double-crusted masterpiece that’s part pizza, part casserole, and all nostalgia. This Pizza Hut Copycat Recipe brings back the indulgent layers of cheese, meats, and zesty sauce that made the Priazzo a cult favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Retro Pizza Pie
Feel that 1980s magic all over again! The Priazzo isn’t just dinner—it’s an edible time machine. This deep-dish wonder from Pizza Hut’s golden era layers savory meats, molten cheese, and zesty sauce inside a flaky, double crust that echoes those delicious memories of fast food glory.
Whether you’re craving Fast Food at Home or looking for Family Dinner Ideas that break the weeknight routine, this Pizza Hut Copycat Recipe hits every nostalgic note. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and honestly? Way too good to stay in the past.
Pair it with your favorite retro soda, pop in a mixtape, and serve up smiles. It’s not just pizza—it’s a warm, cheesy hug from the ’80s.
Priazzo Is Back, Baby! A Pizza Pie Worth the Wait
Remember the Priazzo? That glorious, stuffed-deep-dish Italian pie from Pizza Hut’s 1980s heyday? It was rich, cheesy, and layered like a lasagna—but wrapped in flaky crust. Sadly, it vanished from menus due to long prep times… but not from our hearts.
This Pizza Hut Copycat Recipe brings it back in all its retro glory. Whether you’re craving Fast Food at Home, planning a cozy Family Dinner, or just want to relive the Vintage Recipes of your youth, this Priazzo delivers a slice of nostalgia with every bite.
Ingredients That Bring the Magic Back
- 1 box Pillsbury pie crusts (or try our Copycat Pizza Hut pizza dough)
- 1 jar Ragu pizza sauce (or use our copycat sauce)
- 1 lb sausage or ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 1 package pepperoni
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
The Pie That Time Forgot: Priazzo’s Glorious Comeback
Get ready to layer up some love. This isn’t just a pizza—it’s a full-blown flavor flashback. The Priazzo, Pizza Hut’s legendary deep-dish Italian pie from the 1980s, was a marvel of meat, cheese, and sauce stacked between two golden crusts. It disappeared from menus decades ago, but now? It’s back in your kitchen, hotter and cheesier than ever.
Whether you’re craving Fast Food at Home, planning a cozy Family Dinner, or just want to relive the Vintage Recipes of your youth, this Priazzo delivers a slice of nostalgia with every bite. Let’s build it layer by saucy layer.
Instructions (With Step-by-Step Photos)
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a deep 9-inch pie pan.
Step 2: Unroll one crust and line the bottom and sides of the pan.
Step 3: Cook sausage and onion until browned. Drain fat.
Step 4: Layer meat in crust.
Step 5: Add half of the pizza sauce.
Step 6: Top with 2 cups of mozzarella.
Step 7: Layer pepperoni slices, followed by half of the second jar of sauce.
Step 8: Top with remaining cheese, then a final layer of sauce.
Step 9: Place the second pie crust over the top, crimp the edges, and cut vents.
Step 10: Bake 35 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Serving Suggestions That Complete the Priazzo Experience
You’ve built the layers, baked the crust, and summoned the spirit of Pizza Hut past—now let’s serve it up right. These sides and pairings bring balance, nostalgia, and a little cheeky charm to your retro pizza night:
- Tossed Salad with Tangy Vinaigrette – A crisp counterpoint to all that cheesy indulgence.
- Garlic Knots – Buttery, golden, and perfect for dipping in extra sauce.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic drizzle for a fresh Italian touch.
- Roasted Veggies – Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions seasoned and oven-roasted for color and crunch.
- Caesar Salad – Creamy, crunchy, and classic. Bonus points for retro wooden bowls.
- Vintage Soda or Root Beer Floats – Because nothing says “1980s Pizza Hut” like a fizzy throwback.
Tips for Priazzo Success
- Shield the crust: Use foil around the edges to prevent burning while the center bakes up golden.
- Give it a rest: Let your Priazzo chill out for 10 minutes before slicing—it’ll hold its shape like a champ.
- Blend like the ’80s: For extra authenticity, use a six-cheese blend like Pizza Hut used to pile high back in the day.
Priazzo Variations to Try
Ready to turn nostalgia into a customizable pizza night? While the original Priazzo dazzled with its decadent layers and deep-dish drama, Pizza Hut offered several regional variations—each one stuffed with its own personality. Whether you’re team veggie-loaded, cheese-forward, or all-in on the meats, these versions let you remix the retro in ways that suit your taste (and maybe stir a few memories along the way).
- Priazzo Roma: Green pepper, black olives, mushrooms, pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, mozzarella, onion, and cheddar cheese.
- Godfather: Take Roma to the next level with Monterrey Jack, Parmesan, and creamy ricotta.
- Milano: Canadian bacon and extra mozzarella—skip the onions for bold, meaty flavor.
- Florentine: Ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, mozzarella, cheddar, ham, and spinach.
- Napoli: Sliced tomatoes on top for a tangy, fresh finish.
- Portofino: Chopped bell peppers and onion with sausage for color and sweetness.
So go ahead—slice into the past, serve it hot, and cue the mixtape. Whether you’re reliving your Pizza Hut booth days or introducing the Priazzo to a new generation, this pie is more than dinner—it’s a delicious blast from the past. Just don’t forget the soda fountain and a side of neon nostalgia.
Retro Crust Upgrades
Throw some flair into that flaky foundation. The original Priazzo rocked a classic pie crust, but that doesn’t mean your throwback can’t flex its own flavor. These crust upgrades turn your pizza pie into a full-on vintage headliner:
- Stuffed Crust Throwback: Tuck mozzarella sticks or string cheese along the crust edge for a 1990s upgrade that’s indulgent and irresistible.
- Garlic Herb Glow-Up: Brush the top crust with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, and grated Parmesan for a golden, savory finish.
- Seasoned Semolina Base: Dust the bottom of your dough with semolina and Italian seasoning to add crunch and extra flavor—just like pizzeria pros.
- Rustic Cheddar Blend: Mix shredded cheddar into your dough for a cheesy bite baked right into the crust.
Because every legendary pie deserves a legendary base.
Vintage Cheese Blends
More cheese? Always. More variety? Absolutely. The classic Priazzo wasn’t shy about piling it on—and you shouldn’t be either. These nostalgic blends echo that Pizza Hut magic and add a little personal twist:
- Six-Cheese Deluxe: Mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Romano, and provolone—just like the pizzeria days.
- Creamy Ricotta Remix: Add dollops of ricotta between layers for a soft, tangy surprise bite that screams Florentine vibes.
- Smoky ’80s Mood: Try smoked provolone or gouda to bring bold, campfire energy to your crust and layers.
- Sharp & Sassy Combo: Mix aged cheddar and Romano for a punchy finish that balances the rich layers below.
When it comes to cheese, there’s no such thing as too much—just levels of awesome.
FAQs About Making Your Own Priazzo
Got questions before you layer up the love? Whether you’re looking for shortcuts, swaps, or ways to stretch your Priazzo past pizza night, these answers will keep things simple, saucy, and stress-free—just like the good old days when Pizza Hut booths had jukeboxes and red plastic cups.
- Can I use pre-made dough?
Totally tubular! Pre-made or refrigerated dough works great and saves time. Just let it come to room temp so it presses into the pan without tearing. - Can I make it vegetarian?
For sure. Skip the meat and pile on sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, black olives—whatever veggies make your heart sing. Double the cheese for that hearty bite. - Can I freeze the Priazzo?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, wrap slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to keep that crust crispy and cheese melty.
Don’t Forget the Sauce—It’s the Final Hit of Your Pizza Mixtape
Cue the neon lights and crank up the flavor. No Priazzo throwback is complete without that bold, tangy sauce that made every bite sing back in the day. This isn’t just tomato paste—it’s the herb-laced, garlic-kissed magic that held the whole Pizza Hut experience together in the 1980s.
Our copycat Pizza Hut sauce brings the full pizzeria vibe home. Spoon it generously over your Priazzo layers, or serve it warm on the side for dipping breadsticks, veggies, or those glorious cold leftover slices (if you’re lucky enough to have any).
Think of it as the encore to your Priazzo performance—the sauce that turns your kitchen into a booth-side memory lane, complete with red vinyl seats and jukebox jams.
Make It Your Way: Sauce Remixes with Retro Flair
Want to riff on the classic? The original Pizza Hut sauce was bold, herby, and unforgettable—but that doesn’t mean you can’t give it your own twist. These throwback-inspired remixes let you customize your Priazzo with flavors that feel like a mixtape of your favorite pizza memories.
- Spicy ’80s Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your base for a fiery flavor that channels the Disco Inferno of pizza toppings.
- Chunky Garden Groove: Stir in diced tomatoes, sautéed onions, and bell peppers for a rustic, veggie-forward vibe that screams 1960s Veggie Delight.
- Garlic Lovers Remix: Double the garlic powder or add roasted garlic for a bold, aromatic sauce that’s pure vintage Italian street food energy.
- Creamy Throwback Blend: Mix in a spoonful of ricotta or Parmesan for a smooth, cheesy finish—perfect for Florentine or Godfather-style Priazzo variations.
- Sweet & Tangy Pop: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity and bring out those nostalgic sweet notes.
Whatever remix you choose, your sauce is the solo that makes the whole pie sing. So go ahead—layer it loud, dip it proud, and let your Priazzo hit all the high notes of flavor and fun.
Let’s Make the Priazzo!
Crank up the cassette deck and preheat that oven—it’s Priazzo time. This isn’t just a recipe, it’s a full-on flavor flashback to Pizza Hut’s golden age. We’re talking stacked layers, saucy swirls, and a cheese pull worthy of a slow-motion replay. Whether you remember the red vinyl booths or you’re just discovering this deep-dish legend, the Priazzo is here to deliver that retro pizzeria magic right to your kitchen.
From flaky crust to molten mozzarella, this easy-to-follow recipe card has everything you need to recreate the glory of the 1980s Italian pie. Print it, pin it, or pass it around—your throwback dinner plans just got delicious.
Copy Cat Pizza Hut Priazzo Pizza
We broke the code on the 1985 Pizza Hut Priazzo and skipped the wait time to offer you this Priazzo Recipe. Bring the 1980s back to dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) box Pillsbury pie crusts (or use the copycat Pizza Hut Pizza Dough)
- 1 cup (240 ml) jars Ragu pizza sauce (Try making the copycat Pizza Hut Sauce below!)
- 1 pound (454 grams) sausage or ground beef (a combination of both works well)
- 1 small onion, optional (diced)
- 1 package pepperoni
- 4 cups (about 400 grams) mozzarella cheese (or try cheddar cheese)
Instructions
Notes
TIP: You’ll want to work it up the sides of your pan. In the end, the dough should overlap the sides making a barrier to hold the thick, delicious pizza sauce.
TIP: To keep the edges of the crust from getting too done, cover the edges of the pie crust with foil for most of the cooking time and then remove it during the last 10-15 minutes of baking so the crust will brown
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 138Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 173mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g
Nutritional Information may not be correct
This recipe is featured in The How To Cookbook for Teens by Julee Morrison. Help your teen gain confidence in the kitchen with 100+ fun, easy recipes!