If you’ve ever craved that perfect pizza crust that delivers a delightful combination of chewiness, softness, and just the right amount of crisp, then the Pizza Hut Dough Recipe might just become your new go-to masterpiece in the kitchen. This recipe captures the essence of that beloved pan pizza crust, bringing you that iconic texture and flavor right at home. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’re moments away from savoring a slice that tastes just like the classic from the restaurant, only better because it’s homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Pizza Hut Dough Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating a dough that’s tender yet sturdy, slightly sweet but savory, and perfectly golden after baking.
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: The yeast helps the dough rise and develop that airy, soft texture.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the crust.
- 1¼ cups warm water (110°F): Just warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring a lively dough.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to keep the crust soft.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavor enhancement and controlling yeast activity.
- 2 tablespoons non-fat dry milk powder: Adds subtle dairy notes and contributes to browning and tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting): Prevents sticking and adds a slight texture contrast on the crust’s bottom.
How to Make Pizza Hut Dough Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by combining your active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. Stir them gently and let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes foamy on top, signaling that the yeast is happily activated and ready to work its magic on your dough.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and non-fat dry milk powder. This combination will give your dough its structure and flavor while the milk powder ensures a soft and tender bite.
Step 3: Combine wet and dry
Pour the activated yeast mixture and the vegetable oil into the dry ingredient bowl. Mix everything together until a rough dough begins to form. This is the exciting step where all elements come together into that elastic texture you want for pizza dough.
Step 4: Knead to perfection
Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. This kneading process develops the gluten, resulting in a dough that’s smooth, elastic, and able to stretch beautifully without tearing.
Step 5: First rise
Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside, covering it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving that airy texture and rich flavor characteristic of the Pizza Hut Dough Recipe.
Step 6: Shape and rest
After punching down the dough to release excess air, divide it into two equal portions for two medium pizzas. Roll each portion into a circle and transfer to pizza pans dusted with cornmeal. Press the dough gently to the edges and allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before adding your favorite sauce and toppings.
Step 7: Bake to golden perfection
Bake your pizza in a preheated 475°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and fully cooked. If you prefer a pan-style crust, give the shaped dough an additional 30 minutes to rise in the pan before baking for an even thicker, chewier result.
How to Serve Pizza Hut Dough Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of the Pizza Hut Dough Recipe is how versatile it is. Top your pizza with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or even some crushed red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor profile and add a pop of color with every slice.
Side Dishes
Complement your homemade pizza with classic sides like a crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic parmesan wings. The slight tanginess and crunchy textures of these sides perfectly balance the tender, cheesy pizza built on your Pizza Hut Dough Recipe foundation.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by turning the dough into mini calzones, strombolis, or even pizza rolls. Each variation highlights the dough’s flexibility, making the Pizza Hut Dough Recipe not just a starting point for pizza but a canvas for endless tasty creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover dough or baked pizza, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The dough will stay good for up to 3 days, while leftover pizza slices remain tasty for about 2 to 3 days when properly wrapped.
Freezing
The dough freezes beautifully. After the first rise, punch it down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen dough can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge before shaping.
Reheating
To bring leftover pizza back to life, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes. This restores that crisp crust and melty cheese sensation better than a microwave ever could.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Using bread flour in the Pizza Hut Dough Recipe will result in a chewier, slightly more elastic crust thanks to the higher protein content, giving you a heartier bite.
What temperature should the water be to activate yeast?
The water should be warm, ideally around 110°F. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold won’t activate it properly. Warm bath water or a temperature gauge can help you get it just right.
Can I add herbs or garlic powder to the dough?
Definitely! Adding Italian herbs or garlic powder during the dry ingredient mixing phase infuses the dough with extra layers of flavor, making it even more irresistible.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. This ensures good gluten development, which is essential for the dough’s texture.
Is it necessary to use cornmeal on the pizza pan?
Using cornmeal is not mandatory but highly recommended. It prevents the dough from sticking and adds a subtle crunch and slight toasted flavor on the crust bottom, mimicking the original Pizza Hut experience.
Final Thoughts
With the Pizza Hut Dough Recipe in your culinary arsenal, you’re just a few simple steps away from recreating a beloved classic at home. It’s inspiring to transform basic ingredients into that soft, chewy crust that holds all your favorite toppings perfectly. So grab a bowl, get mixing, and enjoy every delicious slice of this fantastic homemade pizza journey!
Print
Pizza Hut Dough Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 medium pizza crusts
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This copycat Pizza Hut dough recipe yields a soft, chewy, and flavorful pizza crust perfect for homemade pan-style pizzas. Using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can recreate the iconic takeout crust right in your kitchen. The dough is enriched with non-fat dry milk powder for tenderness and has an option for a pan-style rise for extra fluffiness.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1¼ cups warm water (110°F)
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons non-fat dry milk powder
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and warm water at 110°F. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and non-fat dry milk powder evenly to prepare the base for the dough.
- Combine wet and dry: Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a loose dough starts to form and all ingredients are incorporated.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Continue until the dough feels smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the kneaded dough inside. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Divide and shape: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into two equal portions for two medium pizzas. Roll each portion into a circular shape on a surface lightly dusted with cornmeal.
- Prep pizza pans: Lightly dust the pizza pans with cornmeal and transfer the rolled dough onto them. Press the dough gently to the edges of the pan.
- Optional second rise for pan-style crust: For a thicker, pan-style crust, allow the shaped dough to rest and rise in the pan for an additional 30 minutes before baking.
- Rest the dough: Let the dough rest for 10–15 minutes before adding your favorite sauce and toppings. This resting helps the dough relax and prevents shrinkage during baking.
- Bake the pizza: Preheat your oven to 475°F. Bake the prepared pizzas on the middle rack for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through, and toppings are melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For a chewier crust, substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour.
- Add garlic powder, Italian herbs, or other seasonings to the dough for extra flavor.
- Letting the dough rise in the pan for an additional 30 minutes creates a pan-style thicker crust.
