Pizza Hut-Inspired Homemade Dough
There’s nothing quite like the taste of a Pizza Hut-style crust, crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with that signature buttery flavor. The good news? You don’t have to order takeout to enjoy it! With this easy homemade pizza dough recipe, you can recreate that iconic texture and flavor right in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought dough!
Why You’ll Love Pizza Hut-Inspired Homemade Dough
Versatile
Perfect for pan pizza, stuffed crust, or thin-crust variations—whatever you’re craving!
Budget-Friendly
Way cheaper than ordering delivery, and you get restaurant-quality results at home.
Quick and Easy
Minimal hands-on time with simple ingredients you likely already have.
Customizable
Adjust the crust thickness, add seasonings, or even stuff the edges with cheese!
Crowd-Pleasing
Crispy, fluffy, and packed with flavor—everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Pizza Hut-Inspired Homemade Dough
The secret to Pizza Hut’s iconic crust lies in a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-Purpose Flour: The base for a light yet chewy texture. You can also use bread flour for extra chewiness.
Warm Water: Activates the yeast and ensures the dough rises properly.
Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives it that fluffy interior.
Sugar: A little sweetness enhances the flavor and feeds the yeast.
Salt: Essential for a perfectly balanced, flavorful crust.
Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Creates that rich, buttery crust and helps crisp up the edges.
Cornmeal (for dusting): Adds a subtle crunch and prevents sticking.
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy—this ensures the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
Knead Until Smooth
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead for 5 minutes with a dough hook.
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to fit your pizza pan. For Pizza Hut’s signature pan pizza, press the dough into a greased cast-iron skillet or deep pizza pan.
Second Rise
Let the shaped dough rest for 15-20 minutes—this gives the crust extra fluffiness.
Bake or Add Toppings
Pre-bake at 450°F (232°C) for 5 minutes before adding sauce and toppings, or bake fully if making a plain crust.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 large pizzas
Calories per serving: 180-220 (per slice, without toppings)
Notes: Calories vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1-2 hours
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes
How to Serve Pizza Hut-Inspired Homemade Dough
- Classic Pan Pizza: Load it up with your favorite toppings and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Stuffed Crust: Wrap mozzarella sticks or shredded cheese around the edges before baking.
- Garlic Butter Crust: Brush melted butter mixed with garlic and herbs over the crust before baking.
- Thin & Crispy: Roll out the dough thinner for a crispier version.
- Deep Dish Style: Press the dough into a deep-dish pan for a thicker, heartier bite.
Additional Tips
- Use Bread Flour for Extra Chewiness: It gives the dough a bit more elasticity.
- Oil Your Pan Generously: This creates that crispy, buttery Pizza Hut-style crust.
- Don’t Skip the Second Rise: It enhances the texture and makes the crust fluffier.
- Preheat Your Oven Properly: A hot oven ensures the crust gets crispy and golden.
- Store Extra Dough in the Freezer: Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months—perfect for a quick pizza night!
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze it for longer storage.
2. What’s the best way to reheat leftover pizza?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a crispy crust, or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
3. Can I use this dough for breadsticks?
Absolutely! Roll it out, brush with garlic butter, and bake until golden.
4. How do I get a crispier crust?
Use a cast-iron skillet or pizza stone, and bake at a high temperature.
5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, but it will make the crust denser. Try a 50/50 mix with all-purpose flour for better texture.
6. How do I make stuffed crust pizza?
Wrap cheese sticks around the edge before folding the dough over and sealing.
7. Can I make this without a stand mixer?
Yes! Just knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
8. What’s the secret to a buttery crust?
Grease your pan with butter or oil before baking for that classic Pizza Hut taste.
9. Can I make this gluten-free?
You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be different.
10. Do I need a pizza stone for this recipe?
No, but using a preheated pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust.
Conclusion
This Pizza Hut-inspired homemade dough is the perfect way to bring that famous crispy, fluffy, buttery crust into your own kitchen. Whether you’re making deep-dish, stuffed crust, or classic pan pizza, this recipe gives you the ultimate pizzeria-quality results—without the delivery fee! Try it once, and I promise, you’ll never go back to store-bought dough again!
PrintPizza Hut-Inspired Homemade Dough
This homemade pizza dough is inspired by the classic style from Pizza Hut—soft, chewy on the inside with a crisp edge. Perfect for creating your favorite pizza at home, this dough delivers a restaurant-quality base that’s easy to work with and adaptable to your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (plus 5 minutes pre-bake if desired)
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: Makes dough for 2 medium (12-inch) pizzas
- Category: Pizza / Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil.
- Mix until a rough dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into desired portions (this recipe makes enough for two 12-inch pizzas).
- Roll out each portion on a lightly floured surface to your preferred thickness.
- Pre-bake the dough at 475°F (245°C) for 5 minutes if you prefer a crispier edge, then add your favorite toppings and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly (usually an additional 10–12 minutes).
Notes
- For a slightly thicker crust, let the dough rise a second time after shaping.
- Adjust the hydration by adding a tablespoon of water at a time if the dough feels too dry.
This dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; just bring it to room temperature before using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium pizza base
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
