Pizza Hut–Style Dough Recipe
Introduction
Recreate the classic Pizza Hut experience at home with this simple dough recipe. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a soft, chewy crust ready for your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Add the flour and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to form.
- Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the dough and shape it into your desired pizza crust on a greased pan.
- Step 6: Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the shaped dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Substitute half the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Add a teaspoon of sugar to the yeast mixture to help activate the yeast faster.
Storage
Store any leftover dough tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before shaping. Baked pizza is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. You can skip dissolving it in water and add it directly to the flour, but make sure the water is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough has risen enough when it has doubled in size and looks puffy. You can gently press a finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s ready.
PrintPizza Hut–Style Dough Recipe
This Pizza Hut–Style Dough recipe yields a soft, chewy pizza crust similar to what you find at Pizza Hut. The dough is made with simple ingredients including flour, yeast, water, and oil, kneaded until smooth, allowed to rise, and then baked to perfect golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: One 14-inch pizza crust 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pizza Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, until foamy and bubbly, confirming the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a rough dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-7 minutes on medium speed.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Turn it onto a floured surface and shape it into your desired pizza crust size and thickness.
- Bake Dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the shaped dough on a pizza stone, baking sheet, or pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Use warm water to activate the yeast properly—too hot or cold water can kill or slow yeast activity.
- For a crispier crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven before placing the dough on it.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with olive oil for extra flavor.
- Allowing the dough to rise longer improves texture and flavor; you can let it rise up to 2 hours if needed.
- Store leftover dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Pizza Hut style dough, pizza dough recipe, homemade pizza crust, soft pizza dough
