Introduction

Making your own Pizza Hut–style dough at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a soft, chewy crust that tastes just like your favorite takeout.

Pizza Hut–Style Dough Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Add the flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Step 3: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Punch down the dough and shape it into your desired pizza crust. Add toppings as you like.
Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Substitute half the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
Adding a teaspoon of sugar can help feed the yeast and improve rise.

Storage

Store leftover dough in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before using. Baked pizza is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in a hot oven or skillet 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. It can be mixed directly with the flour without proofing. Reduce the warm water slightly to account for moisture difference.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Ensure your water is warm but not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. Also, check the expiration date of your yeast and provide a warm, draft-free environment for rising.

Pizza Hut–Style Dough Recipe

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4.6 from 113 reviews

This recipe guides you through making a soft and chewy Pizza Hut–style dough, perfect for creating homemade pizzas with a classic, puffy crust that is slightly crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 1 large pizza (10–12 inch crust) 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Stir with a spoon until the dough begins to come together.
Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Let Dough Rise: Place the dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and prepare your pizza pan or baking sheet by lightly oiling it.
Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles and stretch or roll it out onto your prepared pan, forming the classic thick, puffy Pizza Hut–style crust edge.
Add Toppings and Bake: Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Notes

Use warm water to properly activate the yeast; water that is too hot can kill it.
Allowing the dough to rise fully is essential for a light, airy crust.
For a crispier base, prebake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
You can substitute vegetable oil with olive oil for extra flavor.
If you don’t have active dry yeast, instant yeast can be used but eliminate the activation step and mix directly with dry ingredients.

Keywords: Pizza Hut style dough, homemade pizza crust, thick pizza dough, chewy pizza crust, classic pizza dough