The Best Pizza Hut Dough Recipe You Can Make at Home!
There’s something wildly nostalgic about Pizza Hut dough, isn’t there? The way that golden, buttery crust shatters slightly when you bite into it, yet remains fluffy and chewy on the inside—it’s pure comfort food magic. And if you’re like me, you’ve probably tried dozens of times to recreate that texture at home. Well, friends, I’ve done it. This recipe is the one.
Let’s get right into it.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Warm water (110°F) | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) |
| Sugar | 2 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ to 3 cups |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp |
| Cornmeal (for pans) | 2 tbsp |
| Melted butter (for crust) | 2 tbsp |
Let’s Make It – Step by Step
1. Activate the Yeast
Warm water + sugar + yeast = a happy foamy mixture. Give it about 10 minutes. It should bubble up like your excitement.
2. Build the Dough
Mix your flour, salt, (milk powder if you want that extra softness), and add the yeast mixture and oil. Stir until it comes together, then knead on a floured surface until smooth and springy. About 8 minutes should do it.
3. Let It Rise
Oil a clean bowl, plop the dough in, cover with a towel, and let it sit somewhere warm for 1 to 1.5 hours. It should double in size and smell amazing.
4. Prep Your Pans
Grease them generously, dust with cornmeal (do NOT skip this step—it gives that signature Pizza Hut crunch).
5. Shape & Rest
Divide the dough in half. Stretch or roll to fit your pans. Let it rest again for 10–15 minutes.
6. Pre-bake (optional)
Pop the dough into the oven for 5 minutes without toppings. Helps keep it crisp and prevents sogginess.
7. Load it Up
Add your sauce, cheese, toppings (pepperoni, olives, onions—go wild). Bake at 475°F for 12–15 mins until golden and bubbly.
8. The Butter Finish
As soon as it comes out of the oven, brush the edges with melted butter. That’s what makes it Pizza Hut-worthy.
Pro Tips
- Want a chewier crust? Swap in bread flour.
- Add 1 tbsp milk powder for that slightly sweet, soft interior.
- Use garlic butter with herbs for brushing for a next-level crust.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze this dough?
Yes! After the first rise, divide, wrap, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Q: Can I use instant yeast?
Totally. Skip the proofing—just mix it into your dry ingredients.
Q: Why cornmeal?
It gives you that crispy, textured Pizza Hut bottom. Skipping it is a crime.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just pizza dough. It’s a crust that hugs your memories, tastes like childhood Friday nights, and makes your kitchen smell like your favorite corner booth. Make this once and you’ll never settle for less.
Now go, dough lovers—preheat that oven and recreate pizza night magic at home. 🍕
See Also: Quick No Rise Pizza Dough Recipe – 15-Minute Yeast-Free Crust
