Introduction

Make your own Pizza Hut–style dough at home with this simple recipe. It’s soft, slightly chewy, and the perfect base for your favorite toppings.

Classic Pizza Hut-Style Pizza Dough Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the yeast mixture and oil. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
Step 4: Punch down the dough gently and roll it out to your desired pizza size on a floured surface. Add toppings and bake.
Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and toppings are cooked.

Tips & Variations

For a richer dough, substitute 1 tablespoon of oil with melted butter.
Allowing the dough to rise twice can improve texture and flavor.
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier crust.

Storage

Store leftover dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. Baked pizza is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an oven or toaster oven to maintain 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 substitute instant yeast by mixing it directly with the flour and reducing the amount of water slightly, as instant yeast absorbs more liquid.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Make sure your water is warm but not too hot, and that your yeast is fresh. If the dough still doesn’t rise, try proofing the yeast again or starting with new yeast.

Classic Pizza Hut-Style Pizza Dough Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

This Pizza Hut–style dough recipe replicates the soft, chewy crust that is iconic to Pizza Hut pizzas. Made simply with flour, yeast, water, and oil, the dough is kneaded to develop gluten, allowed to rise for a fluffy texture, and then baked to perfection. This recipe provides a delicious base for creating your favorite pizza toppings at home.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 1 large pizza crust (12-inch) 1x
Category: Bread/Dough
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Mix yeast and water: In a small bowl, combine the warm water with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Form the dough: Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a pizza crust by stretching or rolling it out to your desired size and thickness.
Bake the dough: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If desired, prebake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings to achieve that crispy bottom. Then add your favorite toppings and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Notes

Warm water is critical for activating yeast but should not be too hot to kill the yeast.
Letting the dough rise fully ensures a soft, airy crust.
Prebaking the dough results in a crisper crust resembling Pizza Hut’s style.
You can substitute vegetable oil with olive oil for a richer flavor.
Use a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet heated in the oven for a crispier crust.

Keywords: Pizza Hut dough, pizza crust recipe, homemade pizza dough, soft pizza dough, pizza base