Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pizzeria-Style Taste: This recipe captures the iconic Pizza Hut flavor with its perfect balance of sweetness and fluffiness.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like flour, yeast, and sugar, there’s no need for special ingredients.
- Customizable: Create your ideal pizza by adding your favorite toppings to this versatile dough.
- Beginner-Friendly: Even novice bakers can achieve great results with this straightforward recipe.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet dry yeast (about 2¼ teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough, then roll it out to fit your pizza pan or stone.
- Add your favorite toppings and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and toppings are cooked.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes a crust for a 12-inch pizza, enough for 4 servings.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including rising time)
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Whole Wheat Crust: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.
- Herb-Infused Dough: Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or garlic powder to the dry ingredients for a flavorful crust.
- Cheesy Crust: Before rolling out the dough, sprinkle shredded mozzarella around the edges and fold the dough over to create a stuffed crust.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap unused dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: If using leftover baked pizza, reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until the crust is crispy and toppings are warm.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
2. Why is my dough not rising?
Check the freshness of your yeast and ensure the water temperature is around 110°F (45°C) to activate it properly.
3. Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, substitute an equal amount of instant yeast and skip the step of proofing it in warm water.
4. How can I tell if the dough is kneaded enough?
Properly kneaded dough will be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
5. Can I bake the dough without toppings?
Absolutely! This dough makes an excellent flatbread or breadsticks when baked plain.
6. What’s the best way to roll out the dough?
Use a rolling pin or your hands to gently stretch the dough into your desired shape, ensuring an even thickness.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients. Be sure to use a larger bowl for mixing and allow extra rising time.
8. What type of pan should I use?
A pizza stone or a perforated pizza pan will give the crust a crispy texture, but a regular baking sheet works as well.
9. How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil before baking and preheat your oven with a pizza stone inside.
10. Can I add sugar substitutes?
Yes, you can use honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
Conclusion
This Pizza Hut-inspired homemade dough is your ticket to pizzeria-quality pizza from the comfort of your kitchen. With its fluffy texture, subtle sweetness, and endless customization possibilities, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re making a classic margherita or a loaded supreme, this dough provides the perfect base for all your pizza creations
Pizza Hut-Inspired Homemade Dough
- Total Time: 1 hour 35-40 minutes
- Yield: Crust for a 12-inch pizza (4 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craft the perfect pizzeria-style pizza at home with this Pizza Hut-inspired dough recipe. Featuring a fluffy, slightly sweet crust, it’s easy to make and perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings. Elevate your homemade pizza night to restaurant-quality deliciousness with just a few pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet dry yeast (about 2¼ teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oi
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle yeast over warm water, let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix yeast mixture and olive oil into dry ingredients.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Punch down dough, roll it out to fit a pizza pan or stone.
- Add toppings, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes until crust is golden and toppings are cooked.
Notes
- Replace half the flour with whole wheat for a healthier option.
- Add herbs or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- For stuffed crust, add mozzarella around the edges and fold dough over before baking.
- Store leftover dough in the fridge (up to 3 days) or freezer (up to 3 months).
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including rising time)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dough
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
