If you have ever craved that perfect, buttery, and fluffy crust from your favorite pizza joint, then you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Pizza Hut Copycat Dough Recipe. It captures the exact texture and flavor you adore from the iconic Pizza Hut pan pizza crust, letting you enjoy that classic restaurant experience right in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at store-bought dough the same way again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this dough is surprisingly simple, and each ingredient plays an important role in achieving that perfect crust that’s soft yet crispy on the edges. Gathering these basic pantry staples will set you up for pizza success every time.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): This is what makes your dough rise and become light and airy.
- 1 1/3 cups warm water (110°F): Warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
- 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk: Enhances the dough’s tenderness and helps with browning.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Vital for flavor, it brings out the best in all the ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Adds moisture and ensures a tender crumb.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving it structure and chewiness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for coating pans): Prevents sticking and creates that crispy, golden crust on the pan.
How to Make Pizza Hut Copycat Dough Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving your active dry yeast in the warm water. This warm bath wakes up the yeast cells and gets them ready to work their magic. Let it sit for 5 minutes until you see a foamy layer on top—this tells you the yeast is alive and kicking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Into your foamy yeast water, stir in the sugar, nonfat dry milk, salt, and vegetable oil. These ingredients combine to create a flavorful base for your dough. Now gradually add the flour, bit by bit, mixing as you go until it forms a soft dough that’s slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Whether by hand or with a dough hook, knead your dough for 8 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it develops gluten, giving that signature chew and elasticity to your crust. The dough should feel smooth and springy when it’s ready.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl to prevent sticking, and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Find a warm spot and let it double in size—usually about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. This rise brings life to your dough making it airy and soft.
Step 5: Shape and Rest the Dough
Punch down the risen dough gently to release excess gas, then divide it for your desired pizza size. Brush your pizza pans with olive oil to ensure the dough spreads smoothly and crisps up on the edges. Press the dough evenly into the pans and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes; this second rest helps the dough relax and puff up just a little before baking.
Step 6: Bake Your Pizza
Preheat your oven to a high temperature—475°F (245°C)—for that golden crust. Add your favorite toppings, bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and your cheese bubbles with delight. The result is an irresistible homemade pizza that tastes just like Pizza Hut.
How to Serve Pizza Hut Copycat Dough Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of oregano and crushed red pepper flakes for a classic touch. For a little flair, drizzle some garlic-infused olive oil after baking to amplify that buttery crust flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza with a crisp Caesar salad or some garlic-roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of marinara sauce or ranch dip works wonderfully for dipping those crispy crust edges.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your pizza into wedges for a traditional presentation or go for a fun, casual look by cutting into bite-sized squares perfect for parties. You can even make mini pizzas using this dough recipe for a playful appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover pizza, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps your pizza fresh and ready for a quick snack or meal the next day.
Freezing
This Pizza Hut Copycat Dough Recipe freezes beautifully. After the initial rise, shape your dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat your pizza in a hot oven (about 375°F or 190°C) or a skillet for a few minutes to bring back that crispy crust and melty cheese. This method keeps your pizza tasting fresh rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour has a higher protein content which can make your crust chewier and more substantial, closer to what you find at Pizza Hut.
What if I don’t have nonfat dry milk?
You can omit it if necessary, but the dough might be slightly less tender and the crust won’t brown quite as deeply. Adding a tablespoon of regular milk can be a substitute if you prefer.
How important is the second rise in the pan?
The second rise helps the dough relax and puff up just before baking, resulting in that soft, fluffy interior with a crispy bottom—key to replicating that iconic pan pizza crust.
Can I make this dough without an oven?
While ovens produce the best crust texture, you can cook the pizza dough in a heavy skillet over medium heat to mimic the oven bake; just keep the lid on to melt the cheese and keep the heat in.
Is this dough suitable for making thin crust pizza?
This particular dough is designed for a pan-style crust, which is thicker and softer. For a thin crust, you’d want a different dough recipe with less rising time and thinner stretching.
Final Thoughts
Making this Pizza Hut Copycat Dough Recipe at home opens up a world of pizza possibilities, giving you that perfect crust every time with simple ingredients and steps. It’s a fun, rewarding process that brings the joy of pizzeria flavor into your own kitchen. So grab your mixing bowl, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy pizza night like never before!
Print
Pizza Hut Copycat Dough Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 2 medium pizzas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pizza Hut Dough Recipe is a faithful copycat of the classic pan pizza crust, perfect for recreating that beloved restaurant experience at home. With a soft, elastic texture achieved through yeast fermentation and a buttery finish from olive oil, this dough makes for a delicious base ready for your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/3 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For Coating the Pans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water at about 110°F. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dough ingredients: Stir in the granulated sugar, nonfat dry milk, salt, and vegetable oil into the yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Divide and shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide it into portions suitable for two 12-inch pizzas or one large pan pizza. Lightly coat your pizza pans with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the crust: Press and stretch the dough evenly into the oiled pans, stretching it to the edges. Let it rest and rise again for 20 to 30 minutes before adding toppings.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking a crispy yet tender crust.
- Add toppings and bake: Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings onto the dough. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
Notes
- For an authentic Pizza Hut pan-style crust, use a dark pizza pan which helps achieve the classic buttery, crispy edges.
- Allowing the dough a second rise in the pan before baking enhances the fluffiness of the crust.
- This dough freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months for future use.
