Pizza Hut–Style Dough – Soft, Fluffy, and Perfectly Chewy

This Pizza Hut–Style Dough recipe delivers that iconic, fluffy-yet-chewy crust with a slightly crisp bottom—just like your favorite pizza chain. Whether you prefer classic cheese, a fully loaded supreme, or a simple margherita, this dough creates the perfect foundation for any topping. It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to make your homemade pizza nights extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Style Texture – Soft inside, golden and crisp outside.
Make Ahead Friendly – Can be prepped in advance and stored for later use.
Customizable – Works for thin or thick crust, stuffed crust, or even breadsticks.
Better at Home – Fresh, preservative-free, and made just the way you like it.

Ingredients

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1½ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3½–4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing)
• 1½ tsp salt
• Optional: 1 tbsp dry milk powder (for softer dough)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough
Add olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

3. Knead
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. First Rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the Dough
Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions for medium pizzas. Roll out to desired thickness.

6. Second Rise (Optional for fluffier crust)
Place shaped dough on greased pizza pans, cover lightly, and let rise for 20–30 minutes before topping.

7. Bake
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake for 10–15 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 140
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2.5g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Rush the Rise – Letting the dough rise fully develops flavor and texture.
• Use a Pizza Stone – Helps achieve a crisp, pizzeria-style bottom crust.
• Freeze for Later – Wrap dough tightly after the first rise and freeze for up to 3 months.

Why This Recipe Works

This dough uses a classic yeast-rising method that creates a soft, airy crumb with a touch of chew—just like Pizza Hut. The added olive oil enriches the dough and helps create a golden, flavorful crust.

With this Pizza Hut–Style Dough, you can bring that irresistible, restaurant-quality pizza experience straight to your kitchen. Whether you make it thick and pillowy or thin and crispy, this dough is the perfect base for your favorite pizza creations.