There’s something legendary about Pizza Hut’s classic pan crust—crispy on the outside, chewy inside, and soaked in buttery flavor. It’s the stuff of pizza-night dreams and late-night cravings. But what if you could recreate that same irresistible texture at home?
With this Pizza Hut-inspired homemade dough recipe, you’ll be biting into crust perfection in no time. Whether you’re hosting a family pizza night or treating yourself to a cheesy, satisfying slice, this dough delivers that golden edge and rich flavor you remember.
Best of all? You don’t need a pizza oven—just a cast iron pan or cake pan and some pantry basics.
Ingredients for The Pizza Hut-Inspired Homemade Dough
✅ For the Dough (Makes 2 Medium 10-inch Pizzas):
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/3 cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp dry milk powder (optional, for a Pizza Hut-style chew)
- 1 tbsp cornmeal (for dusting the pan)
✅ For the Signature Crust Base:
- 2 tbsp butter or margarine (for greasing the pans)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (to drizzle before baking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until frothy.
2️⃣ Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and milk powder (if using). Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3️⃣ Knead Until Smooth
Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
4️⃣ Let It Rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
5️⃣ Prepare the Pans
Coat two 10-inch cake pans or cast iron skillets with 1 tbsp butter each and a sprinkle of cornmeal. Press dough evenly into pans.
6️⃣ Second Rise
Cover pans and let dough rise again for 30 minutes until puffed up.
7️⃣ Add Toppings & Bake
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Top with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings. Drizzle olive oil over the crust edge for extra crispness.
Bake for 13–16 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture, though all-purpose works great.
- Letting the dough rest overnight in the fridge deepens flavor—just bring it to room temp before shaping.
- Preheat your pan in the oven for 5 minutes before adding dough for a crispier bottom.
- Double the butter if you’re chasing that greasy-bottom nostalgia!
Topping Ideas (Pizza Hut-Inspired)
| Style | Suggested Toppings |
| Supreme | Pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, olives |
| Meat Lover’s | Pepperoni, ham, bacon, sausage |
| Veggie Lover’s | Mushrooms, spinach, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes |
| Cheese Lover’s | Mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, parmesan |
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
| Method | Instructions |
| Fridge (Dough) | Store in an oiled container for up to 48 hrs |
| Freeze Dough | Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months |
| Reheat Baked Pizza | 350°F for 8–10 mins or air fry for 5 |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your pan pizza with:
- Garlic dipping sauce
- Side salad with Italian dressing
- Warm marinara or ranch for the crust
- A cold soda or chilled root beer (just like the dine-in days!)
- I bet your guests will love this Pizza Hut-Inspired Homemade Dough taste.
Variations to Try
| Twist | Idea |
| Stuffed Crust | Add mozzarella sticks to the edges before baking |
| Cheesy Garlic Base | Mix melted butter, garlic, and parmesan on crust edge |
| Deep Dish Style | Use one pan for all the dough and bake longer at 450°F |
Nutrition Information (Per Slice, 8 slices)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 270 kcal |
| Carbs | 33g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Protein | 9g |
You May Want to Try Some Dinner Ideas:
- 30-Minute Dinners: Easy Weeknight Meals to Save Time
- Ultimate Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Easy Tuna Melt Recipe
- The Best Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
- Spiked Apple Cider Recipe
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes—skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.
2. What pan is closest to Pizza Hut style?
A well-seasoned cast iron skillet or aluminum cake pan works best to mimic the buttery, crispy bottom.
3. Can I skip the second rise?
Not recommended—it helps create the classic airy texture and crust thickness.
4. How do I make it extra buttery like Pizza Hut?
Brush the pan and crust edge with melted butter before and after baking.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum for elasticity.
6. Is this dough good for breadsticks?
Absolutely. Shape into sticks, bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, then brush with garlic butter and parmesan.
Conclusion
This Pizza Hut-inspired homemade dough recipe is everything a pizza lover dreams of—golden edges, fluffy center, rich buttery flavor, and perfect chew. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or simply looking for the best pan pizza crust to make from scratch, this recipe delivers every single time.
Once you try it, it just might replace your Friday night delivery!
Epic Pizza Hut-Inspired Homemade Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups 320ml warm water (105°F/40°C)
- 1 tbsp 12g granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp 7g active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 ½ cups 420g all-purpose flour (or bread flour for chewier texture)
- ¼ cup 25g non-fat dry milk powder
- 1 tsp 6g salt
- 2 tbsp 30ml olive oil (plus 3 tbsp for pans)
- Cornmeal for dusting pans (optional)
- Butter-flavored cooking spray or melted butter for brushing crust (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, dry milk powder, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
- 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 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare Pans: Divide dough into 2 equal portions for 9-inch pans (or keep whole for a 12-inch pan). Add 1.5-2 tbsp olive oil to each pan, spreading evenly. Optionally, sprinkle with cornmeal for extra crunch.
- Shape Dough: Punch down dough and press each portion into the oiled pans, stretching to fit. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). For a crispier crust, place a pizza stone in the oven during preheating (optional).
- Add Toppings: Spread dough with pizza sauce, leaving a 1-inch border. Add mozzarella cheese and desired toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers).
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Optionally, brush crust edges with melted butter or butter-flavored spray after baking for authentic flavor.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
- Flour Choice: Bread flour yields a chewier crust, while all-purpose flour creates a softer texture. For a heartier option, substitute 1 cup flour with whole wheat flour, adding 1-2 tbsp extra water if needed.
- Milk Powder Substitute: If non-fat dry milk is unavailable, replace water with whole milk (warmed to 105°F) and omit the dry milk.
- Oil in Pans: Don’t skimp on the oil in the pans (1.5-2 tbsp per 9-inch pan); it creates the signature crispy, fried bottom of Pizza Hut’s crust.
- Make Ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 4 days after the first rise or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and let come to room temperature before shaping.
- Flavor Boost: Add 1 tsp garlic powder or dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil) to the dough for extra flavor. Brush crust with garlic butter post-baking for a Pizza Hut touch.
- Storage: Store leftover baked pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Unbaked dough can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for 2 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Equipment: Use 9-inch cake pans, cast iron skillets, or a 12-inch pizza pan for authentic results. A pizza stone enhances crispiness.
