Pizza Hut Copycat Dough Recipe for Soft, Chewy Pan Pizza Crust Recipe
Recreate the iconic fluffy, buttery Pizza Hut crust at home with this easy and delicious copycat dough recipe. Using simple pantry staples and straightforward steps, this dough delivers a crispy outside and soft, chewy inside perfect for all your favorite pizza toppings. Ideal for beginners and customizable to suit any pizza style, it’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or anytime you crave restaurant-quality pan pizza.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 large 12-inch pizza crust 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing crust)
Optional Ingredients
- Cornmeal (for dusting pan)
- Garlic powder or Italian seasoning (about 1 teaspoon, to mix into dough)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (110°F), 1 tablespoon sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until foamy on top. If no foam appears, the yeast might be expired, so use fresh yeast.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, using a spoon, your hands, or a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer for 5 to 6 minutes at medium speed. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a basin and place the dough inside, turning once to coat it with oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1½ hours until doubled in size. An oven with the light on is ideal.
- Shape and Second Rise: Grease a pizza pan and sprinkle it with cornmeal if desired. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to fit the pan. Cover loosely and let rest for another 20 to 30 minutes to puff slightly.
- Bake the Pizza: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Optionally, brush the dough edges with melted butter for a buttery crust finish. Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Ensure water temperature is between 105°F and 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
- Use fresh yeast for best rise; expired yeast will hinder dough rising.
- Let the dough fully rise to avoid a dense crust.
- Preheat a pizza stone or cast-iron skillet for a crispier crust bottom.
- Brush the crust with garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Don’t overload with toppings to prevent soggy dough.
- Store leftover dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze after first rise for later use.
- Whole wheat flour can substitute half the all-purpose flour for a nuttier taste and more fiber.
- Roll dough to preferred thickness: ½ inch for thick crust, ¼ inch for thinner crust.
Keywords: Pizza Hut dough, homemade pizza dough, copycat pizza crust, pan pizza, buttery pizza crust, fluffy pizza dough, easy pizza dough recipe
