Description

This Pizza Hut-inspired homemade dough recipe yields a soft, chewy pizza crust perfect for recreating your favorite takeout pizza at home. Using simple pantry ingredients like flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm water, and olive oil, this dough has a perfect rise and texture. The step-by-step instructions guide you through mixing, activating the yeast, kneading, and proofing the dough, making it approachable even for beginners. Bake your pizza with your choice of toppings at 425°F for a golden, delicious finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 packet dry yeast (about 2¼ teaspoons)

Wet Ingredients

¾ cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution for a well-flavored dough.
Activate the Yeast: Sprinkle the dry yeast over the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This activates the yeast and ensures your dough rises properly.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Proper kneading develops gluten, imparting a chewy texture.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour. This lets the yeast ferment the dough and expand it.
Prepare for Baking: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll out the dough to fit your pizza pan or stone, adjusting thickness based on whether you want a thin or thick crust.
Add Toppings and Bake: 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 and toppings are cooked to your liking.

Notes

Ensure water is warm, not hot, to properly activate yeast without killing it.
Knead the dough thoroughly to develop the right texture for chewy crust.
Allow enough time for the dough to rise; rushing this step affects texture and flavor.
You can refrigerate the dough after the first rise for up to 24 hours to develop more flavor.
Use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet for better crust texture when baking.
Customize toppings to your preference to create your perfect pizza.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Pizza Dough
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American