There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making your own pizza dough at home, especially when it rivals the quality of your favorite pizzeria. This Pizza Hut-Inspired Homemade Dough recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, offering the perfect base for your pizza creations. With a crispy crust and chewy interior, your homemade pizzas will be the talk of the town.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the taste of a classic pizza crust. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a fan of traditional toppings like pepperoni and sausage or prefer a veggie-loaded pie, this dough will support all your culinary creations.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Rolling pin
- 8-inch cake pans or alternative baking dishes
- Baking brush
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 1/3 cups Warm water (105°F)
- 1/4 cup Non-fat dry milk
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 4 cups Flour
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 pk Dry yeast
- 2 Tbsp Olive oil (for dough)
- 6 Tbsp Vegetable oil or olive oil (2 Tbsp per pan)
- Premade pizza sauce or favorite pizza sauce recipe
- 12 oz. Mozzarella cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
- Favorite toppings (sausage, pepperoni, black olives, etc.)
Garlic Butter:
- 4 Tbsp Butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
Step-by-step Instructions
- Combine yeast, sugar, and dry milk in warm water. Stir and let it proof for 5 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
- In a separate bowl, combine oil, flour, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until combined.
- Turn the dough onto a flat surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or use a stand mixer.
- Divide the dough into three balls. In three 8-inch cake pans, spread 2 Tbsp of oil evenly in each.
- Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into an 8-inch circle and place it into the pans.
- Cover with a plate or towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Spoon 1/3 cup of sauce onto each pizza, spreading it to within 1 inch of the edge.
- Distribute 3 oz. of shredded mozzarella on each pizza, add your favorite toppings, and top with an additional 1 oz. of mozzarella.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Bake until the cheese bubbles and the crust is golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Brush the outer edge of the crust with garlic butter before serving.
Tips for Success
For the best results, ensure your water is at the right temperature to activate the yeast. If it’s too hot or too cold, the yeast won’t proof properly. Also, don’t rush the rising process; a warm and draft-free location is ideal for the dough to double in size.
Additional Tips or Variations
If you don’t have non-fat dry milk, substitute it with 1 1/3 cups of warm milk instead of water. Feel free to mix and match different toppings and cheeses to suit your taste. If you’re missing the exact pans, use any combination of similar-sized baking dishes.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 10g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before using it. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! You can freeze the dough after the initial rise. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the recipe.
What other cheeses work well with this dough? While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, or a mix of your favorites.
Conclusion
This Pizza Hut-Inspired Homemade Dough is sure to become a family favorite. Not only will you enjoy the process of creating your own pizzas, but you’ll also savor every delicious bite. We invite you to try this recipe and share your experiences in the comments below. Happy baking!
