Description
This homemade pizza dough recipe delivers the soft, slightly chewy crust reminiscent of your favorite Pizza Hut pies. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for building your own custom pizza masterpiece at home. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a pizza base ready to bake and customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
- Sprinkle the yeast over warm water (around 110°F or 45°C). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to form.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 5: First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
- Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Roll it out to fit your pizza pan or stone.
Step 7: Add Toppings and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Add your favorite toppings to the dough, then bake for 15–20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Crispier Crust Tip: Pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings for a crispier crust.
- Make-Ahead Option: After the first rise, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
- Flavored Crust: Brush the edges of the crust with garlic butter or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
