Recreate the iconic comfort of Pizza Hut’s Original Deep Dish Pizza right in your kitchen. This recipe delivers a heavenly combination of a golden, buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese that’s impossibly indulgent. With just under two hours from start to finish—including a quick 15-minute bake—this deep dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight treat or a weekend cooking project. Every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, from the crisp edges to the soft, pillowy center.
This homemade version lets you customize toppings while keeping the signature deep, cheesy layers that make this pizza unforgettable. Packed with a balance of protein and carbs, it’s hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites. The aroma of fresh-baked dough and bubbling cheese will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eager for a slice. It’s more than a meal—it’s a nostalgic experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Hut Original Deep Dish Pizza
- Dough:
- ▢ 1⅓ cups warm water (105 ℉)
- ▢ ¼ cup non-fat dry milk (or substitute with regular milk powder)
- ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
- ▢ 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- ▢ 1 Tablespoon sugar
- ▢ 1 package dry yeast (about 2¼ teaspoons)
- ▢ 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil for added flavor)
- Sauce:
- ▢ 8 ounces tomato sauce (canned or homemade)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ▢ ½ teaspoon marjoram (optional, can substitute with oregano)
- ▢ ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ▢ ½ teaspoon garlic salt (or ¼ tsp garlic powder + ¼ tsp salt)
- Other:
- ▢ 3 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (or a mix of Mozzarella and Parmesan)
- ▢ 6 Tablespoons vegetable oil (2 tbsp per pan, or less as desired)
- ▢ Cooking spray (for greasing the dough edges)
- ▢ Optional toppings: pepperoni, ham, cooked sausage, vegetables, etc.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine yeast, sugar, salt, and dry milk. Add warm water and stir well. Let sit for 2 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Add vegetable oil and stir again. Gradually add flour, stirring until the dough forms and all flour is absorbed.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 3 equal balls. Place 2 tablespoons of oil in each of the three 9-inch cake pans, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out each dough ball into a 9-inch circle and place in the prepared pans. Spray the outer edges of the dough with cooking spray.
- Cover the pans with plates and let the dough rise in a warm area for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce, oregano, marjoram, basil, and garlic salt. Set aside.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Spoon ⅓ cup of sauce onto each dough circle, spreading it to within 1 inch of the edge.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add your desired toppings (e.g., pepperoni, vegetables, cooked meats) in layers.
- Top with an additional ½ cup of Mozzarella cheese (or more, if desired).
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Sauce and Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Pizza
While the classic tomato sauce and mozzarella combo is a winner, feel free to get creative! Try a pesto base for a fresh twist or a white garlic sauce for a richer flavor. For toppings, consider caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or spicy Italian sausage. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flair!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Pizza Nights
Short on time? Prep the dough ahead and let it rise in the fridge overnight for a quicker bake day. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough in just 5 minutes. For an even faster option, swap the homemade sauce with a high-quality store-bought marinara and focus on your favorite toppings!
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Pizza
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. For a quick fix, use a skillet on medium heat to revive the crust’s crunch!
Equipment Guidance for Perfect Deep Dish Pizza
For best results, use 9-inch cake pans with a sturdy bottom to ensure even baking. A rolling pin is essential for shaping the dough, and a pizza cutter makes slicing a breeze. If you don’t have cooking spray, lightly brush the dough edges with oil to prevent sticking.
Common Questions Answered
Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! Wrap each dough ball tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using. What if I don’t have dry milk? You can substitute with regular milk—just reduce the water by ¼ cup and add ¼ cup of milk instead.
Homemade Pizza Hut Original Deep Dish Pizza
Ingredients
Dough
- 1⅓ cups warm water 105 ℉
- ¼ cup non-fat dry milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups flour
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 package dry yeast
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon marjoram
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
Other
- 3 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 6 Tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tbsp per pan (or less as desired)
Instructions
- Put yeast, sugar, salt, and dry milk in a large bowl. Add water and stir to mix well. Allow to sit for two minutes. Add oil and stir again. Add flour and stir until dough forms and flour is absorbed.
- Turn out on to a flat surface and knead for about 10 minutes. Divide dough into three balls. In three 9″ cake pans, put 3 Tbl. of oil in each making sure it is spread evenly. Using a rolling pin, roll out each dough ball to about a 9″ circle. Place in cake pans.
- Spray the outer edge of dough with cooking spray. Cover with a plate. Place in warm area and allow to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Combine tomato sauce, oregano, marjoram, basil and garlic salt.
- Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.
- Spoon 1/3 cup sauce on dough and spread to within 1″ of edge. Distribute 1/4 c. shredded mozzarella cheese on sauce. Place toppings of your choice in this order: pepperoni or ham, vegetables, meats (cooked ground sausage or beef). Top with 1/2 c. mozzarella cheese (or as much as you prefer). Cook until cheese is bubbling and outer crust is brown (between 10-15 minutes).