Pizza is an all-time favorite, but what if I told you that adding butter to your dough can take your pizza crust to the next level? Butter gives the dough a tender, flaky texture and adds a rich flavor that makes every bite extra delicious.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 buttery pizza dough recipes that will transform your homemade pizza into a culinary masterpiece.
Whether making a deep-dish pizza, thin-crust pizza, or something in between, butter adds a luxurious touch to your dough, resulting in a perfect crust every time.
1. Classic Butter Pizza Dough Recipe
This is the ultimate pizza dough recipe, using butter to create a soft and chewy crust. It’s effortless to make, and the butter ensures the pizza crust has the perfect golden finish.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water, then sprinkle the yeast and sugar mixture over it. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Stir in the softened butter.
- Mix the flour and salt in a separate bowl, then add them gradually to the yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour.
- Roll the dough into a ball, spread it with a rolling pin, and bake at 475°F for 12-15 minutes.
This pizza dough recipe is perfect for any pizza, whether making a simple cheese pizza or something loaded with toppings.
2. Garlic Butter for Pizza Dough
Garlic butter adds a savory and aromatic flavor to pizza dough, making it stand out. This dough is perfect for creating a delicious pizza topped with fresh herbs and mozzarella.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 3 tbsp garlic butter (melted)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Dissolve the sugar in warm water, add the yeast, and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
- Mix in the melted garlic butter.
- Add bread flour and salt gradually, knead for 8-10 minutes, then let rise for 1 hour.
- After the first rise, roll out the dough and bake at 500°F until the crust is golden.
Garlic lovers rejoice! This dough is bursting with flavor and pairs perfectly with toppings like roasted garlic, herbs, and cheeses.
3. Herb-Infused Butter Pizza Dough
Want to give your homemade pizza some extra flair? Try adding fresh herbs like oregano, rosemary, or thyme to your butter pizza dough recipe. The herbs enhance the dough’s flavor, making it ideal for veggie pizzas or lighter toppings.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Mix the yeast with warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Stir the herbs into the melted butter and add to the yeast mixture.
- Combine cups of flour and salt, kneading until smooth.
- Let rise for an hour, roll it out, and bake with your favorite ingredients on top.
This dough adds a burst of fresh flavors, making it the perfect base for pizzas topped with fresh vegetables or simple cheeses.
4. Flaky Butter Pizza Dough for Thin Crust Lovers
If you’re a fan of thin-crust pizza, this flaky butter pizza dough is for you. Mixing cold butter in the dough and folding it like a pastry allows you to achieve an airy, chewy crust with beautiful layers.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold butter (cubed)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Prepare the yeast mixture, then cut the cold butter into the flour until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and knead.
- Roll the dough out, fold it into thirds, and repeat to create layers.
- Let rise, roll out into a thin crust and bake in a hot oven at 500°F.
This pizza dough recipe creates a buttery, flaky crust ideal for lighter or dessert-style pizzas with sweet toppings.
5. Honey Butter Pizza Dough for a Sweet Twist
This pizza dough recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a hint of sweetness in their pizza. The honey butter gives the dough a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for pairing with spicy or savory toppings.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 3 tbsp honey butter (melted)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Prepare the yeast mixture by combining warm water and sugar, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the melted honey butter, then add the flour and salt.
- Knead and let the dough rise before rolling it out and baking.
The honey butter adds a sweet note that pairs beautifully with ingredients like spicy sausage or jalapeños. It’s a fun and unexpected twist on traditional pizza dough.
6. Parmesan Butter Pizza Dough
Cheesy pizza lovers will adore this recipe. Parmesan butter adds a savory depth to the dough, making it perfect for a delicious pizza topped with simple ingredients like fresh basil and mozzarella.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Prepare the yeast and water mixture.
- Mix the Parmesan into the softened butter, then stir it into the yeast mixture.
- Combine the dry ingredients and, knead, and allow to rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out and bake with your desired toppings.
The Parmesan adds a tangy, savory flavor to the pizza crust, making this dough the perfect base for cheese-forward pizzas.
7. Cinnamon Butter Dessert Pizza Dough
Who says pizza dough can’t be for dessert? This cinnamon butter pizza dough is sweet and perfect for dessert pizzas with toppings like apples, caramel, or even chocolate.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp cinnamon butter (melted)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Prepare the yeast mixture as usual.
- Mix in the melted cinnamon butter.
- Combine flour and sugar, knead, and let rise.
- Roll out, add sweet toppings, and bake.
This dough is the perfect foundation for a sweet pizza. It’s buttery and rich, and the cinnamon adds a lovely warmth.
8. Spicy Butter Pizza Dough
If you like a bit of heat, this spicy butter pizza dough recipe is for you. You get a flavorful, spicy crust that pairs perfectly with bold toppings by incorporating garlic powder and chili flakes into the dough.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter (softened)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Mix yeast and warm water, then stir in the softened butter.
- Add garlic powder and chili flakes to the flour and salt mixture.
- Knead and allow to rise for 1 hour before rolling out and baking.
This pizza dough is full of flavor, and the spicy kick works excellent with toppings like sausage, jalapeños, or spicy chorizo.
9. Cheddar Butter Pizza Dough
This cheddar butter pizza dough recipe takes cheese to a whole new level. It’s the ideal dough for anyone who loves a cheesy crust.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups bread flour
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Prepare the yeast mixture, then stir in the cheddar and butter.
- Knead the dough and allow it to rise for 1 hour.
- Roll it out and bake with mild toppings like onions or ham.
The cheddar cheese adds an extra layer of flavor to the crust, making it an excellent choice for cheese lovers.
10. Buttermilk Butter Pizza Dough
For a more tender, tangy crust, this buttermilk butter pizza dough is perfect. It creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crust that pairs wonderfully with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Mix buttermilk and butter into the yeast mixture.
- Add the flour and salt, knead until smooth, and allow to rise.
- Roll out, top with fresh ingredients, and bake.
This dough is ideal for lighter pizzas topped with arugula, goat cheese, or roasted vegetables.
FAQs
Can I make pizza dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make pizza dough in advance and keep it in the refrigerator overnight for a quick and easy pizza dinner the next day.
What is the best flour to use for pizza dough?
Bread flour is best for a chewy pizza crust because of its higher protein content. However, all-purpose flour works just as well for a softer crust.
How do I make pizza dough crispy?
For a crispy crust, bake your pizza on a pizza stone at 500°F and roll the dough out thin. Adding a little cornmeal to your pizza pan can also help with crispiness.
Can I freeze pizza dough?
Yes, you can freeze pizza dough! After the first rise, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and freeze it. When ready to use, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight.
What toppings go best with butter pizza dough?
The good thing about pizza dough made with butter is its versatility. The possibilities are endless, from classic mozzarella and pepperoni to more adventurous toppings like roasted garlic or even dessert toppings like apples and cinnamon!
Can I use butter in pizza dough?
Yes, you can use butter in pizza dough! Butter adds a rich flavor and creates a softer, more tender crust than traditional olive oil or other fats.
Can you use butter instead of vegetable oil in pizza dough?
Yes, you can substitute butter for vegetable oil in pizza dough. Butter can enhance the flavor of your pizza dough by adding a richness that oil doesn’t provide. Just keep in mind that butter is a solid fat so that it will create a slightly different texture compared to oil. Butter also has a lower smoke point than vegetable oil, which can affect the crust if baked at very high temperatures, but overall, it’s a great substitute that gives your dough a softer, more flavorful crust.
What is butter crust pizza?
Butter crust pizza is a style of pizza where butter is incorporated into the dough, either by mixing it directly into the dough or brushing melted butter onto the edges of the pizza crust before baking. This technique results in a rich, flavorful, and slightly flaky crust that’s golden brown and crispy on the outside while soft and tender on the inside. It’s famous for adding a gourmet touch to homemade pizzas and is especially loved in deep-dish pizzas.
Conclusion: The Perfect Pizza Crust Every Time
Whether you prefer a soft, chewy crust or a crispy, thin one, these 10 pizza dough recipes will help you create the perfect pizza every time.
Using butter will add an extra dimension of flavor to your homemade pizza, making it stand out.
From garlic butter to cinnamon butter, there’s a recipe here for everyone. So grab your flour, yeast, and butter, and start making the most delicious homemade pizza dough today!
Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.
