Homemade Pizza Hut Matcha Pizza Recipe

37

I was beyond intrigued when I first stumbled across the idea of blending matcha—traditionally used in teas and desserts—with pizza. Could something so unexpected actually work? Spoiler alert: it absolutely does! That’s why I couldn’t wait to recreate this Pizza Hut Matcha Pizza at home.

How to make Pizza Hut Matcha Pizza

Pizza Hut Matcha Pizza is a limited-edition dessert pizza created by Pizza Hut, mainly in Japan. It features a green tea (matcha)–flavored crust topped with sweet matcha paste, mochi balls, cream cheese, mozzarella, and brown sugar syrup (kuromitsu).

Ingredients:

For the Matcha Pizza Dough:

• 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp (6 g) matcha powder (use high-quality matcha for vibrant flavor and color)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant dry yeast
• ¾ cup (180 ml) warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (75 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp matcha paste or sweet matcha sauce (store-bought or homemade – recipe below)
• Shiratama (Japanese glutinous rice dumplings), optional
• 2 tbsp kuromitsu (Japanese black sugar syrup), optional for garnish
• Fruits for a sweet variant: banana slices, strawberries, or even azuki (red bean paste)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Matcha Pizza Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix well.
2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until it begins to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside the oven to preheat as well.
2. Roll out the matcha dough on a floured surface into your desired pizza shape (round or rectangular). Transfer it onto a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling.
3. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese evenly across the dough, leaving about 1 inch of a border for the crust.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the cream cheese.
5. Dot the pizza with small spoonfuls of matcha paste. If you’re going for a sweet version, add slices of fruit, shiratama dumplings, or even red bean paste as toppings.
6. Transfer the pizza (with the parchment) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.

Step 3: Add Garnishes

1. If making a sweet variation, drizzle a little kuromitsu syrup over the baked pizza for added sweetness and an authentic Japanese touch.
2. Sprinkle a light dusting of matcha powder on top for presentation.
3. Homemade Matcha Paste Recipe (Optional): Combine 1 tsp matcha powder, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1-2 tbsp water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture forms a thick, smooth paste.

Tasty Tips for Perfect Matcha Pizza:

• Choose Quality Matcha: Use culinary-grade or premium matcha to get the best color and flavor. Skip the cheaper brands that might taste too bitter.
• Sweet or Savory? Decide whether you want a dessert-inspired matcha pizza (with fruits, kuromitsu, etc.) or a more balanced savory version. You can experiment with other savory toppings like prosciutto and arugula if you’re feeling bold.
• Dough Rising Hack: If your kitchen isn’t warm enough, let the dough rise in an oven turned off with the light on. The gentle warmth will speed up the process.
• Don’t Overload Toppings: Less is more, as this pizza’s beauty lies in its balance of matcha, cheese, and accent flavors.
• Pair It Up! Serve your Pizza Hut Matcha Pizza with a cup of matcha latte or green tea for the ultimate matcha experience.

What to serve with

Pairing dishes with something as unique as Matcha Pizza requires a little creativity!

• Edamame (Steamed Soybeans): Lightly salted edamame is a classic Japanese appetizer. The simplicity of the dish allows the flavors of the Pizza Hut Matcha Pizza to remain the star of the meal while adding a savory and refreshing touch.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can prepare your palate for the Pizza Hut Matcha Pizza. The umami-rich taste and warm broth balance the earthy tones of matcha while keeping the meal light.
• Seaweed Salad: Tossed with sesame oil, soy sauce, and vinegar, seaweed salad adds a refreshing, tangy element to the meal. Its lightness contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the Pizza Hut Matcha Pizza‘s cheese.
• Shiitake Mushroom Bites: Sauté shiitake mushrooms with soy sauce and garlic for an earthy appetizer that mirrors the natural flavors of matcha.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating the perfect Pizza Hut Matcha Pizza at home is a fun and creative experience, but sometimes you may not have all the specific ingredients on hand. Don’t worry! This guide provides detailed suggestions for ingredient substitutes that still allow you to achieve a delicious and balanced flavor while accommodating dietary needs, preferences, or availability of ingredients.

Substitutes for Matcha Powder

Matcha powder is the star ingredient in this recipe, contributing both its distinctive earthy flavor and vibrant green color. However, if matcha isn’t available or you want a different approach, here are some substitutes:

• Green Tea Powder (Non-Matcha): Use a finely ground green tea powder as a substitute for matcha powder. While it’s not as vibrant or flavorful as matcha, it still offers a subtle tea aroma.
• Spirulina Powder: For a natural green color without the matcha flavor, spirulina powder (a type of algae) works well. It has a mild, neutral taste and pairs nicely with pizza toppings.
• Pandan Extract (for Sweet Pizza): Pandan extract provides a sweet, floral flavor and a striking green color similar to matcha. This is perfect for a dessert-style pizza.
• Skip It Altogether: If you can’t access any specialty green powders, simply skip matcha and prepare a delicious pizza using traditional dough. You can achieve a unique twist with other flavorful toppings!

Substitutes for Pizza Dough

Pizza dough forms the foundation of this recipe, and it’s easy to tweak depending on what you have available:

• Pre-Made Dough or Store-Bought Crust: Don’t have time to make your own dough? Pre-made pizza dough or even ready-to-use pizza crusts work perfectly. Just sprinkle a bit of matcha powder or brush matcha-infused oil on top for a green tea twist.
• Gluten-Free Pizza Dough: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour blends to prepare your dough. You can also buy or make a gluten-free crust and incorporate matcha for flavor and color.
• Naan or Flatbread: Flatbreads like naan, pita, or lavash make excellent quick substitutes. Spread your toppings right onto the bread and bake! Adjust the size of your Pizza Hut Matcha Pizza accordingly.
• Cauliflower Crust: For a low-carb and veggie-based crust, opt for a cauliflower crust. Mix a bit of matcha powder into the crust mixture for that signature green hue and flavor.

Substitutes for Cheese

Cheese is an essential part of pizza, but there are many substitutes or variations, depending on your preferences:

• Mozzarella Alternatives: If you don’t have mozzarella, you can use Monterey Jack, provolone, gouda, or any mild, melty cheese. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to your pizza.
• Vegan Cheese: For a dairy-free or vegan alternative, use plant-based mozzarella made from cashews, almonds, or soy. Brands like Miyoko’s or Violife offer excellent melting options.
• Ricotta or Cream Cheese Variants: For the base, if cream cheese isn’t available, mascarpone, ricotta, or even sour cream can work wonders. Vegan cream cheese is also a great plant-based option.
• Skip the Cheese: You can skip cheese altogether and use hummus, tahini, or a creamy vegan sauce as a base for toppings. For the sweet variant, try sweetened coconut cream or a custard-style base.

Substitutes for Matcha Paste or Sweet Matcha Sauce

Matcha paste or sauce adds a distinctive tea flavor to the pizza toppings, especially in the sweet variation. If you don’t have it, try these ideas:

• Matcha Buttercream or Glaze (Sweet Pizza): For dessert-style pizzas, a matcha buttercream or glaze made with powdered sugar and matcha powder works well. If matcha isn’t available, vanilla or chocolate icing makes a nice substitute.
• Sweetened Yogurt or Honey: A dollop of sweetened Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey adds the creamy, sweet element to a dessert-inspired matcha pizza.
• Pesto (Savory Pizza): For a savory twist, you can use a drizzle of basil pesto in place of matcha sauce. It has a bold, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with cheese.
• Skip the Paste: If you prefer a simpler pizza, you can forgo matcha paste and focus on high-quality toppings such as fruit, kuromitsu (Japanese black sugar syrup), or red bean paste for sweetness, or cured meats and microgreens for savory applications.

Substitutes for Shiratama (Rice Dumplings)

If you’re making the dessert version of matcha pizza, you might want to include shiratama dumplings, which are chewy mochi-like balls. If you don’t have shiratama:

• Mochi Pieces: Pre-made mochi (available in many Asian groceries), cut into small bite-sized pieces, can replace shiratama.
• Rice Pudding/Sticky Rice: For a softer texture, dollops of sweet rice pudding or sticky rice can mimic the chewy consistency of shiratama.

Substitutes for Kuromitsu Syrup (Japanese Black Sugar Syrup)

Kuromitsu syrup is often drizzled on dessert-style matcha pizzas for sweetness. If you can’t find it:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Both are excellent, readily available substitutes that add sweetness and create a similar drizzle effect.
• Molasses or Dark Caramel Sauce: Molasses or a homemade caramel sauce can mimic kuromitsu’s dark, deep sweetness.
• Brown Sugar Syrup: Mix brown sugar with a bit of water and heat until it thickens slightly. This makes an easy homemade kuromitsu alternative.

Substitutes for Fruits as Toppings (Sweet Pizza)

Sweet matcha pizza usually includes fruits like bananas and strawberries. Here are some flexible options:

• Tropical Fruits: Mangoes, pineapples, or kiwis work as excellent alternatives and add a sweet, juicy dimension to the pizza.
• Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or grapes add a tart contrast to the sweet base.
• Canned or Frozen Fruits: If fresh fruit isn’t available, canned or frozen peaches, cherries, or apples can be a delicious replacement.

Final Thoughts

Pizza Hut’s Matcha Pizza is an acquired taste, but it’s definitely one worth exploring for the adventurous foodie. Making it at home allows you to completely customize the balance of savory and sweet flavors to suit your palate.

More Pizza Recipes:

• Copycat Wendy’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
• Copycat Wendy’s Chicken Tenders Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Choco Taco Recipe
• Chicken Crack Seasoning Recipe