18 National Chains That Only Use Fresh Pizza Dough

In a world of frozen crusts and par-baked shortcuts, some pizza chains still believe in the power of fresh dough—made daily, stretched by hand, and baked to perfection. If you’re serious about your crust, these 18 national pizza chains go the extra mile by making their dough in-house or fresh every day. No frozen disks here—just the real deal.

1. Papa John’s

Papa John’s
© Baking Business

Papa John’s lives up to its slogan of better ingredients by ensuring their dough is never frozen and made fresh daily in every store. This commitment to quality sets them apart, providing a soft, chewy crust that complements their vibrant sauces and toppings. Whether you’re biting into a classic cheese or something more adventurous, the fresh dough makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.

Their dedication to freshness echoes in the way customers rely on them for consistent quality. Papa John’s continues to win hearts with its genuine approach to pizza-making, making it a favorite across many households.

2. Domino’s

Domino’s
© Alyona’s Cooking

Many might be surprised to learn that Domino’s uses fresh dough, prepped and proofed daily at supply chain centers, then delivered fresh to stores. This dedication ensures each pizza comes with a crust that is soft yet crispy, embodying the essence of freshly baked bread. Freshness is a foundation of their operations, making each pie a mouthwatering experience.

This commitment enhances the overall pizza experience, with the fresh dough acting as a perfect canvas for their wide array of toppings. Domino’s continues to innovate in the industry, never compromising on quality, especially with their dough.

3. Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut
© Easy Pizza Recipes and Topping Ideas

Pizza Hut is synonymous with its pan pizzas, which owe their signature texture to fresh, unfrozen dough prepared daily in-store. The dough is allowed to rise, creating a light and fluffy crust that fans have come to love. Their commitment to using fresh dough is a nod to traditional pizza-making, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

This attention to detail makes their pizzas stand out, offering a delightful contrast of crispy edges and soft interior. By prioritizing fresh dough, Pizza Hut remains a classic choice for pizza lovers seeking authentic taste and quality.

4. Blaze Pizza

Blaze Pizza
© Mustang News

Blaze Pizza prides itself on making dough fresh in-house every day. This dedication to quality ensures that each pizza is hand-pressed and proofed to perfection. The result is a crust that is light and airy, serving as the perfect base for their custom-built pizzas.

Their process allows for a quick turnaround without compromising on taste or texture, making it a favorite for those seeking fast yet high-quality meals. Blaze Pizza’s commitment to freshness is evident in every bite, making it a standout choice in the fast-casual pizza scene.

5. MOD Pizza

MOD Pizza
© Chicago Loves Panini

Each pizza at MOD Pizza is stretched to order using fresh, daily-made dough, creating a chewy-thin crust that’s entirely from scratch. This process highlights their commitment to authenticity and quality. The fresh dough serves as a perfect foundation for a variety of toppings, allowing customers to craft their unique pizza experience.

MOD Pizza’s approach ensures that every pie is personal and exceptionally fresh, making it a favorite among those who appreciate customization and quality. By focusing on fresh ingredients, they continue to redefine the art of pizza-making.

6. Marco’s Pizza

Marco’s Pizza
© RetailWire

Marco’s Pizza is renowned for its fresh dough, prepped daily in-house. This dedication to quality is a key factor in their consistently high pizza rankings. The fresh dough contributes to a crust that’s both flavorful and satisfying, providing the ideal backdrop for their premium toppings.

Their emphasis on freshness and quality ingredients has set them apart in the competitive pizza market. Each bite offers a taste of their commitment to excellence, making Marco’s a beloved choice for pizza aficionados who value authenticity and flavor.

7. California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)
© CopyKat Recipes

At California Pizza Kitchen, especially for dine-in, pizzas are made from fresh dough that’s rolled and baked to order. This approach ensures a crust that’s both crispy and chewy, enhancing the dining experience with every bite. Their commitment to using fresh dough sets them apart from many other chains.

The attention to detail in their dough-making process ensures that every pizza is a culinary delight. With a variety of innovative toppings, CPK continues to be a go-to destination for those seeking gourmet pizza experiences.

8. Round Table Pizza

Round Table Pizza
© www.roundtablepizzawaikiki.com

Round Table Pizza is celebrated for its quality, using fresh dough that’s rolled daily in-store. This commitment to freshness ensures that every pizza has a crust that is rich in flavor and texture. The dough serves as the perfect canvas for their signature toppings, creating a satisfying and delicious experience.

Their approach to pizza-making, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, distinguishes them in the crowded pizza market. Round Table’s dedication to quality continues to win the hearts of pizza enthusiasts seeking a genuinely superior product.

9. Hungry Howie’s

Hungry Howie’s
© Hungry Howie’s

At Hungry Howie’s, their flavored crusts begin with fresh, house-prepped dough, not frozen. This gives their pizzas a signature chewy-soft bite that many have come to love. The fresh dough is the foundation for their wide array of crust flavors, adding a unique twist to the traditional pizza.

This dedication to freshness and flavor innovation sets Hungry Howie’s apart, making them a favorite for those who appreciate variety without compromising quality. Their commitment to fresh dough ensures every pizza offers a memorable and tasty experience for customers.

10. Donatos Pizza

Donatos Pizza
© Pizza Marketplace

Donatos Pizza is known for its “edge-to-edge” pizzas, crafted on never-frozen dough that’s prepped fresh daily. This ensures a thin crust that holds up under generous toppings, providing a perfect balance between texture and flavor. The fresh dough is a key element in their signature pizza style.

Their approach to pizza-making ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, a testament to their commitment to quality and freshness. Donatos continues to impress with its focus on delivering an exceptional pizza experience, making it a standout choice for pizza lovers.

11. Pie Five Pizza Co.

Pie Five Pizza Co.
© piefivecorvallis

All Pie Five Pizza Co. locations make their dough in-store every day, ensuring a fresh pizza in under five minutes. This fast-paced process doesn’t compromise on quality, offering a fresh, delicious crust that’s both soft and satisfying.

The fresh dough, combined with fast-bake ovens, allows customers to enjoy a quick yet high-quality pizza experience. Pie Five’s commitment to freshness and speed makes it a popular choice for those seeking a tasty meal on the go without sacrificing flavor or texture.

12. Papa Murphy’s

Papa Murphy’s
© Bragging Mommy

Papa Murphy’s, a take-and-bake chain, makes all its dough fresh daily in-store, then tops it cold for customers to bake at home. This approach ensures that each pizza is as fresh as possible when it comes out of your oven, offering a personal touch to the pizza experience.

The fresh dough serves as a perfect base for their variety of toppings, creating a customizable and delicious pizza. Papa Murphy’s dedication to quality and freshness makes it a unique player in the pizza market, catering to those who enjoy freshly baked pizza at home.

13. Toppers Pizza

Toppers Pizza
© Experience Rochester, MN

Toppers Pizza proudly advertises that their dough is made fresh daily, never frozen. This commitment ensures a thick, hand-tossed crust that stands out for its flavor and texture. The fresh dough enhances the overall pizza experience, providing a satisfying and hearty bite.

Their dedication to freshness, coupled with a wide variety of toppings, makes Toppers a favorite among those seeking a robust and flavorful pizza. By focusing on quality ingredients, they continue to uphold a strong reputation in the competitive pizza landscape.

14. Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
© anthonyscoalfiredpizza

At Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, their coal-fired pies are built on fresh-made, house dough rolled thin and baked hot and fast. This method imparts a unique, smoky flavor that enhances the fresh ingredients used in their pizzas.

The fresh dough’s thinness allows for a perfect crisp, balancing the robust flavors of their toppings. Anthony’s commitment to traditional techniques and fresh ingredients makes their pizzas a sought-after experience, standing out in the pizza world for their distinctive taste and quality.

15. Jet’s Pizza

Jet’s Pizza
© Jet’s Pizza

Jet’s Pizza prides itself on its daily-prepped dough, crucial to that iconic Detroit-style crust. The thick, airy base is a hallmark of their pizzas, providing a delightful contrast to the savory toppings. The freshness of the dough is an essential component of their celebrated style.

This focus on quality dough preparation ensures a consistently excellent product, with each bite offering a taste of their dedication to flavor and texture. Jet’s continues to be a popular choice for those seeking authentic Detroit-style pizza with a fresh twist.

16. Sbarro (mall locations)

Sbarro (mall locations)
© Convenience Store News

Even in mall locations, Sbarro commits to using fresh, never-frozen dough for their massive New York–style slices. This dedication ensures a crust that’s crispy yet flexible, perfect for folding as you savor the rich flavors of their toppings.

The fresh dough is a testament to Sbarro’s commitment to delivering a genuine pizza experience, even in busy settings. Their focus on quality ingredients and traditional techniques makes them a standout choice for those seeking a slice of New York authenticity in a convenient location.

17. Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Mountain Mike’s Pizza
© Reddit

Mountain Mike’s Pizza makes its dough from scratch in-store, giving their thick crust that signature rise and flavor. This dedication to quality ensures that every pizza is hearty and satisfying, providing a perfect balance of chewiness and flavor.

The fresh dough is the backbone of their pizza, supporting a variety of toppings that cater to all tastes. Mountain Mike’s commitment to freshness and quality ingredients continues to win fans across the West Coast, making it a beloved choice for pizza lovers.

18. Rosati’s Pizza

Rosati’s Pizza
© OnMilwaukee

With deep Chicago roots, Rosati’s Pizza uses handmade fresh dough daily, whether you’re ordering a thin crust or a deep dish. This commitment ensures a flavorful and authentic pizza experience, respecting the traditions of Chicago-style pizza-making.

The fresh dough is integral to their diverse offerings, providing the perfect foundation for their signature toppings. Rosati’s dedication to quality and tradition makes them a go-to choice for those seeking genuine Chicago-style pizza, with freshness and flavor at the forefront of every creation.