Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world, and obviously our favorite food.
It has a wide variety of shapes, sizes, crusts, and toppings depending on where you order it.
When it’s time to order a pizza, the crust is one of the most important factors to consider – and it may divide your family.
Hand-tossed pizza and pan pizza are the two choices that it comes down to.
Most people have a favorite. Maybe you don’t though.
Do you know what distinguishes these two pizza crust varieties, if anything at all?
Okay, of course they are different! Let’s dig into the details on what makes one of these crusts awesome and one not so awesome.
The Basics of Hand-Tossed Crust
Hand-tossed crust is made by stretching and tossing the dough by hand to create a thin and crispy pizza crust.
This is the type of pizza crust that you get when eating New York style pizza.
The hand-tossing method imparts a unique texture to the crust, with a light and airy center and a slightly crunchy exterior.
The texture of this classic style of pizza is achieved by evenly distributing the dough across the pizza and making it thin, so that it cooks evenly and quickly in the oven.
That characteristic thinness of the hand-tossed crust doesn’t really allow for many toppings to be added, making it a popular choice for people who enjoy a minimal amount of toppings on their pizza.
But let’s be honest, a thin crust doesn’t have the structural integrity to hold all that many toppings, right?
It just ends up floppy and soggy.
But hey, the light and crispy texture of hand-tossed crust is loved by lots of pizza eater for its crunch and airiness cause they think it makes for a satisfying bite.
Advantages of hand-tossed crust include:
- Light and crispy texture
- Unique, chewy texture
- More toppings can be added due to its thinness
The Basics of Pan Pizza Crust
Pan pizza is a classic deep-dish style of pizza that is loved by many (like us!) for its thickness and chewiness.
This is the type of pizza crust that you get when eating Pizza Hut original pan pizza.
The dough for a pan pizza is placed in a deep-dish pan, with cast iron making the best pan pizzas, and baked until the crust is crispy.
This method of pizza dough preparation creates a crust that is thicker and more substantial than a hand-tossed crust.
Honestly, this type of crust is the best choice for people who enjoy a filling and hearty pizza.
The thickness of the pan pizza crust allows it to hold more toppings without becoming soggy, making it really the only proper choice for people who enjoy a substantial amount of toppings on their pizza.
And that doughy, chewy texture of the pan pizza crust makes for a satisfying pizza night every single time.
Advantages of pan pizza crust include:
- Thick and chewy texture
- Ideal for people who like a substantial and filling pizza
- Can hold more toppings without getting soggy
Hand-Tossed vs Pan Crust Comparison
| Feature | Hand-Tossed Crust | Pan Pizza Crust |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Thin and crispy | Thick and chewy |
| Toppings | Few toppings due to its thinness | Can hold more toppings without getting soggy |
| Ideal for | People who like a light and crispy pizza | People who like a substantial and filling pizza |
Whether you prefer a light and crispy crust or a thick and chewy one, both hand-tossed and pan pizza have something to offer and are sure to satisfy your craving for delicious pizza.
Pizza Hut Original Pan Pizza Vs. Hand Tossed
Probably the most popular brand of pan pizza is from Pizza Hut. And they make really good pan pizza.
But their hand tossed is also pretty tasty.
The difference between these two types of Pizza Hut pizza is no different than what you’ve just read above.
Pizza Hut pan pizza has the thicker crust that tends to be more buttery or oily because of the way that it is cooked in the deep dish pan.
A slice of Pizza Hut pan pizza is thicker and bigger simply because the crust is thicker and bigger.
Pizza Hut hand tossed pizza has the thinner crust that tends to be more crispy because of the way that it is cooked on the pizza stone.
A slice of Pizza Hut pan pizza is thinner and smaller simply because the crust is thinner.
Domino’s Hand Tossed vs Pan
The difference between these two types of Domino’s pizza is no different than what you’ve just read above.
Domino’s pan pizza has the thicker crust that tends to be more buttery or oily because of the way that it is cooked in the deep dish pan.
A slice of Domino’s pan pizza is thicker and bigger simply because the crust is thicker and bigger.
Domino’s hand tossed pizza has the thinner crust that tends to be more crispy because of the way that it is cooked on the pizza stone.
A slice of Domino’s pan pizza is thinner and smaller simply because the crust is thinner.
Final Word
As you can see, hand-tossed and pan pizza are two distinctly different styles of pizza that offer a variety of textures, flavors, and toppings to suit different tastes and preferences.
Whether you’re a fan of light and crispy crusts or thick and chewy ones, both styles have their own unique qualities that make them a popular choice among pizza lovers.
Hand-tossed crust offers a light and crispy texture with a slightly crunchy exterior, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a thin and crispy crust.
While pan pizza crust is thick and chewy, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a substantial and filling pizza.
The choice between hand-tossed and pan pizza ultimately comes down to personal taste and preference.
While we are firmly on team pan pizza, the truth is that we’ll eat any pizza put in front of us!
