Pan Pizza vs Hand Tossed: Which One is Right for You?

Pan pizza and hand-tossed pizza are the two basic varieties of pizza that are frequently contested. Both are tasty in their own unique ways, but they differ greatly from one another.

Pan pizza with peppers

We’ll examine the variations between pan pizza and hand-tossed pizza in this article so you can choose the one that’s best for you.

Pan Pizza is renowned for its hefty toppings and thick, fluffy crust. Usually baked in a deep dish, which enables the crust to rise and the toppings to cook evenly.

Contrarily, hand-tossed pizza has softer dough and a thinner, crispier crust. To stretch out the dough, it is frequently tossed in the air, giving the finished product a more rustic appearance. You might like one variety of pizza over another depending on your preferences.

In order to further assist you in making a selection, let’s explore the distinctions between hand-tossed and pan pizza in more detail.

Pan Pizza

When it comes to pizza, there are two main types: pan pizza and hand-tossed pizza. In this section, we will be discussing pan pizza and its unique characteristics.

Pepperoni pan pizza

Crust

Pan pizza has a thick, fluffy crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The crust is made using high-gluten flour that gives it a bread-like texture.

The dough is then pressed into a deep-dish cake pan that has been coated in olive oil. The oil helps to create a crispy crust while also preventing the pizza from sticking to the pan.

Toppings

Pan Pizza is known for its ability to hold a lot of toppings. The crust is sturdy enough to hold meats, veggies, and cheeses without collapsing.

The sauce is typically layered on top of the cheese, which helps to prevent the crust from getting soggy. Popular toppings for pan pizza include pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers, and mushrooms.

Cooking Process

Pan pizza is cooked at a high temperature, typically around 425-450°F. The pizza is placed in the oven on a pizza stone or baking sheet and baked for 20-25 minutes. The high temperature helps to create a crispy crust while also cooking the toppings to perfection.

One of the key differences between pan pizza and other types of pizza is the cooking process. Unlike hand-tossed pizza, which is rotated in the oven, pan pizza is cooked without any rotation. This helps to create an even cook on the pizza and prevents the toppings from sliding off.

Pan pizza is a delicious and satisfying option for pizza lovers. Its thick, fluffy crust and ability to hold a lot of toppings make it a popular choice at pizza chains and restaurants. Whether you prefer meaty toppings or veggies, pan pizza is a great option for any pizza lover.

Hand-Tossed Pizza

When it comes to pizza, there are two main types: hand-tossed and pan-pizza. In this section, we will be discussing the hand-tossed pizza.

Hand-tossed Pizza Dough

Dough

The dough is the foundation of any pizza, and hand-tossed pizza dough is no exception. The dough for hand-tossed pizza is made from a combination of yeast, salt, water, and flour. The dough is kneaded and then allowed to rise before it is ready to be shaped.

One of the key characteristics of hand-tossed pizza is its crispy yet soft texture. This is achieved by the way the dough is stretched and tossed. When the dough is tossed, it creates bubbles in the dough, which gives it a light and airy texture.

Toppings

The toppings for hand-tossed pizza can vary depending on individual preferences. However, there are some classic toppings that are commonly used, such as tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.

When it comes to spreading the toppings on the pizza, it is important to ensure that they are evenly distributed. This helps to ensure that each bite of the pizza has a balanced flavor.

Cooking Process

The cooking process for hand-tossed pizza is also an important factor in achieving the perfect pizza. The pizza is typically cooked in a brick oven, which gives it a crispy crust and a smoky flavor.

The pizza is placed directly on the oven floor, which allows the heat to cook the pizza evenly. The pizza is cooked for a short period of time, usually around 10 minutes, before it is ready to be served.

Hand-tossed pizza is a classic pizza style that is loved by many. Its crispy yet soft texture, delicious toppings, and smoky flavor make it a fan favorite.

Comparison

When it comes to choosing between hand-tossed and pan-pizza, there are a few key differences to consider. In this section, we will compare the crust thickness, flavor, and texture of both types of pizza.

Pan Pizza Closer View

Crust Thickness

One of the main differences between hand-tossed and pan pizza is the thickness of the crust. Hand-tossed pizza has a thinner crust, while pan pizza has a thicker, chewier crust.

This is because hand-tossing a pizza tends to burst the air bubbles in the dough, resulting in a crust with fewer bubbles that don’t rise as much as the crust of a pan pizza. On the other hand, the pan pizza crust has a fluffy texture, similar to focaccia.

Flavor

When it comes to flavor, both hand-tossed and pan pizza can be delicious when made with high-quality ingredients and cooked properly.

However, some people prefer the flavor of hand-tossed pizza because the toppings are evenly distributed, and the sauce and cheese meld together to create a mouth-watering flavor profile.

On the other hand, pan pizza can be a bit heavier and greasier due to the thicker crust and the fact that the cheese is often layered on top of the sauce.

Texture

The texture is another important factor to consider when comparing hand-tossed and pan-pizza. Hand-tossed pizza has a thin and crispy crust with just the right amount of chewiness, while pan pizza has a thicker and fluffier crust.

The texture of the toppings can also be different, with hand-tossed pizza often having a more evenly distributed topping and a slightly crispy texture, while pan pizza toppings can be more concentrated in the center and have a softer texture.

The choice between hand-tossed and pan-pizza comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the thin and crispy crust of hand-tossed pizza, while others love the fluffy and chewy crust of pan pizza.

Regardless of which type of pizza you prefer, both can be delicious when made with high-quality ingredients and cooked properly.

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