Domino's Pan Pizza: Grease Galore

Domino's pan pizza is known for being greasy, with many customers complaining about the excessive oil and butter used in its preparation. The pizza is cooked in a well-greased pan, and the dough itself is infused with butter and coated with butter oil to prevent sticking. This results in a crust that is often dripping with grease. While some people enjoy the greasiness of the pizza, others find it off-putting and unhealthy. Employees have also weighed in on the issue, noting that the amount of grease used can vary depending on the store and that certain ingredients, such as garlic butter, contribute to the greasiness.

Why is Domino's pan pizza greasy?

Domino's pan pizza is greasy due to a combination of factors, including the ingredients used, cooking methods, and quality control standards. Here are several reasons why Domino's pan pizza is particularly greasy:

Ingredients

Domino's pan pizza dough contains butter, margarine, or butter-flavoured oil, which contributes to its greasy texture. The dough may also contain canola oil, modified palm oil, or soybean oil, depending on the region. In addition, the cheese used in the pizza has a higher fat content than that of competitors, which can lead to a greasier final product.

Cooking Method

The cooking method for the pan pizza involves placing the dough in a well-greased pan, which is buttered or coated with butter-flavoured oil to prevent sticking. This adds to the overall greasiness of the final product.

Quality Control Standards

Domino's has strict standards for the appearance of their pans, requiring them to look brand new with no signs of browning. As a result, employees need to use more oil to prevent the pizza from sticking to the pan. This is in contrast to competitors like Pizza Hut, where the pans are allowed to brown, reducing the amount of oil needed.

Toppings

The toppings used on the pan pizza can also contribute to its greasiness. Meat toppings, especially pepperoni or bacon, can add to the grease. In addition, if the pizza is ordered with extra garlic butter or garlic oil, this can further increase the greasiness of the final product.

Customer Preferences

Domino's pan pizza is designed to cater to customer preferences, and some customers specifically enjoy the greasiness of the pizza. The garlic butter and oily texture are considered desirable by some, and the company focuses on delivering what the customer wants rather than what they think "doesn't matter."

In summary, Domino's pan pizza is greasy due to a combination of factors, including the ingredients used, cooking methods, quality control standards, toppings, and customer preferences. The high fat content of the dough, cheese, and toppings, combined with the butter or oil used in the pan, results in a greasy pizza that some customers find appealing.

How does Domino's make their pan pizza?

Domino's pan pizza is a thick, deep-dish pizza with a buttery, golden-brown crust and hints of garlic. It is loaded with two layers of fresh cheese and toppings that extend to the edge of the crust, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavour.

The process of making Domino's pan pizza starts with fresh, never-frozen dough. This dough is then hand-pressed into a well-greased pan, creating a crispy yet soft and chewy crust. The dough is prepared with a mixture of flour, malt powder, sugar, salt, warm water, and yeast. The yeast is dissolved in warm water and then added to the dry ingredients, forming a rough dough that is kneaded by hand until smooth. The dough is then placed in a greased bowl, covered, and left to rise overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for 2 hours.

After rising, the dough is divided into even pieces, rolled into tight balls, and placed on a greased and floured sheet pan. It is then covered and proofed at room temperature for 2-3 hours. For the sauce, olive oil is heated in a saucepan, and garlic is added until lightly toasted. Red pepper flakes, tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano are stirred in, and the sauce is simmered until thickened. Butter is added to the sauce until emulsified.

To assemble the pizza, the dough is placed on a floured surface, and a thin layer is punched down in the centre, working outwards to create a thicker crust. The dough is stretched to a 10-12 inch circle, and the sauce is spread onto it. A generous amount of cheese mixture is sprinkled on top, and the edges are brushed with olive oil. The pizza is then baked in a pizza oven at 700-750℉ or in a home oven at the maximum temperature for about 6-8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.

Finally, the crust is brushed with garlic butter, and optional toppings such as pineapple or spicy honey can be added. The pizza is then cut into slices and served immediately.

Some variations and tips shared by Domino's employees and enthusiasts include:

• Using a cast-iron pan for cooking the pizza
• Cooking the pizza on the stovetop first
• Spreading the cheese so it sticks to the pan, ensuring no dough is visible
• Criss-crossing the sauce instead of dolloping and spreading
• Using provolone shreds, mozzarella, and a mix of both cheeses for extra cheesiness
• Lining the pan with buttery oil
• Adding semolina to the flour

How does Domino's pan pizza compare to other pan pizzas?

Domino's pan pizza is a popular choice for many pizza lovers. It has a thicker, fluffier, and crispier crust compared to the hand-tossed option. The dough is pressed and baked in a pan, resulting in a crispy outer layer and a soft, doughy centre. The pan pizza is also known for its generous amount of cheese, giving it a cheesier taste than the hand-tossed variety.

When compared to other pan pizzas, Domino's option seems to hold its own. The pan pizza was first cooked in Chicago, and Domino's version stays true to the traditional method of preparation. The dough is pressed into a pan and baked at a higher temperature than the hand-tossed option, resulting in a thicker and crispier crust.

In terms of taste and texture, Domino's pan pizza offers a good balance of flavours. The traditional tomato sauce, garlic, and olive oil complement the meat toppings such as pepperoni, chicken, and bacon. The crust is not too dry and has a slight greasiness that adds to the overall flavour.

However, some people may prefer a thinner and crispier crust, which is where other pan pizzas might have an advantage. For example, a cast-iron pizza pan produces a crispy thin-crust pizza due to its excellent temperature retention. Additionally, a pizza screen, which is a flat mesh disk, produces a crispy crust due to its superior airflow and heat distribution.

Ultimately, the choice between Domino's pan pizza and other pan pizzas depends on individual preferences. If you enjoy a thicker, fluffier crust with a good amount of cheese, then Domino's pan pizza is a great option. However, if you prefer a thinner and crispier crust, you might want to explore other options like cast-iron pizza pans or pizza screens.

How do Domino's employees clean greasy pans?

Keeping the pans clean at Domino's can be a challenge, with some employees resorting to creative methods to get the job done. Here are some of the techniques that Domino's employees use to clean greasy pans:

Soaking

Soaking the pans in water is a popular method to loosen the grease. Some employees fill a sink with hot soapy water and let the pans soak for 20 minutes to an hour before scrubbing. Others use a large trash can filled with water or a specific soak tank. Soaking the pans overnight in soapy water is also recommended by some, but this prolonged soaking time may not be practical for a busy store.

Spraying and Scrubbing

After soaking, employees often spray the pans with hot or scalding water to remove any remaining grease. Some stores have high-pressure hoses attached to the mop sink, which helps blast away the grease. The pans are then scrubbed with scrub pads, steel wool, or sponges. Some employees use a combination of hot water, dish soap, and scrubbing to clean the pans without soaking.

Degreasers and Special Products

Some Domino's locations use degreasers to clean the pans. These can be in the form of a spray or added to the soaking water. However, degreasers are not recommended for all food surfaces and may require rinsing or sending the pans through the oven afterward. Some stores also use special pan wipes, which are tissues that absorb 90% of the grease, making the washing process easier.

Dishwasher

A few stores mentioned using a dishwasher to clean the pans. However, this method is not allowed in some locations as it can remove the non-stick coating from the pans.

Oven Cleaning

Occasionally, pans are placed in the oven to burn off any residue. This method is not recommended for pizza screens as it can warp them.

Corporate Guidelines

Domino's has specific guidelines for cleaning the pans to look brand new. Employees are required to scrub the pans until they are shiny and clean or use an acid wash. This process removes the seasoning, so more butter or oil needs to be added to the pans during cooking to prevent the pizza from sticking.

How can customers reduce the greasiness of their Domino's pan pizza?

Customers who want to reduce the greasiness of their Domino's pan pizza can try the following:

• Order a thin crust or hand-tossed pizza instead of a pan pizza. The pan pizzas are the greasiest because butter oil is added to the pan to prevent the pizza from sticking.
• Request less garlic oil or no garlic oil on the pizza.
• Choose lighter or reduced-fat toppings. Meat toppings with a higher fat content will make the pizza greasier.
• Ask for less butter oil to be used in the pan when placing the order. Some stores may allow this, and some may not.
• Get the pizza from a different pizza chain. Some customers have reported that Domino's is the greasiest pizza chain they've ordered from.

Frequently asked questions