Handmade Pan-Tossed Pizza: Worth The Hype?

Pizza is a beloved dish around the world, and there are many ways to prepare it. Two of the most popular types are hand-tossed and pan pizza. The main difference between the two is in the preparation and the resulting crust. Hand-tossed pizza is made by tossing and stretching the dough in the air, resulting in a thin, crispy crust. Pan pizza, on the other hand, is made by spreading the dough into a greased pan, creating a thicker, softer, and chewier crust.

Preparation techniques

Hand-tossed and pan pizzas differ in their preparation techniques, resulting in distinct crusts, textures, and flavours. Here are the steps to prepare each type of pizza:

Hand-Tossed Pizza:

• Dough Preparation: Start by preparing the dough using ingredients like flour, yeast, salt, warm water, and olive oil. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size. This fermentation process enhances the flavour and texture of the dough, making it soft and pliable.
• Shaping the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and place the dough on it. Use your fingertips to press down on the dough, working from the centre outwards, to create a circular shape. Gradually increase the pressure to stretch and thin out the dough, being careful not to tear it.
• Tossing the Dough: Position your hand under the dough with your fingers spread out. Use your other hand to stabilise the dough by pressing down on the edges. Lift the dough off the work surface and toss it into the air, giving it a slight spin to help stretch it evenly. Repeat this process several times, rotating the dough slightly with each toss, until you achieve the desired thinness and size.
• Toppings and Baking: Once the dough is tossed and shaped, add your desired toppings. Hand-tossed pizzas typically have light amounts of cheese and a variety of toppings. Bake the pizza in a hot oven at around 450°F to 550°F for about 8 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Pan Pizza:

• Dough Preparation: Prepare the dough using the same ingredients as hand-tossed pizza. The dough for pan pizza is harder and denser since it has no space to expand, resulting in a fluffier crust.
• Shaping the Dough: Grease or oil a pan, such as a cast iron skillet or a cake pan. Spread the dough into the pan, ensuring it reaches the edges and corners. This step is crucial for achieving an even crust.
• Toppings and Baking: For pan pizza, the toppings are usually placed directly on the crust before adding the sauce. This allows the toppings to cook evenly and infuse their flavours into the crust. Generous amounts of cheese and hearty toppings such as sausage or pepperoni are commonly used. Bake the pizza at a higher temperature, typically around 550°F, for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.

Crust

The crust is the most significant difference between hand-tossed and pan-cooked pizzas.

Hand-tossed pizza is made by stretching and tossing the dough in the air, creating a circular shape that is then baked on a slab or pizza stone. This type of pizza has a thin, light, and crispy crust. The dough is softer, and the tossing and turning help to remove excess water, resulting in an even distribution across the top. The crust is drier, softer, and crispier than pan-cooked pizza.

On the other hand, pan-cooked pizza, also known as deep-dish pizza, is made by spreading the dough into a greased or oiled pan, resulting in a thicker, fluffier, and chewier crust. The dough is harder, and since the pizza has no space to expand, it is fluffier. The crust is cooked in oil, making it crunchier and more golden. It is also thicker and can hold more toppings than hand-tossed pizza.

The baking temperatures and times also differ between the two styles. Hand-tossed pizza is baked at a lower temperature of around 450°F for 8 to 15 minutes, while pan-cooked pizza is baked at a higher temperature for about 12 to 15 minutes.

The choice between hand-tossed and pan-cooked pizza ultimately depends on personal preference for crust thickness and texture.

Toppings

When it comes to toppings, the choice is endless. Handmade pan-tossed pizzas can handle heavier toppings due to their thicker crusts, so feel free to load up!

Meat lovers might opt for pepperoni, sausage, chicken, bacon, beef mince, or even anchovies. For a vegetarian option, mushrooms, olives, onions, peppers, courgettes, aubergines, and broccoli all work well. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try fried egg, tofu, or even squid on your pizza?

Cheese is a must-have on any pizza, and while mozzarella is the classic choice, you could also try cheddar, parmesan, gorgonzola, feta, or even a combination of several cheeses.

If you're making a white pizza (without tomato sauce), consider using a soft cheese like ricotta as your base. You can also add herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to give your pizza a flavour boost.

For those who like their pizzas spicy, try adding jalapenos, chilli, or pepperoni. And if you're feeling extra indulgent, why not drizzle your pizza with garlic butter before serving?

Finally, don't forget that you can also add extra toppings to a frozen, store-bought pizza to make it more exciting. So, get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pan-tossed pizza!

Taste and texture

The taste and texture of handmade pan-tossed pizza are influenced by the baking process, dough preparation, and toppings.

Hand-tossed pizzas are characterised by a thin, light, and slightly crispy crust, achieved through the hand-stretching and tossing of the dough. The dough is typically softer and thinner to facilitate the tossing process, and the crust is drier and blistered due to the absence of excessive toppings and oils. The crust of a hand-tossed pizza is also chewier, with a more distinct edge, and has fewer air bubbles due to the tossing action.

On the other hand, handmade pan pizzas are known for their thicker, fluffier, and chewier crusts. The dough is prepared by spreading it into a greased or oiled pan, resulting in a softer texture. The crust is also able to hold more toppings due to its thickness and sturdiness. The use of oil or butter during the baking process contributes to a crispier exterior, and the higher edges of the pan allow for more toppings and prevent them from sliding off during baking.

The baking temperature and time differ between the two styles. Hand-tossed pizzas are typically baked at higher temperatures (around 500°F or 260°C) for a shorter duration (10-15 minutes), while pan pizzas are baked at lower temperatures (375-400°F or 180-200°C) for a longer time (20-25 minutes).

In terms of toppings, hand-tossed pizzas usually have simpler, more traditional toppings, allowing the delicate crust to shine. In contrast, pan pizzas can accommodate a wider range of toppings, including hearty options like sausage or pepperoni, and heavier cheeses.

Both types of pizzas offer a crispy taste, but the hand-tossed variety tends to be drier and less greasy, making it a preferred choice for those who dislike oily pizzas. Pan pizzas, on the other hand, have a bread-like fluffy texture, with a thick crust that can be one inch deep or more. The use of oil during the baking process gives it a fried and golden brown appearance, resulting in a softer texture.

Nutritional value

When it comes to nutritional value, there are a few differences between hand-tossed and handmade pan-tossed pizzas. Firstly, let's look at the crust. Hand-tossed pizza has a thinner and crispier crust due to the removal of excess water during the tossing process. On the other hand, handmade pan pizza has a thicker and chewier crust, which takes longer to cook and results in a softer texture.

The cooking method also affects the nutritional value. Hand-tossed pizzas are cooked on high heat for a shorter time, resulting in a crispier crust. Handmade pan pizzas, cooked in a pan with oil, take longer to cook and tend to have a higher calorie count due to their heavier toppings. The thicker crust of a handmade pan pizza means it can hold more toppings, including cheese, sauce, and meats. Therefore, if you're watching your calorie intake, hand-tossed pizza may be a better option as it tends to have fewer toppings.

A slice of Domino's medium 12" cheese handmade pan pizza contains approximately 290 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 41% carbs, 45% fat, and 14% protein. It is a good source of protein and calcium. However, the nutritional value can vary depending on the toppings you choose. For example, adding pepperoni or other meats will increase the calorie count and change the nutritional profile.

When comparing the two styles, hand-tossed pizza is generally lower in calories and has a thinner crust. Pan-tossed pizza, with its thicker crust and denser composition, tends to have a higher calorie count and more generous servings of toppings.

Ultimately, the nutritional value of your pizza will depend on the specific ingredients and toppings you choose, as well as the cooking method. Both hand-tossed and handmade pan-tossed pizzas can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with nutritious toppings like vegetables and lean proteins.

Frequently asked questions