Handmade Pans: Unique, Artisanal, And Why They're Worth It

Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza is a take on the classic deep-dish pizza. It has a buttery, golden-brown crust with hints of garlic and is loaded with two layers of fresh cheese and toppings that extend to the edge of the crust. The pizza gets its name from the fact that it is handmade and baked in a pan. Unlike most pan pizzas, which are made with frozen dough, Domino's uses fresh dough that is hand-pressed into a well-greased pan.

Fresh dough, never frozen

Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza stands out from other pan pizzas because it uses fresh dough that's never frozen. This is a unique selling point, as most pan pizzas are made with frozen dough.

The pizza chain's take on the classic deep-dish pizza features a buttery, golden-brown crust with hints of garlic and two layers of fresh cheese. The toppings extend right to the edge of the crust, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavour.

The fresh, never-frozen dough is hand-pressed into a well-greased pan and baked to create a delicious, crispy, yet soft and chewy, doughy delight. This attention to the dough and crust is what sets Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza apart.

The pizza-makers' commitment to transparency is reflected in the design of the pizza box, which exposes this "dirty little secret" of the pizza industry. The box is almost all black and loaded with fun facts, reminding customers that the pizza inside is handmade and baked in a pan.

Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza offers a thick, flavourful slice of pizza, perfect for those craving a classic, old-fashioned cheese pizza with a buttery, garlicky crust.

Hand-pressed into a pan

Hand-pressing dough into a pan is an essential step in creating a delicious and unique handmade pan pizza. This technique is an art form that transforms fresh, never-frozen dough into a crispy, chewy, and buttery crust.

The process begins with the dough, which is carefully prepared and portioned out. The dough is then ready to be hand-pressed. The dough-ball is placed in the centre of a well-greased pan, and the pizza maker gently presses the dough outwards from the centre, spreading it evenly across the pan's surface. This technique ensures an even thickness for the base, creating that distinctive, thick pan pizza base.

The skill and experience of the pizza maker are crucial here. They must ensure the dough is evenly distributed, neither too thin nor too thick, to achieve the perfect balance of crispness and chewiness in the final product. The maker's touch and feel are vital, as they can judge the dough's consistency and make any necessary adjustments.

Once the dough is hand-pressed into the pan, it is ready for the next steps in the pizza-making process. The pan is what gives this style of pizza its unique characteristics, from the crispy exterior to the soft and chewy interior. The pan also helps to create the golden-brown colour and the buttery flavour that is so desirable in a pan pizza.

The hand-pressing technique is a testament to the pizza maker's craftsmanship and sets handmade pan pizzas apart from those made with frozen dough or other, less labour-intensive methods. This traditional method of pizza-making delivers an authentic, flavourful, and textured crust that is the hallmark of a well-crafted pan pizza.

Baked to a crispy, soft, and chewy texture

Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza is baked to a crispy, soft, and chewy texture. The fresh, never-frozen dough is hand-pressed into a well-greased pan and baked to a delicious, golden-brown crust with just the right hints of garlic. The result is a pizza with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.

The unique baking process of the Handmade Pan Pizza sets it apart from other pizzas. The dough is carefully prepared and shaped by hand, ensuring an even distribution of the toppings and a consistent texture throughout the pizza. The pan-baking method creates a unique crispness and golden colour on the crust, making it visually appealing and tempting.

The crispy texture of the crust provides a satisfying bite and a pleasant contrast to the soft and chewy dough. This combination of textures is what makes the Handmade Pan Pizza stand out. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of crunch and chewiness, making it a sensory experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

The baking process also enhances the flavour of the pizza. The garlic-butter crust, though subtle, adds a buttery flavour to the overall taste profile. The fresh dough, free from any freezing process, absorbs the flavours of the toppings, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. The result is a pizza that is not only visually appealing but also delivers a flavourful and textural experience with every bite.

The crispy, soft, and chewy texture of Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza is a result of a carefully crafted baking process, using fresh, hand-pressed dough and a well-greased pan. This combination creates a unique sensory experience, making it a popular choice for those seeking a delicious and satisfying pizza.

Buttery, golden-brown crust

Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza is a thick, old-fashioned, deep-dish pizza with a buttery, golden-brown crust. The crust is the star of this pizza, with a subtle garlic butter flavour and a crispy yet soft and chewy texture. The dough is hand-pressed into a well-greased pan, ensuring a delicious crust with a moist, doughy consistency.

The secret to the crust's golden-brown colour and buttery flavour lies in the preparation and baking process. Firstly, the dough is made fresh and is never frozen, which is a key point of difference from other pan pizzas on the market. This fresh dough is then generously coated with butter and garlic, adding a rich, savoury flavour and a golden hue. The pan is also well-greased, which contributes to the crispy exterior of the crust.

When baked, the butter in the crust melts and browns, creating a delicious golden crust. The baking process is carefully timed to ensure the crust is baked to perfection, achieving a balance between crispiness and chewiness. The result is a crust that is visually appealing, with a buttery aroma and a satisfying crunch when bitten into.

The golden-brown crust is also a result of the combination of ingredients used. The butter and garlic create a chemical reaction when baked, resulting in a Maillard reaction. This reaction is responsible for the browning of the crust and the development of complex flavours. It is a crucial aspect of baking, as it enhances the taste and appearance of the pizza.

The Handmade Pan Pizza is a crowd-pleaser, loaded with two layers of cheese and toppings that extend to the edge of the crust. However, the star of the show remains the buttery, golden-brown crust, which sets it apart from other pizzas and delivers a unique and indulgent experience.

Loaded with cheese and toppings

A handmade pan pizza is loaded with cheese and toppings, making it a flavourful and indulgent treat. The thick, fluffy, and buttery crust acts as the perfect base for a generous amount of cheese and toppings, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavour.

The process of making a handmade pan pizza involves placing the dough directly into a well-greased pan, which gives it its characteristic thick and crispy texture. The dough is then loaded with a layer of cheese, followed by the sauce, creating a barrier that keeps the crust from becoming soggy. This unique construction sets handmade pan pizzas apart from other styles, such as hand-tossed pizzas, where the sauce is typically spread directly on the dough.

When it comes to cheese, mozzarella is the classic choice, but other options such as cheddar, Jack, provolone, or Muenster can also be used. The key is to choose a good melting cheese that will create those irresistible, stretchy cheese pulls. And the best part? Don't hold back! Pan pizzas can handle a heavy load of cheese and toppings, so feel free to go wild.

Speaking of toppings, the options are endless. From classic combinations like a Margherita with tomato sauce and basil to more indulgent creations like a Meat Lover's pizza piled high with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ground beef, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination and taste preferences. If you're a vegetable enthusiast, opt for a Garden pan pizza loaded with colourful veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives. Or, for a unique twist, try a BBQ Chicken pan pizza with tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, red onions, and cilantro.

The beauty of a handmade pan pizza is that it provides a hearty and satisfying dining experience. With its thick crust and abundant toppings, it's perfect for sharing with family and friends. So, if you're looking for a pizza that delivers on taste, texture, and generosity of ingredients, a handmade pan pizza is the way to go.

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