The Perfect Domino's Pan Pizza Build

Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza is the pizza chain's take on the classic deep-dish pizza. It features a buttery, golden-brown crust with hints of garlic, two layers of fresh cheese, and generous toppings that extend to the edge of the crust. The dough is made from scratch and proofed in the pans, ensuring a thick and bready texture. While the standard recipe includes flour, water, salt, sugar, yeast, and oil, some variations include additional ingredients like whey, maltodextrin, dextrose, and dough conditioners.

The pan pizza is cooked in an oven at a high temperature, resulting in a crispy yet soft and chewy texture. It is exclusive to medium-size, feeding two to four people. The cost of the Handmade Pan Pizza varies depending on location, but it typically falls between $8 and $10.

Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza offers a flavourful and filling option for those craving a thick and cheesy slice.

Dough ingredients and preparation

Domino's pan pizza dough can be made at home with a few simple ingredients. The dough requires a mixing bowl and six main ingredients: flour, water, salt, sugar, yeast, and oil. The quantities of these ingredients for three medium pizzas are as follows: 1 1/3 cups of water (at room temperature, 80°F), 1 teaspoon of dry active yeast, 4 tablespoons of soybean oil, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and 4 cups of bread flour (preferably King Arthur Special Patent Flour).

To make the dough, combine the water, yeast, sugar, salt, and oil in a large mixing bowl. Then, add the dry milk, baking powder, and flour. Stir the mixture and knead it for about seven minutes, either by hand or using a mixer at low speed. The dough should be kneaded until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Once the dough is kneaded, divide it into three equal portions, each weighing about 12 ounces. Shape each portion into a ball. Place the dough balls into a lightly greased tray, and lightly oil the tops. At this stage, the dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for later use.

For immediate use, dredge each dough ball in cornmeal and stretch it to form a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan with holes. This step is crucial for achieving the characteristic texture of a pan pizza.

To prepare the pan, use a flat pizza disk with holes, similar to those used by Domino's. This type of pan allows for even cooking and contributes to the desired crispy-chewy texture of the crust.

After shaping the dough, it's time to add the toppings and bake the pizza. However, for an extra flavourful crust, consider brushing it with garlic-infused butter or oil and sprinkling it with seasonings like garlic salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, or fennel seeds.

For the best results, it is recommended to make the pizza dough at least one day in advance. This allows for proper fermentation, which develops the desired pizza flavour and texture. Additionally, using cool water is essential to prevent premature yeast activation, ensuring a slow and controlled fermentation process.

Now that we have covered the ingredients and preparation of the dough for Domino's pan pizza, let's move on to the next step: building the perfect pan pizza.

Sauce options

When it comes to sauce options for a Domino's pan pizza, there are several choices available. The most popular option seems to be the garlic Parmesan sauce, which is often paired with extra garlic and Parmesan cheese. Some customers also opt for extra sauce to ensure a flavourful pizza.

Other sauce options include the classic tomato or marinara sauce, which can be enhanced with a garlic butter crust brush. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, there is also the option of adding red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce. Domino's also offers a BBQ sauce, which can be paired with chicken and onion for a tangy flavour profile.

In addition, customers can choose from a range of white sauces, such as the creamy Alfredo sauce, which is a popular choice for those who want to create a chicken Alfredo pan pizza. Another option is to use olive oil and garlic as a base, which can be topped with spinach, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and anchovies for a Mediterranean twist.

For those who enjoy experimenting with flavours, there is also the option of creating a unique sauce blend, such as combining BBQ sauce with garlic Parmesan or adding hot sauce to a pan pizza with Alfredo sauce.

Cheese combinations

Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza is loaded with two layers of fresh cheese and toppings that extend to the edge of the crust, ensuring that every bite contains sauce, cheese, and toppings. The pizza has a buttery, golden-brown crust with hints of garlic.

Domino's Pizza uses a blend of Mozzarella and Provolone, along with some other white cheese blends. The company recommends using low-moisture Mozzarella cheese with a blend of other good melting white cheeses.

• Mozzarella, Provolone, and Parmesan
• Mozzarella, Provolone, and Cheddar
• Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmigiano Reggiano
• Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, Asiago, and Feta
• Mozzarella, Feta, and Parmesan
• Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Parmesan
• Mozzarella, Provolone, Cheddar, and Parmesan
• Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Pepper Jack
• Mozzarella, Provolone, Cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano
• Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, and Romano

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and create your own unique combination!

Meat toppings

Domino's offers a wide variety of meat toppings to choose from, allowing you to create your own meaty masterpiece. Here are some popular meat toppings that you can add to your Domino's pan pizza:

Pepperoni

A classic choice for pizza lovers, pepperoni is a spicy, cured sausage that adds a kick of flavour to your pie. It pairs well with other toppings like mushrooms, onions, and green peppers, or you can go for a double layer of pepperoni for an extra meaty treat.

Italian Sausage

Italian sausage is another popular option, offering a hearty and savoury flavour. It goes well with a variety of other toppings, including green peppers, mushrooms, onions, and black olives. You can also pair it with beef and onions for a meat lover's delight.

Ham

For those who enjoy a smoky, savoury flavour, ham is an excellent choice. It pairs particularly well with pineapple, creating a sweet and salty combination. You can also add ham to other toppings like Italian sausage, beef, and green peppers for a hearty and satisfying pizza.

Beef

Beef is a versatile meat topping that can be used in a variety of combinations. It goes well with onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and black olives. You can also create a meaty feast by combining it with Italian sausage, ham, and pepperoni.

Philly Steak

If you're feeling adventurous, Philly steak is a great option for your Domino's pan pizza. It adds a hearty and savoury flavour and goes well with onions, green peppers, and mushrooms. You can also pair it with extra garlic Parmesan sauce for a mouthwatering combination.

Bacon

Bacon is another popular choice for meat lovers. It adds a smoky, crispy texture to your pizza and pairs well with a variety of toppings. Try it with pineapple for a sweet and savoury combination, or combine it with chicken and onions for a hearty meal.

When creating your own Domino's pan pizza, you can choose from a range of meat toppings to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're a fan of classic options like pepperoni and Italian sausage or want to explore unique combinations like Philly steak and bacon, the possibilities are endless. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect meat-topped pizza!

Cooking methods

Domino's pan pizza is cooked in a pan, as the name suggests. The dough is hand-pressed into a well-greased pan and baked to a crispy, yet soft and chewy, golden-brown crust.

To make a Domino's-style pan pizza at home, you can follow these steps:

• Prepare the dough: Mix flour, water, salt, sugar, yeast, and oil, along with a "goodie bag" of secret ingredients like dry milk, baking powder, and flour.
• Knead and form the dough into balls, placing them into a greased tray, and refrigerate.
• After the dough has rested, roll out the dough and place it into a greased pizza pan with holes.
• Add your desired amount of tomato sauce, leaving a border for the crust.
• Top with cheese and your favourite toppings.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 500°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is dark brown.

Alternatively, you can use a cast-iron skillet to cook your pan pizza. Here's how:

• Add olive oil to a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
• Place a ball of dough in the centre and stretch it towards the edges without tearing.
• Cover with greased plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes. Repeat the stretching process until the dough reaches the edges.
• Cover the dough again and let it proof for 2-3 hours at room temperature.
• Preheat the oven to a maximum temperature of about 500°F.
• Add sauce, cheese, and toppings, leaving a ring around the outside for the crust.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with pepper.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

For an extra flavour boost, you can brush the crust with garlic butter or oil and sprinkle on additional seasonings like garlic salt, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions