Hand-Tossed Vs Pan: Pizza Hut's Thickest Crust

Pizza Hut's hand-tossed and pan pizzas have unique characteristics, and choosing between the two can be difficult. The main difference is in their preparation techniques. Hand-tossed pizza is made by tossing the dough in the air, resulting in a thin or medium crust. On the other hand, pan pizza is baked in a deep dish, creating a thicker and doughier crust.

Preparation techniques

Hand-Tossed Pizza

Hand-tossed pizza is a thin- or medium-crust pizza created by tossing the dough through the air. The dough is tossed or stretched to remove the gas created during fermentation. The tossing action bursts air bubbles in the pizza dough, preventing the dough from rising as high and resulting in a thin or medium crust.

To make hand-tossed pizza, start by preparing the dough with flour, water, oil, yeast, and salt. The dough should be softer than pan pizza dough as it will be kneaded by hand. Once the dough is ready, it is kneaded until it becomes soft. Then, it is tossed in the air several times to shape it before baking. The dough can also be stretched by hand without tossing it in the air, but this will not qualify as a hand-tossed pizza.

Pan Pizza

Pan pizza is typically thicker and fluffier than hand-tossed pizza. It is made by pressing the dough into a pan or cast-iron skillet. The dough for pan pizza is usually firmer and more elastic than hand-tossed dough, allowing it to spread easily in the pan.

To make pan pizza, start by preparing the dough with flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough may also include oil to prevent it from sticking to the pan. After mixing and kneading the dough, it is shaped into a ball and allowed to rise. Then, the dough is pressed and poked into the pan with oiled fingertips until it fills the pan evenly. Finally, toppings are added, and the pizza is baked.

Dough types

The dough used for hand-tossed and pan pizza is fundamentally different. Hand-tossed pizza dough is thinner and softer than pan pizza dough. It needs to be flexible enough to be tossed in the air, and it often rises and spreads during baking.

Pan pizza dough, on the other hand, is thicker and firmer. The dough is fluffier due to the lack of expansion space in the pan. It usually requires a softer dough that can be easily spread in the pan. This dough is also higher in hydration and has a higher moisture content.

The preparation technique for hand-tossed pizza involves kneading the dough and then tossing it in the air several times to shape it before baking. This process removes gas created during fermentation and prevents the dough from rising as high, resulting in a thin or medium crust.

For pan pizza, the dough is prepared by pressing oiled dough into a pan or cast-iron skillet with your fingertips. This technique allows the dough to expand in height rather than width, resulting in a thick, bready crust.

The ingredients for both types of dough are similar and typically include flour, water, oil, yeast, and salt. However, the amounts and types of ingredients used can vary, affecting the texture and taste of the dough.

The dough for hand-tossed pizza should be softer, smoother, and more elastic than pan pizza dough. This elasticity makes it easier to knead and toss the dough. Additionally, cold-fermented dough is recommended for hand-tossed pizza as it enhances flavour and texture.

In contrast, pan pizza dough should be slightly firmer than hand-tossed dough to allow for easy spreading in the pan. A softer dough is still used, but it needs to be firm enough to expand in height and create a thick, fluffy crust.

The baking process also differs between the two. Hand-tossed pizza is baked on a slab or pizza stone, while pan pizza is baked directly in the pan. The baking temperature for hand-tossed pizza is around 500°F (260°C) for 10-15 minutes. For pan pizza, a higher temperature of 550°F (290°C) is used, and the baking time is typically 12-15 minutes, though it can go up to 25 minutes depending on the recipe.

In summary, the key differences in dough types lie in their preparation, texture, and baking techniques. Hand-tossed pizza dough is thinner, softer, and more elastic, while pan pizza dough is thicker, firmer, and higher in hydration. The preparation and baking techniques also vary, resulting in distinct crust characteristics for each type of pizza.

Taste and texture

When it comes to taste and texture, Pizza Hut's hand-tossed and pan pizzas offer distinct experiences.

The hand-tossed pizza is a traditional Neapolitan-style pizza, with a thin, light, and slightly crispy crust. The dough is kneaded by hand and then stretched and tossed to form its shape. This technique ensures an even distribution of heat during cooking, resulting in a perfect bake. The crust is airy, with a delicate balance between crispiness and a soft, chewy interior. The sauce is typically a simple blend of ripe tomatoes, salt, and olive oil, preserving the fresh tomato flavour. The toppings are generally kept simple, allowing the thin crust to shine through. The pizza is then baked at a very high temperature, resulting in a crispy bottom and soft interior.

In contrast, the pan pizza, also known as deep-dish or Chicago-style pizza, has a thick, golden, and crispy crust. The dough is enriched with olive oil and pressed into a deep-dish pan, creating high edges that can accommodate a generous amount of sauce, cheese, and toppings. The crust is buttery, with a crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. The sauce is robust and flavourful, made from sun-ripened tomatoes and seasoned with herbs and spices. The pan pizza can accommodate a wide range of toppings, from traditional options like pepperoni and mushrooms to unique choices like pineapple or barbecued chicken. The pizza is baked at a high temperature, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.

The taste profiles of the two pizzas differ due to their unique preparation methods. The hand-tossed pizza offers a light, fresh taste, allowing the flavours of the toppings and the slightly charred crust to stand out. On the other hand, the pan pizza delivers a deeper, heartier flavour with its rich, olive oil-enriched dough and generous layer of cheese and toppings.

The hand-tossed pizza's crust is thin, light, and airy, with a slight crispiness achieved through the hand-stretching and tossing process. The pan pizza's crust, on the other hand, is thick, golden, and crispy, thanks to the oil-enriched dough baked in a deep dish.

In summary, the hand-tossed pizza provides a traditional, authentic experience with its thin, crispy crust and simple toppings. The pan pizza, on the other hand, offers a heartier, richer option with its thick, crispy crust and generous toppings. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences for crust type, toppings, and overall pizza experience.

Toppings

When it comes to toppings, the type of pizza crust you choose can make a big difference. While both hand-tossed and pan pizzas offer a variety of toppings, the thicker crust of a pan pizza allows it to handle heavier toppings and more of them.

A pan pizza's crust is typically thicker, fluffier, and doughier, making it ideal for holding rich sauces and generous amounts of toppings. The depth of the pan also helps to keep the toppings from sliding off during baking. If you're a fan of loading your pizza with cheese, minced meat, marinara sauce, or moisture-heavy vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant, then a pan pizza is the way to go. The thicker crust can withstand the weight and volume of toppings without becoming soggy or falling apart.

On the other hand, hand-tossed pizzas are better suited for lighter toppings. The thin or medium crust of a hand-tossed pizza means it can't handle as many toppings as a pan pizza. This type of pizza often has a distinct edge that remains free of toppings. Fresh herbs, thinly sliced vegetables, and other light toppings pair well with the crispiness and dryness of a hand-tossed crust.

It's worth noting that the choice of cheese also differs between the two styles. A hand-tossed pizza typically uses just one type of cheese, usually mozzarella, while a pan pizza can accommodate various cheeses like mozzarella, white cheddar, and fontina. The extra cheese on a pan pizza contributes to the dough's softness and the overall crispiness of the crust.

While the type of crust may influence the types of toppings you choose, ultimately, the beauty of pizza is that you can get creative and customise your toppings according to your preferences. Whether you opt for a simple Margherita on a thin, hand-tossed crust or a loaded pan pizza with every topping imaginable, the possibilities are endless!

Healthiness

When it comes to healthiness, there are a few factors to consider when comparing hand-tossed and pan pizzas. Firstly, let's look at the crust, which is a key difference between the two styles.

Hand-tossed pizzas typically have a thin or medium crust. The act of tossing the dough in the air helps to remove air bubbles, resulting in a flatter and drier crust. This crust is also blistered, giving it a crisp texture. On the other hand, pan pizzas are known for their thicker and crispier crusts. The dough rises higher in the pan, resulting in a fluffier and doughier texture.

In terms of health, a thinner crust is generally considered healthier as it contains fewer calories and carbs. Therefore, hand-tossed pizzas may be a better option for those watching their weight. However, it's important to note that pan pizzas can also be made with a thinner crust, so it ultimately depends on the specific pizza and the restaurant's recipe.

Another factor to consider is the toppings. Hand-tossed pizzas usually have fewer toppings due to their thinner crusts. This can be beneficial for those looking for a healthier option, as it reduces the overall calories and fat content. However, it's worth noting that the type of toppings also plays a role in the healthiness of the pizza. For example, fatty meats like sausages and pepperoni, extra cheese, and creamy sauces can increase the calorie and fat intake.

Additionally, the type of dough and ingredients used can impact the healthiness of the pizza. Handmade dough, such as that used in some hand-tossed pizzas, tends to be healthier as it uses high-quality, fresh ingredients and contains fewer additives and preservatives. Whole wheat flour is also a healthier option for the dough, as it is a complex carb that provides more nutrients and keeps you fuller for longer.

When it comes to cooking methods, pan pizzas are typically baked in an oiled pan, giving them a fried texture. Hand-tossed pizzas, on the other hand, are often baked on a stone or in an oven, resulting in a drier crust. While the cooking method itself may not directly impact the healthiness, the amount of oil used can be a factor. Oiled pans can increase the fat and calorie content of the pizza.

Lastly, portion size should be considered when comparing the healthiness of hand-tossed and pan pizzas. Pan pizzas tend to be thicker and denser, which can make them more filling. Eating a smaller portion of a pan pizza may be just as satisfying as eating a larger portion of a hand-tossed pizza.

In conclusion, both hand-tossed and pan pizzas can be made with healthier ingredients and cooking methods. The key factors to consider are the crust thickness, toppings, dough type, cooking method, and portion size. Making small changes, such as choosing thinner crusts, opting for healthier toppings, and using whole wheat flour, can make a significant difference in the overall healthiness of the pizza.

Frequently asked questions