Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza: What Went Wrong?

Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza has received mixed reviews. Some people enjoy the pizza, praising its flavour and texture. However, others have criticised it for being too oily, greasy, and salty. The pizza has a thick crust, which is buttery, golden brown, and loaded with two layers of fresh cheese and toppings. The dough is hand-pressed into a well-greased pan and baked to a crispy, soft, and chewy texture. The pizza is exclusive to medium size and is priced between $8 and $10, depending on the location.

The crust is too thick and doughy

Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza has been described as having a thick and fluffy crust. The dough is pressed into a pan and baked, resulting in a crust that is crispy on the outside and soft and doughy on the inside. This style of pizza is Domino's take on the classic deep-dish pizza, with a buttery, golden-brown crust.

The thickness of the crust can vary, but it typically ranges from 1/2 to 1 inch thick, depending on the size of the pizza. This is significantly thicker than the hand-tossed option, which usually measures between 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. The thickness of the Handmade Pan Pizza's crust gives it a substantial and filling quality.

While some may enjoy the thick and doughy texture, others may find it too heavy and overwhelming. The thickness of the crust can make the pizza quite dense and filling, especially when combined with the generous portions of cheese and toppings. This may be too much for those who prefer a lighter and easier-to-eat snack.

The thickness of the crust also affects the cooking time. Due to its thicker crust, the Handmade Pan Pizza takes longer to cook than the hand-tossed variety. It typically requires 15-20 minutes in a standard oven, compared to the 10-12 minutes needed for the thinner crust.

The thick and doughy crust of Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza is a defining feature that sets it apart from other pizza styles. While it offers a generous portion and a unique texture, the thickness may be a drawback for those seeking a lighter or crispier pizza experience.

It's too oily

It's hard to deny that Domino's handmade pan pizza is oily. In fact, it's so oily that some customers have complained about it. One customer even claimed that when they squeezed the crust, oil dripped out and formed a small pool. Another said that their pizza was "drenched" in oil.

So, why is Domino's handmade pan pizza so oily? Well, according to one Domino's employee, it's because of the pans. Domino's requires that their pans look brand new, with no signs of browning. This means that employees need to scrub them until they are shiny and clean or acid wash them. However, this removes the seasoning that prevents the dough from sticking, so more butter oil needs to be added to the pans to prevent the pizza from sticking.

In addition to the oil in the pans, the dough itself also contains butter or margarine, especially in the case of pan dough. This is why the crust of the handmade pan pizza can appear oily and create a messy eating experience.

While some people may not mind the oiliness of Domino's handmade pan pizza, it's clear that others find it off-putting. If you're looking for a less oily option, you might want to consider one of Domino's other crusts, such as hand-tossed, which is drier and not as greasy.

It's too salty

Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza is just too salty. While the pizza has been described as having a subtle butter-like flavor, the overall taste is dominated by saltiness. The high salt content may be due to the large amount of cheese and garlic-butter flavoring used. The saltiness can be overwhelming and may not be enjoyable for those who prefer a more subtle or balanced flavor profile.

In addition to the excessive saltiness, the pizza has also been criticized for being too greasy or oily. This greasiness, combined with the saltiness, can make the pizza quite heavy and messy to eat. The combination of salt and grease may also contribute to a feeling of heaviness or discomfort after consuming the pizza.

The saltiness of the Handmade Pan Pizza may be especially noticeable when compared to other pizza options or even other pan pizzas on the market. Some have suggested that the saltiness could be reduced by lessening the amount of cheese or garlic-butter flavoring used. However, these ingredients are also key contributors to the flavor and texture of the pizza, so reducing them could potentially impact the overall taste profile.

While saltiness is a matter of personal preference, it's important to be mindful of excessive salt intake for health reasons. High salt consumption has been linked to various health issues, including water retention, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it's important to consume salty foods, like the Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza, in moderation.

Overall, if you are sensitive to salty flavors or are mindful of your salt intake, you may want to consider opting for a different pizza option or requesting that the Handmade Pan Pizza be made with less cheese or garlic-butter flavoring to reduce the saltiness.

It's not as good as Pizza Hut's pan pizza

While Domino's handmade pan pizza has been well-received by some, it does not live up to the standard set by Pizza Hut's pan pizza. Here's why:

Quality of Crust

Domino's pan pizza crust has been described as fluffy and having the perfect amount of chew. However, Pizza Hut's crust, made with frozen dough, falls short in comparison. One editor described it as "bizarrely uniform and just not appetizing." The crust is an essential component of a pan pizza, and Domino's simply does it better.

Taste and Flavour

Domino's pan pizza offers a subtle butter-like flavour without any butter in the recipe. While Pizza Hut's pan pizza has been criticised for having too much seasoning, with one editor advising them to "lay off the seasoning." Domino's seems to have found a better balance of flavours, creating a more enjoyable taste experience.

Freshness of Dough

Domino's emphasises the freshness of their dough, which is never frozen and hand-pressed into a well-greased pan. On the other hand, Pizza Hut's frozen dough may contribute to a less-than-desirable texture and taste in their crust. Fresh dough makes a significant difference in the overall quality of the pizza.

Value for Money

Domino's pan pizza provides better value for money. A medium-sized pan pizza at Domino's costs $7.99, while Pizza Hut's medium pan pizza is priced at $8.49. For those looking to feed a small group, Domino's offers a more affordable option without compromising on taste and quality.

Customer Satisfaction

While both Domino's and Pizza Hut have their loyal customers, there is a noticeable shift in sentiment. Some customers who previously favoured Pizza Hut have expressed disappointment in the decline in quality over the years. On the other hand, Domino's has consistently improved its recipes, earning praise for its pan pizza.

It's too expensive

The price of Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza varies depending on location, with the base cost of a medium pizza being $7.99. In New York, for instance, a medium Handmade Pan Pizza costs $10.47, while in Florida, it costs $8.95. The price of this pizza generally falls between $8 and $10, and it can feed two to four people.

While the price of Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza is relatively affordable, some customers have expressed concerns about the value for money. Some reviews mention that the pizza can be too greasy or oily, with one customer stating that it is "too buttery and salty." Others have noted that the pizza may be lacking in cheese, despite being advertised as having two layers.

In comparison to other pizza options, Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza may be considered expensive by some. For example, Pizza Hut's Medium Pan Pizza costs $8.49, which is slightly lower than Domino's price. Additionally, Domino's own hand-tossed pizza is usually cheaper than the Handmade Pan Pizza.

It's worth noting that the price of Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza may not include discounts or special deals. For instance, one customer mentioned that the $8 3-topping large deal was changed to a 1-topping deal, affecting the overall value.

Overall, while the absolute price of Domino's Handmade Pan Pizza may not be excessively high, the combination of its cost, portion size, and perceived quality may contribute to a perception of it being too expensive for what it offers.

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