Pizza is one of the most loved fast foods in the world. There are different types of pizza, and it can be tough to decide which one to order. Two of the most popular types of pizzas are hand tossed and handmade pan pizzas. While they might look similar, there are significant differences between the two. In this article, we will explore these differences in depth, and help you make an informed decision when ordering pizza.
Hand Tossed Pizza
Hand tossed pizza refers to a style of pizza where the dough is stretched by hand. The dough is then left to rest for some time before being topped with sauce, cheese, and other ingredients. One of the main features of hand-tossed pizza is its thin and crispy crust. This is because of the way the dough is stretched, which helps to create a hollow structure in the crust, making it lighter and crispier.
Hand tossed pizzas are typically cooked in a wood-fired oven, which is heated to a high temperature to achieve the perfect crust. The toppings are usually placed in a thin layer, which helps to ensure that the pizza cooks evenly. Hand-tossed pizza is ideal for those who love thin and crispy crusts, and who enjoy a more prominent flavor from the toppings.
Handmade Pan Pizza
Handmade pan pizza is a style of pizza that is known for its thick, doughy crust. The dough is rolled out thickly by hand and then left to rise before being topped with sauce, cheese, and other ingredients. Unlike hand-tossed pizza, the toppings are usually placed in a more substantial layer, which helps to create a chewy crust.
Handmade pan pizza is typically cooked in a deep-dish pizza pan, which allows the crust to cook evenly while keeping the toppings from falling off. The crust is often brushed with butter or oil before being baked, which helps to create a crisp outer layer. Handmade pan pizza is ideal for those who prefer a thicker crust and who enjoy a more filling pizza.
Differences Between Hand Tossed and Handmade Pan Pizza
Now that we know the basics of both pizza types, let’s dive deeper into the differences between them. Here are the main differences between hand-tossed and handmade pan pizza.
Crust
The crust is the most significant difference between these two pizza types. Hand-tossed pizza has a thin and crispy crust, while handmade pan pizza has a thick, doughy one. The crust of hand-tossed pizza is more ideal for those who like a crunchier crust, whereas the handmade pan pizza is for those who want a more substantial crust and a more filling pizza.
Cooking Style
Hand-tossed pizzas are usually cooked in a wood-fired oven, which is heated to a high temperature, giving it more of a pizzeria-style taste. On the other hand, handmade pan pizzas are typically cooked in a deep-dish pizza pan, which allows the crust to cook evenly while keeping the toppings from falling off.
Toppings
The toppings on both pizzas can be similar, but they are usually placed differently. Hand-tossed pizza usually has a thin layer of toppings, while handmade pan pizzas have more toppings placed in a thicker layer. The toppings on a hand-tossed pizza are usually lighter and more evenly spread out, whereas the toppings on a handmade pan pizza are more substantial and can vary between bites.
Texture
Hand-tossed pizzas have a lighter and crispier texture, while handmade pan pizzas have a denser, chewier texture. The texture depends on the dough as well as the cooking technique. Those who prefer a crunchy and airy texture should go for hand-tossed pizza, while those who prefer a softer texture should choose handmade pan pizza.
Conclusion
In summary, hand-tossed and handmade pan pizzas are two different pizza types that cater to different preferences. Hand-tossed pizzas have a thin and crispy crust with lighter toppings, while handmade pan pizzas have a thicker and chewier crust with heavier toppings. The cooking technique also differs, with hand-tossed pizzas being cooked in a wood-fired oven, while handmade pan pizzas are cooked in a deep-dish pizza pan. Whether you prefer a crunchy, airy texture or a softer, filling pizza, there is a pizza type for everyone.