Handmade Pan Pizza vs Hand Tossed: Which One is Best for You?
Pizza remains one of the most popular foods worldwide and is always a safe choice for mealtime. The cheese, sauce, and dough all come together to create a perfect harmony of flavors that many love. When it comes to pizza, there are two primary types to choose from, the handmade pan pizza and the hand-tossed pizza. In this article, we’ll be examining the differences between these two types of pizzas so that you can choose the one that’s best suited for you.
What is Handmade Pan Pizza?
Handmade pan pizza is a type of pizza that’s made using a thick dough that is typically seasoned with herbs and spices. A high rim, known as the “pan”, contains the ingredients in the center, thereby creating a soft and fluffy crust that contrasts with the crunchy outside. The dough for handmade pan pizza is usually fermented for an extended period to allow it to rise and expand, creating its distinctive fluffiness.
Benefits of Handmade Pan Pizza
The high rim gives handmade pan pizza its signature look and is essential in holding in the toppings. This means that toppings won’t slide off, and the pizza is more stable, making it easier to serve. Moreover, the addition of herbs and spices in the dough adds flavor to the crust, creating a more complex and enjoyable taste profile.
What is Hand Tossed Pizza?
Hand-tossed pizza is the more traditional type of pizza that has been around longer than the handmade pan pizza. The crust is much thinner than the handmade pan crust, and it doesn’t have the high rim that distinguishes pan pizza. Instead, the dough is stretched and tossed by hand to produce a flat, even layer. Hand-tossed pizza is usually cooked on a pizza stone or in a coal-fired oven that provides high, consistent heat.
Benefits of Hand Tossed Pizza
Hand-tossed pizza is a classic pizza that has been enjoyed for decades, and there’s good reason for that. The thin crust makes the pizza easier to eat, and the dough’s lack of seasoning allows the toppings to take center stage. Hand-tossed pizza also tends to cook much faster than handmade pan pizza due to the thin crust, which makes it the ideal option for those in a hurry.
Handmade Pan Pizza vs Hand Tossed: Key Differences
Now that we’ve covered the basic characteristics of handmade pan pizza and hand-tossed pizza, let’s look at the main differences between these two types of pizzas.
– Dough: The dough for handmade pan pizza is thicker, softer, and seasoned with herbs and spices. The dough for hand-tossed pizza is thin and lacks seasoning.
– Crust: Handmade pan pizza has a high rim, which is not present in hand-tossed pizza, and is essential in holding the toppings properly.
– Cooking Time: Hand-tossed pizza cooks faster than handmade pan pizza due to its thin crust, making it an ideal option for those who are in a hurry to eat.
– Toppings: Toppings are usually plentiful and varied in handmade pan pizza, which can make it a bit of a messier option. Hand-tossed pizza, on the other hand, has fewer toppings, allowing the flavors to shine through.
Choosing the Right Pizza for You
Choosing between handmade pan pizza and hand-tossed pizza ultimately comes down to your personal preference. If you’re looking for a thicker, fluffier crust with a higher rim and plenty of toppings, handmade pan pizza is the way to go. Hand-tossed pizza is the right option for those looking for a more classic pizza experience with a thinner crust and fewer toppings.
Conclusion
Pizza is a beloved food item worldwide, and both handmade pan pizza and hand-tossed pizza have their respective features that make them a delight for pizza lovers. Whether you prefer the thick and flavorful crust of handmade pan pizza, or the classic thin crust of hand-tossed pizza, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal taste. Regardless of which pizza you choose, make sure it’s accompanied by your favorite toppings, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings for a long time to come.