When it comes to pizza, there are a lot of styles to choose from, and two of the most popular are hand-tossed and pan pizza. Both offer a unique experience, but the key difference lies in the crust, texture, and overall cooking method. In this article, we’ll break down these two pizza styles and help you understand which one might be your favorite.
What is Hand-Tossed Pizza?
Hand-tossed pizza is the classic pizza you’ll find at many pizzerias. The dough is made from scratch and is stretched by hand, giving it its signature texture. The dough is tossed in the air to evenly distribute it into a round shape. This results in a crust that is crispy on the outside with a slightly chewy interior.
Hand-tossed pizza typically has a thinner crust compared to pan pizza, making it a great choice if you want to enjoy the balance between sauce, cheese, and toppings without being overwhelmed by a thick crust. It’s often cooked at a high temperature in a traditional pizza oven, which helps achieve that crispy texture on the bottom.
What is Pan Pizza?
Pan pizza, on the other hand, is baked in a deep, greased pan, which gives it a thicker crust. The dough rises in the pan, absorbing the grease and forming a crust that is golden, crunchy, and thicker than that of hand-tossed pizza. This style of pizza is perfect for those who love a hearty, filling pizza. The edges of a pan pizza can become particularly crispy and buttery, offering a rich flavor that contrasts the softness of the center.
Pan pizza is often known for its fluffy interior and crispy, chewy edges, and it tends to hold more toppings, making it a great choice for pizza lovers who prefer a pizza with a substantial crust.
You can also read: Deep Dish vs. Pan Pizza: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a comparison table for Hand-Tossed and Pan Pizza:
| Feature | Hand-Tossed Pizza | Pan Pizza |
| Crust Texture | Thin, crispy on the outside, chewy inside | Thick, golden, and crispy on the edges |
| Cooking Method | Baked on a pizza stone or in a traditional oven | Cooked in a deep, greased pan for a thicker rise |
| Crust Thickness | Thinner, offering a more balanced bite | Thicker, more filling, with a buttery edge |
| Topping Capacity | Holds fewer toppings, allowing sauce and cheese to shine | Can hold more toppings due to its thick crust |
| Flavor | Lighter, with a balance between crust, sauce, and toppings | Richer, with a buttery, crispy crust and hearty flavor |
| Ideal for | Those who prefer a lighter, crispy bite with a balance of toppings | Those who prefer a filling, indulgent pizza with more substantial crust |
| Popular Chains Offering | Domino’s, Papa John’s, Pizza Hut | Pizza Hut, Domino’s (Pan Pizza version) |
Key Differences Between Hand-Tossed and Pan Pizza
1. Crust Texture
- Hand-Tossed Pizza: Thin, slightly crispy, and chewy. The crust is not as thick, giving you more of a balance between the toppings and dough.
- Pan Pizza: Thick, buttery, and crispy on the edges. The crust is a bit more filling and offers a richer taste due to the extra oil in the pan.
2. Cooking Method
- Hand-Tossed Pizza: Typically baked directly on a pizza stone or in a high-temperature pizza oven, which allows the dough to crisp up quickly.
- Pan Pizza: Cooked in a deep, oiled pan, which helps the dough rise and creates that thick, golden crust.
3. Toppings
- Hand-Tossed Pizza: The thinner crust doesn’t hold as many toppings, but it still allows the flavors of the sauce, cheese, and other ingredients to shine.
- Pan Pizza: The thicker crust is better suited for a larger volume of toppings, including extra cheese, vegetables, meats, and more.
4. Flavor
- Hand-Tossed Pizza: The flavors tend to be lighter because of the thinner crust, which lets the sauce and cheese stand out more.
- Pan Pizza: The flavor is richer, thanks to the thicker, oilier crust. The buttery edges add a delicious contrast to the toppings.
Hand-Tossed vs. Pan Pizza: Which is More Popular?
In the United States, both styles have a huge following. Hand-tossed pizza is often seen as the “traditional” pizza style, which is why it’s so popular among purists. On the other hand, pan pizza has a loyal fanbase, especially those who enjoy pizza with a more substantial crust. Chains like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Papa John’s offer both options, and many people have strong preferences for one over the other.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between hand-tossed and pan pizza often comes down to personal preference. If you’re someone who enjoys a crunchy yet chewy crust with a lighter bite, hand-tossed pizza is the way to go. It’s a classic, and its balance of crust, sauce, and cheese makes it an easy favorite for many pizza enthusiasts.
If you’re more into a filling, indulgent pizza with a thicker, crispier crust that holds lots of toppings, then pan pizza will be your best choice. The buttery crust and hearty feel make it the perfect option for those who enjoy a more substantial meal.
Final Thoughts
In the end, choosing between hand-tossed and pan pizza is all about personal preference. If you’re craving a light, crispy pizza with the focus on the toppings and sauce, hand-tossed is your go-to option. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for something more indulgent and satisfying, with a thicker, buttery crust and the ability to hold more toppings, pan pizza is the way to go.
Both styles can be made at home with the right tools, and investing in quality pizza gear like a pizza stone for hand-tossed or a cast-iron skillet for pan pizza can elevate your pizza-making game. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is enjoying that slice, whether it’s thin and crispy or thick and indulgent.
No matter which style you choose, both offer delicious flavors and textures that make every bite enjoyable. So, which one will you pick for your next pizza night?