Difference Between Hand Tossed Pizza And Pan Pizza
Introduction
When it comes to pizza, everyone has their own preferences. Some people like thin crust, while others prefer thick crust. Two popular types of pizza are hand-tossed and pan pizza. Although they may look similar, there are some key differences between them. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between hand-tossed pizza and pan pizza.
What is Hand-Tossed Pizza?
Hand-tossed pizza is made by stretching and tossing the dough by hand. The dough is stretched into a circular shape and then topped with sauce, cheese, and toppings. Hand-tossed pizza has a thin, crispy crust that is slightly chewy. This type of pizza is often associated with New York-style pizza, which is known for its large slices and foldable crust.
What is Pan Pizza?
Pan pizza, on the other hand, is made in a deep dish pan. The dough is pressed into the pan, and the toppings are layered on top. The crust of a pan pizza is thicker and softer than a hand-tossed pizza. This type of pizza is often associated with Chicago-style pizza, which is known for its deep dish crust and generous amount of toppings.
Dough
The dough used for hand-tossed pizza is usually made with flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. It is stretched and tossed by hand to create a thin, even crust. The dough for pan pizza, on the other hand, is often made with a higher amount of yeast and sugar to help it rise and create a thicker crust.
Cooking Method
Hand-tossed pizza is usually cooked in a traditional pizza oven at a high temperature of around 500-600 degrees Fahrenheit. The pizza is placed directly on the oven’s surface and cooks quickly, resulting in a crispy crust. Pan pizza, on the other hand, is cooked in a deep dish pan and is baked at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. This allows the crust to cook through and become soft and fluffy.
Toppings
Both hand-tossed and pan pizza can be topped with a variety of ingredients, including cheese, sauce, meats, and vegetables. However, pan pizza can hold more toppings due to its thicker crust. Hand-tossed pizza is often topped with simple ingredients, such as tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil, while pan pizza is known for its thick layer of toppings.
Serving Style
Hand-tossed pizza is usually served in large slices that are folded in half for easy eating. This type of pizza is often eaten on the go or at informal gatherings. Pan pizza, on the other hand, is usually served in smaller slices due to its thickness. It is often eaten as a meal, with a knife and fork.
Conclusion
While both hand-tossed and pan pizza are delicious, they have distinct differences that make them unique. Hand-tossed pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust and simple toppings, while pan pizza has a thick, fluffy crust and generous amount of toppings. Next time you order a pizza, consider trying both styles to see which one you prefer!
