When it comes to pizza, the crust is often considered the foundation of a great pie. It’s the base that holds all the toppings together and provides the crunch and texture that pizza lovers crave. Domino’s, one of the world’s largest pizza chains, offers two distinct crust styles: Hand Tossed and Handmade Pan. While both crusts have their own unique characteristics, they cater to different tastes and preferences. In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between these two crust styles, exploring their ingredients, cooking methods, and the overall pizza experience they provide.
Hand Tossed Crust: The Classic Choice
The Hand Tossed crust is Domino’s original and most iconic crust style. It’s made with a proprietary blend of wheat flour, water, yeast, salt, and a touch of sugar. The dough is hand-stretched and tossed to create a crispy crust with a slightly chewy interior. This crust style is cooked in a rotating brick oven, which gives it a characteristic golden-brown color and a crunchy texture. The Hand Tossed crust is a classic choice for those who prefer a lighter, airier crust that won’t overpower the toppings.
One of the standout features of the Hand Tossed crust is its versatility. It pairs well with a wide range of toppings, from classic combinations like pepperoni and mushroom to more adventurous options like pineapple and barbecue chicken. The crust is also relatively thin, making it a great choice for those looking for a more balanced pizza experience.
Handmade Pan Crust: The Hearty Alternative
The Handmade Pan crust, on the other hand, is a more recent addition to Domino’s menu. It’s made with a similar blend of ingredients as the Hand Tossed crust but with a few key differences. The dough is hand-kneaded and formed into a thick, crispy crust that’s cooked in a deep-dish pan. The result is a crust that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a satisfying crunch that’s sure to please.
The Handmade Pan crust is a great choice for those who prefer a heartier, more filling pizza experience. The crust is thicker and more substantial than the Hand Tossed crust, making it perfect for toppings like meatballs, sausage, and bacon. The crust is also cooked in a pan, which gives it a crispy, caramelized crust that’s similar to a traditional deep-dish pizza.
Key Differences Between Hand Tossed and Handmade Pan Crusts
So, what sets these two crust styles apart? Here are some key differences to consider:
- Thickness: The Handmade Pan crust is thicker and more substantial than the Hand Tossed crust, making it a better choice for those who prefer a heartier pizza experience.
- Texture: The Hand Tossed crust is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, while the Handmade Pan crust is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
- Cooking Method: The Hand Tossed crust is cooked in a rotating brick oven, while the Handmade Pan crust is cooked in a deep-dish pan.
- Topping Capacity: The Handmade Pan crust can handle more toppings than the Hand Tossed crust, making it a great choice for those who like to load up their pizza.
Taste Test: A Comparison of the Two Crusts
To get a better sense of the differences between the Hand Tossed and Handmade Pan crusts, we conducted a taste test with a group of pizza enthusiasts. The results were interesting: while some preferred the classic, airy texture of the Hand Tossed crust, others loved the hearty, crispy texture of the Handmade Pan crust.
One of the surprising findings of our taste test was that the Handmade Pan crust was a hit with those who preferred a more filling pizza experience. The crust’s thick, crispy texture and hearty flavor made it a perfect match for toppings like meatballs and sausage. On the other hand, the Han