Key Difference – Hand Tossed vs Pan Pizza
Pizza is a globally popular Italian dish. The main difference between hand tossed pizza and pan pizza lies in the rolling of the dough. Hand tossed pizza dough is kneaded until soft and then tossed several times in the air, whereas pan pizza dough is shaped into a ball and placed directly onto the pan. This difference in preparation leads to other variations between these two types of pizza.
Key Takeaways
- Hand tossed pizza involves tossing the dough in the air and catching it by hand, creating a thin and strong crust.
- Pan pizza, also known as Chicago-styled pizza or deep-dish pizza, involves spreading the dough directly inside a deep pan, resulting in a thicker and fluffier crust.
- Both hand tossed and pan pizza use standardized pizza dough and can have the same toppings.
What is Hand Tossed Pizza?
The term “hand tossed” refers to the process of tossing the pizza dough in the air and catching it by hand. Before tossing, the dough is kneaded until soft. The tossing is repeated until the dough reaches the correct size and thickness. Hand tossing creates a thin crust that is strong enough to hold the toppings. However, mastering the hand tossing technique requires practice. After the dough is prepared, a thin layer of sauce is added to the top, and the dough is left to rest for 2-3 hours. Since hand-tossed dough is soft, it can be easily spread onto the pan while rising.
After the dough has risen, toppings can be added. The dough is then baked on the bottom rack of an oven at around 500°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Hand tossed pizza has a flatter and crispier crust compared to pan pizza.
What is Pan Pizza?
Pan pizza does not involve tossing the dough into the air. It is also known as Chicago-styled pizza or deep-dish pizza. In pan pizza, dough balls are prepared and spread directly inside a deep pan to achieve the desired shape. Pan pizza dough is harder than hand tossed pizza dough; since there is no space to expand, the pizza is fluffier and thicker. Coating the pan with oil gives the pizza a crispier crust.
Pan pizza is baked at a higher temperature than hand tossed pizza, with a baking time of about 15 minutes.
What are the Similarities Between Hand Tossed and Pan Pizza?
Both hand tossed and pan pizza use a standard pizza dough made of flour, yeast, water, and salt. The same toppings can be added to both types of pizzas, which typically include mozzarella cheese, varieties of meat, vegetables, seasonings, and spices.
What is the Difference Between Hand Tossed and Pan Pizza?
Hand Tossed vs Pan Pizza:
In hand tossed pizza, the dough is repeatedly tossed in the air until it gets the desired shape and thickness. In pan pizza, the dough balls are prepared and directly placed in the pan.
Crust:
Hand tossed pizza has a flat and crisp crust. Pan pizza has a thick and fluffy crust.
Baking Temperature:
Hand tossed pizza is baked at 500°F. Pan pizza is baked at a higher temperature.
Dough:
Hand tossed pizza has a soft dough. Pan pizza has a harder dough.
Summary – Hand Tossed vs Pan Pizza
Hand tossed and pan pizzas are two popular types of pizza. The difference between hand tossed and pan pizza mainly depends on the way the pizza dough is rolled. Additionally, there are differences in the dough, crust, and baking temperature.
