Domino’s Showdown: Dominos Hand Tossed vs Pan Pizza 2024

If you’re a pizza lover like me, you know that the crust can make or break the entire pizza. That’s why I have covered two main different types, Domino’s Hand Tossed Pizza and Pan Pizza of the Dominos crust options. My personal favourite is the hand tossed, I just love a thinner crust, and I get to enjoy more slices (hence more toppings), but hey thats just me. I have reviewed both types in this blog post of dominos pizza comparison, and made sure I break down the different characteristics such as price, dough types and even how they are made.

Photo of Pizza Goodness for your enjoyment. Hungry already?

Before we review the specifics of hand tossed pizza vs pan pizza, let’s cover some of the background details. As a major international Pizza chain, Domino’s Pizza is renowned for its wide range of pizza varieties and crust options. From the classic hand tossed to the mouthwatering pan pizza, their crusts are crafted with care to deliver different types of pizza experience.

Now, it’s time to get down to it! Lets start by looking at the taste, texture, calories, crust characteristics, cheese, baking methods, dough characteristics, and more of Domino’s Hand Tossed Pizza and then also the Pan Pizza. 

What is a Dominos Hand Tossed Pizza

Domino’s Hand Tossed Pizza starts with a dough preparation, this is more of the traditonal technique. The dough is stretched and tossed by hand, resulting in a crust that is soft, chewy, and full of flavor. If you have ever seen Pizza made, or on TV this is where you see them throw it up in the air and catch it! This traditional method gives the pizza a distinctive texture, with a tender, pillowy interior and slightly crispy edges. The hand tossed crust is the perfect canvas for a variety of toppings, as it can handle the weight without becoming soggy. I mean I don’t really like green beans on a pizza like below, but each to their own!

Hand Tossed Pizza Taste and Texture

The taste of a hand tossed pizza is truly exceptional, in my view anyway. I love the tradiotnal thinner crust, letting the toppings shine. Dominos also add garlic and oil to add extra taste. The combination of the fresh, flavorful dough and the carefully chosen toppings creates a nice balance of flavors. Each bite offers a sweet contrast between the soft and chewy crust and the varied textures of the toppings. The hand tossed crust provides a satisfying chewiness, while the slightly crispy edges add an extra layer of enjoyment.

Hand Tossed Pizza Calories

For those mindful of their calorie intake, hand tossed pizza is a lighter option compared to other crust styles. The dough is rolled thinner, resulting in a crust with fewer calories. Additionally, the balance of toppings and cheese on a hand tossed pizza can be adjusted to further customize the calorie content to fit individual dietary preferences.

Hand Tossed Pizza Crust

The crust of a hand tossed pizza is soft and chewy so it provides the perfect foundation for the toppings. The thickness of the crust may vary slightly based on personal preference, but it always maintains its characteristic lightness and ability to support the toppings without overwhelming them.

Hand Tossed Pizza Cheese

The cheese on a hand tossed pizza is typically evenly distributed, ensuring that every bite is filled with cheesy goodness. From gooey mozzarella to a blend of different cheeses, the choice of cheese enhances the overall taste and texture of the pizza. The cheese topping is often thinner than the Pan Pizza toppings, as being cooked in a pan they can be deeper.

Hand Tossed Pizza Baking Temperature

The baking temperature for a hand tossed pizza may vary depending on the specific toppings and crust thickness. It is essential to achieve the ideal balance between a cooked and golden crust and melted cheese. In general hand-tossed pizza is baked in an oven with temperatures of around 500 degrees.

Hand Tossed Pizza Baking Time

The baking time for hand tossed pizza is carefully monitored to ensure that the crust is cooked to perfection. This ensures that the crust is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, creating a satisfying eating experience. Usually around 10-12 minutes is right.

Hand Tossed Pizza Dough Characteristics

The dough for hand tossed pizza has its unique characteristics. It is made with high-quality ingredients, expertly blended to create a dough that is easy to work with and produces a consistently delicious crust. The dough has just the right amount of elasticity, allowing it to be stretched and shaped by hand.

Dough Preparation for Hand Tossed Pizza

Preparing the dough for a hand tossed pizza involves a skillful process of stretching and tossing. This technique gives the dough its distinctive texture and shape. The result is a handcrafted pizza that showcases the artistry and expertise of the pizza makers at Domino’s.

What is a Dominos Pan Pizza

Domino’s Pan Pizza is a delicious and indulgent pizza option that is specially prepared in deep, round pans. The pan pizza features a thicker and golden-brown crust, which delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. The unique crust characteristics of pan pizza contribute to its ability to support a heavier load of toppings without becoming soggy.

Taste and Texture of Pan Pizza

Pan pizza offers a slightly different taste and texture compared to hand tossed pizza. The crust of pan pizza is fried to perfection, resulting in a golden exterior and a soft interior. The combination of the crispy crust and the fluffy interior creates a delightful contrast in every mouthful.

Pan Pizza Calories

Due to its thicker crust and generous toppings, pan pizza generally has slightly higher calories compared to hand tossed pizza. The indulgent nature of pan pizza makes it a perfect treat for those looking to satisfy their cravings.

Pan Pizza Crust Characteristics

The crust of pan pizza is what sets it apart from other pizza styles. It is thick, fluffy, and golden-brown, providing a satisfying texture and crunch. The crust’s thickness allows it to hold up well under the weight of various toppings, adding to the overall enjoyment of the pizza.

Pan Pizza Cheese

When it comes to pan pizza, the cheese is typically more abundant compared to other pizza styles. The rich and melty cheese adds a creamy and savory element to each bite, perfectly complementing the crust and toppings.

Pan Pizza Baking Temperature

The baking temperature for pan pizza is carefully adjusted to ensure that the crust is properly cooked, it is generally a little higher than Hand tossed due to the thick crust so more like 550 degrees, however the biggest difference is cooking time, it just needs a few more minutes.. The higher baking temperature helps create the perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and a soft interior, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the pizza.

Pan Pizza Baking Time

The baking time for pan pizza varies depending on the specific crust thickness and desired level of crispiness. The longer baking time allows the crust to cook evenly and develop its characteristic golden-brown color and crunchy texture. But generally if a Hand tossed takes 10-12minutes, a Pan will be more like 15 minutes.

Pan Pizza Dough Characteristics

The dough for pan pizza is spread in the pan by hand to achieve the desired shape. The dough is slightly different from other pizza dough variations, as it is specially formulated to create a thick, fluffy, and chewy crust that is unique to pan pizza.

Dough Preparation for Pan Pizza

The preparation of dough for pan pizza involves shaping it by hand to fit the deep, round pans. This process ensures that the crust has the perfect thickness and texture to deliver an enjoyable pizza experience. The careful dough preparation contributes to the overall quality and consistency of Domino’s Pan Pizza.

Major differences of Dominos Pan Pizza vs Dominos Hand Tossed Pizza

When comparing Domino’s Pan Pizza and Hand Tossed Pizza to review dominos pizza crust differences, there are several major differences that set them apart. These differences include:

• Crust thickness and texture: Pan pizza has a thicker crust with a golden-brown color and a satisfying crunch, while hand tossed pizza has a lighter and chewier crust with slightly crispy edges.
• Distribution of toppings and cheese: Pan pizza can support a heavier load of toppings without becoming soggy, and typically has a more generous amount of cheese compared to hand tossed pizza.
• Baking temperature and time: The baking temperature and time may vary for each pizza style, ensuring that the crust is properly cooked and the toppings reach their optimal flavors. Hand tossed is generally 10-12 minutes, Pan Pizza more like 15-17 minutes.
• Dough characteristics and preparation methods: The dough for pan pizza and hand tossed pizza has different characteristics. Pan pizza dough is spread in a deep, round pan, while hand tossed pizza dough is stretched and tossed by hand to achieve its shape.

These differences in crust, toppings, baking, and dough provide distinct taste experiences, catering to different preferences and cravings. 

In the photo above, you can see a comparison of the major differences between Domino’s Pan Pizza and Hand Tossed Pizza, highlighting the contrasting characteristics of each style. The Hand tossed is on the right with the thinner crust, and the pan on the left which the thicker deeper crust. letting you see dominos pizza crusts compared.

The Origins of Pan Pizza and Hand Tossed Pizza

The roots of pan pizza can be traced back to Chicago, where it was first cooked. This style of pizza stood out with its deep-dish crust and unique baking method. On the other hand, hand tossed pizza has its origins in Naples, Italy  showcasing different dominos pizza varieties and how they are made. Traditionally, the dough was prepared by stretching and tossing it by hand, giving the pizza its distinct characteristics and flavors.

These historical influences have shaped the development of pan pizza and hand tossed pizza over the years. While pan pizza offers a thick and crispy crust, hand tossed pizza is known for its soft and chewy texture.

Chicago’s pan pizza and Naples’ hand tossed pizza each have their place in the world of pizza, offering unique experiences and flavors to pizza lovers around the globe.

Which Option is Healthier Pan vs Hand Tossed Pizza

When it comes to health considerations, there are differences between pan pizza and hand tossed pizza. Hand tossed pizza generally has fewer calories and a lighter crust compared to pan pizza. The specific toppings and cheese used can also impact the nutritional value of each pizza style. It is important to make informed choices in terms of toppings and portion sizes to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

To better understand the nutritional value of pan pizza and hand tossed pizza, let’s take a closer look at their key differences:

1. Calories: Hand tossed pizza typically has fewer calories due to its lighter crust and potentially lighter toppings. Pan pizza, on the other hand, may have more calories due to its thicker crust and generous toppings.
2. Crust: Hand tossed pizza often has a thinner and more flexible crust, which can be beneficial for those watching their calorie intake. Pan pizza has a thick and crispy crust with a satisfying crunch, but it may have a higher calorie content.
3. Toppings: The specific toppings used on each pizza can greatly impact its nutritional value. Opting for healthier toppings such as vegetables, lean proteins, and limited amounts of cheese can make both pizza options more nutritious.
4. Cheese: The amount and type of cheese used can vary between pan pizza and hand tossed pizza. Hand tossed pizza usually has a more even distribution of cheese, while pan pizza often has a more abundant amount. Choosing low-fat cheese or reducing the cheese quantity can help lower the calorie and fat content.

It’s worth noting that the nutritional value can vary depending on the specific pizza ingredients and preparation methods. To make a healthier choice, consider selecting whole wheat crust, loading up on veggies, and opting for lean proteins. Additionally, be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake.

Remember, enjoying pizza is all about balance. While hand tossed pizza may generally be considered a healthier option, making conscious decisions about crust thickness, toppings, and portion sizes can help you satisfy your pizza cravings while maintaining a nutritious diet.

Price comparison of Dominos Pan PIzza vs Hand Tossed Pizza

When it comes to deciding between Domino’s Pan Pizza and Hand Tossed Pizza, one important factor to consider is the price. The cost of each pizza option can vary based on factors such as the size of the pizza and the choice of toppings.

Both Pan Pizza and Hand Tossed Pizza have a base price, but the final price can be influenced by additional toppings and premium ingredients. It’s worth noting that the prices may vary from location to location, so it’s a good idea to check the current prices on the official Domino’s website or through your local Domino’s outlets.

If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, you may find that the Hand Tossed Pizza tends to be slightly cheaper than the Pan Pizza, especially when you consider the cost per slice. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the price difference between the two pizza styles may not be significant.

Additionally, Domino’s often offers deals and discounts on their pizzas, so you may be able to save some money by taking advantage of these promotions. Be sure to check out the latest offers and coupon codes to get the best value for your money.

Ultimately, the price of the pizza should not be the sole factor in making your decision. Consider your personal taste preferences, crust preferences, and the overall dining experience when choosing between Domino’s Pan Pizza and Hand Tossed Pizza.

Conclusions on Pan Pizza vs Hand Tossed

In conclusion, both Domino’s Pan Pizza and Hand Tossed Pizza offer great pizza base options. Each style has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and cravings, and hunger levels.

The choice between the two ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for crust thickness, taste, and texture. If you enjoy a thicker and crunchier crust with a soft interior, you’ll likely prefer the Pan Pizza. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and chewier crust with a slightly crispy exterior, the Hand Tossed Pizza is the way to go.

Remember to also consider factors such as toppings, cheese, baking temperature, and nutritional value when making your decision. Whether you’re a fan of the generous toppings and abundant cheese on the Pan Pizza or the lighter crust and balance of flavors on the Hand Tossed Pizza, both options are sure to satisfy your pizza cravings.

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between Pan Pizza and Hand Tossed Pizza, it’s time to indulge in a slice of your favorite pizza from Domino’s. Treat yourself to a delicious pizza night that’s tailored to your preferences! Head to Dominos and place your order!