Domino’s is pretty much my go-to pizza chain if I am too lazy to make pizza by myself. However, sometimes it gets tough to opt from all the choices presented, especially with different delicious Domino’s crust types. Domino’s hand-tossed vs. pan pizza – it’s not easy to choose, so how to take your pick?
The main difference between Domino’s Hand Tossed and Pan Pizza is that the Hand Tossed Pizza has a thin, dry crust, while the Pan Pizza has a thick, fluffy crust. Both types use the same ingredients, but the dough is kneaded longer for Hand Tossed and hand-pressed into a pan for Pan Pizza. Hand Tossed is baked at a lower temperature than Pan for a crunchier crust, while Pan is baked at a higher temperature for a softer, bread-like texture.
Both types offer a variety of delicious toppings, so it’s really a matter of personal preference.
If you want to find out more about how Domino’s makes such delicious crusts, as well as which one tastes better, just keep reading.
Domino’s Hand Tossed vs. Pan Pizza – the Main Difference
Are you having a hard time choosing between handmade pan vs hand-tossed at this famous pizza chain? Well, these are not the only two available options. Domino’s has five different types of pizza crust to choose from:
- Hand-tossed,
- Brooklyn style,
- Crunchy thin,
- Handmade pan,
- Gluten-free.
Out of them all, I usually opt for pan and hand-tossed ones, depending on my current mood. However, keep in mind that they do provide completely different mouthfeels – all because their making process is pretty different.
Similar dough ingredients are used for both of these crust types, such as flour, yeast, oil, salt, and water. What is later done with pizza dough is what is important for us today.
The dough needs to be a little softer for the hand-tossed crust, so it is kneaded a little longer. When the right texture is met, the dough is tossed and spun in the air repeatedly until it reaches the desired shape.
Pan pizza is a lot simpler to make – the dough is just hand-pressed into a cake or cast iron pan (which is ultimately responsible for its shape). Domino’s emphasizes its pizzas are handmade to point out they are not made from frozen, pre-made dough.
Thin vs. Fluffy Crust
Different making processes are responsible for different crust textures. However, even the dough is slightly different, although they both have the same ingredients. To get the right hand-tossed crust, you will need a thinner and softer dough, that is also flexible.
The hand-tossed crust is always thin (but not as much as the crunchy thin type). It’s because all the air bubbles burst during the tossing and spinning process, which causes the dough not to rise in the oven. When baked, this pizza crust is covered with a blend of garlic and oil, which provide it with an even better taste.
On the other hand, dough grows while baked in a pan, which causes a thick and fluffy, bread-like texture. It doesn’t mean this crust type loses crispiness, but pan pizza can seem a little less crunchy because of the soft and moist texture (hand-tossed pizza is a lot drier).
Because of a thicker crust, pan pizza must be baked at a higher temperature (between 700 and 800 degrees), while the hand-tossed kind is usually baked at 500 degrees Fahrenheit. At the same time, hand-tossed pizza usually needs less time to bake, which can be one of the reasons why it is the basic type of crust at Domino’s.
Make Your Own Pan Pizza Delight
For this recipe, you can use your favorite type of dough, so prepare it as you normally would. However, instead of spreading the dough on a pizza stone, like you usually do, you should prepare an iron skillet. Rub or spray a bit of oil on the bottom (I’ve noticed it’s best to use olive oil, for taste) while you preheat the oven to the right temperature.
Take the dough and make sure you’ve spread it all around the skillet, and that all edges are touching the walls. This way, the thick crust will be cooked properly from all sides. Next, you should add all your desired toppings such as sauce, mozzarella cheese, herbs, your choice of meat, and anything else you like. Bake it for around 20 or 25 minutes, until you notice the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Are There Any Differences in Topping?
Keep in mind that a different crust doesn’t imply different toppings. You can choose between different crust types with almost all pizzas offered by Domino’s, from simple cheese to Deluxe pizza.
That being said, I always feel that pan crust comes with slightly richer pizza toppings. It may be because it’s easier to put more toppings, cheese, and sauces on a thick crust than on a thin one.
Add the fact that pizza makers put oil on the bottom of the pan, so the dough doesn’t stick to it, and you can imagine the greasy heaven it becomes. That is why I’ll always go for a pan crust Domino’s pizza (of any kind) when I am starving. When my stomach can’t stop growling, other crusts rarely get considered.
Domino’s Hand-Tossed and Pan Pizza Sizes and Prices
First of all, remember that handmade pan pizza at Domino’s always comes in just the medium size (12”). On the other hand, hand-tossed varieties offer all three sizes (small, medium, and large). It’s logical if you think about it – the size and shape of a handmade pan pizza are determined by the size and the shape of the pan. Hand-tossed, naturally, can be shaped as you like.
When you order medium regular or specialty pizza, it doesn’t matter whether you want a pan or hand-tossed crust because their prices are the same. However, the costs of Domino’s feast pizzas differ based on the crust types.
Take a look at the table below to see how much is Domino’s pizza when it comes to these crust types:
| Pizza type | Hand-tossed (medium size) | Handmade pan (medium size) |
| Cheese pizza | $7.99 | $7.99 |
| Spinach & Feta | $13.99 | $13.99 |
| Honolulu Hawaiian | $13.99 | $13.99 |
| Philly Cheese Steak Pizza | $13.99 | $13.99 |
| Cali Chicken Bacon Ranch | $13.99 | $13.99 |
| America’s Favorite Feast | $13.99 | $15.49 |
| Bacon Cheeseburger Feast | $13.99 | $15.49 |
| Deluxe Feast | $13.99 | $15.49 |
So, Which Crust Type Is the Best?
It’s much easier to find the best pizza pan for the oven than to learn the art of making a hand-tossed pizza, so you must appreciate the skills Domino’s workers show. However, when it comes to the texture and taste, Domino’s pizza made in a pan is an absolute winner.
The only thing I hate about it is that it doesn’t come in larger sizes! Deliciously crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, I could never get tired of it. However, it all comes down to your personal taste. If thinner and dryer crust is the way you like it, go for it. Whatever you choose, be prepared for a flavorful meal – it’s what Domino’s is known for.