If you’ve ever debated whether to go for a pan crust or hand tossed pizza, you’re not alone. While both styles have their own die-hard fans, hand_tossed_pizza is often celebrated for its classic, airy texture and perfectly crisp edge. Whether you’re ordering from Domino’s, Pizza Hut, or a local joint, the term “hand tossed” appears everywhere. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, how does it taste?
In this article, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about hand tossed pizza, including how it compares to pan styles, how big brands make it, and why pizza lovers worldwide can’t get enough.
What Is Hand Tossed Pizza?
Hand_tossed_pizza refers to the traditional method of stretching and shaping the dough by tossing it in the air — literally by hand. This process not only looks impressive, but also helps in achieving that ideal texture: thin in the center, with puffier, chewy edges that are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
Key Characteristics:
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Airy crust with slight chew
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Crisp outer edge
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Evenly spread toppings
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Less greasy than pan pizza
Because the dough isn’t compressed into a pan like its thicker cousin, hand_tossed_pizza has a more natural, artisanal feel — and that’s part of the charm.
Hand Tossed Pizza vs Pan: What’s the Real Difference?
Now, here’s the age-old question: pan vs hand tossed pizza — which one should you choose?
🥊 Crust Comparison
| Feature | Hand Tossed Pizza | Pan Pizza |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Light, airy, and slightly crisp | Thick, buttery, and chewy |
| Oil Content | Less oily | Cooked in oil for a fried texture |
| Cooking Method | Baked on a stone or screen | Baked in a deep pan with oil |
| Crust Thickness | Medium to thin | Thick and dense |
| Toppings Distribution | More spread out | Slightly pushed to the center |
While pan pizzas like those at Pizza Hut boast a thick, rich bite, hand_tossed_pizzas offer balance — not too thick, not too thin. For people who want the flavor of crust without feeling overly full, hand tossed is a winner.
How Domino’s Makes Its Famous Hand Tossed Pizza
Domino’s hand_tossed_pizza has become a fan favorite thanks to its perfect mix of softness and crunch. They prepare the dough fresh every day, hand stretch it, and let it proof naturally before baking.
Signature Touches:
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Tossed by hand for stretch and aeration
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Brushed with a garlic-seasoned crust
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Toppings spread evenly to edge
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Baked at high heat for golden-brown finish
Their Extravaganzza Hand_Tossed_Pizza is a feast for the senses. It’s loaded with pepperoni, sausage, onions, mushrooms, olives, and more — making it ideal for meat lovers who want a substantial yet perfectly balanced bite.
What Makes Pizza Hut’s Hand Tossed Pizza Unique?
Pizza Hut’s hand_tossed_pizza takes a slightly different route compared to Domino’s. Though still prepared with hand-shaped dough, Pizza Hut focuses on a more refined, less chewy crust. It’s a hybrid between a traditional hand tossed and a pan crust.
Notable Features:
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More bready and soft than Domino’s version
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Brushed with buttery flavor
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Perfect for holding extra cheese and sauce
Ultimately, it offers a comfortable middle ground between chewy and soft, making it a crowd-pleaser, especially for family meals.
Why Choose Hand Tossed Pizza?
With so many crust styles available, you might wonder what makes hand tossed pizza crust stand out. Here’s why it continues to be a top choice:
Benefits of Hand Tossed Crust:
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Better texture: Chewy inside, crispy outside
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More natural flavor: Less oil = more doughy goodness
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Customizable: Pairs well with any toppings
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Healthier option: Less grease compared to pan
Whether you’re looking to cut calories or just enjoy a more balanced pizza, hand tossed crust delivers without compromising flavor.
Pan vs Hand Tossed Pizza Hut: Which Is Better?
If you’re ordering from Pizza Hut, you’ll often face the pan vs hand tossed dilemma. Here’s a quick guide to help:
Choose Hand Tossed If:
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You prefer a lighter crust
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You want more natural dough flavor
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You like crisp edges but not deep-fried texture
Choose Pan If:
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You enjoy thick, hearty crusts
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You love buttery, crunchy bases
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You’re eating a smaller quantity and want it rich
In short, both are great — but hand_tossed_pizza gives you a more authentic, traditional experience.
Hand Tossed Pizza: Ideal Toppings
Because hand tossed crust is moderately thick and evenly baked, it supports a wide variety of toppings without sagging.
Best Combinations:
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Classic Margherita: Tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil
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Meat Lovers: Pepperoni, sausage, ham
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Veggie Supreme: Olives, mushrooms, green peppers, onions
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Hawaiian: Ham and pineapple
And thanks to the even crust distribution, every slice feels consistent — a crucial detail for pizza purists.
Cooking Hand Tossed Pizza at Home
You don’t need a wood-fired oven to enjoy restaurant-style hand_tossed_pizza at home. In fact, with a few tools and techniques, you can get very close.
Steps to Try:
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Use high-protein bread flour
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Allow the dough to proof for 1–2 hours
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Gently stretch and toss the dough by hand
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Preheat oven with a pizza stone or steel
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Bake at 500°F (260°C) until golden and crisp
This method helps simulate the airy crust and chewy bite that makes hand_tossed_pizzas irresistible.
Conclusion
When it comes to crust choices, hand_tossed_pizza is the perfect middle ground. It combines the lightness of a thin crust with the chewiness of a pan-style pie, without drowning in oil or going soggy. Brands like Domino’s and Pizza Hut have taken the style and made it their own — giving you a variety of flavors while sticking to that iconic texture.
Whether you’re crafting it at home or ordering from your favorite chain, hand_tossed_pizza is a crust choice that delivers every time.
FAQs
Q1: What is hand_tossed_pizza crust?
Hand_tossed_pizza crust is made by tossing the dough in the air to stretch it naturally. This gives it an airy, chewy texture with a crisp edge.
Q2: Is hand tossed pizza better than pan pizza?
It depends on your preference. Hand tossed is lighter and crispier, while pan is thicker and more buttery.
Q3: Does Domino’s still offer hand tossed pizza?
Yes, Domino’s hand_tossed_pizza is one of their most popular styles, known for its garlic-seasoned crust and balanced texture.
Q4: Is hand_tossed_pizza healthier than pan?
Generally, yes. Hand tossed has less oil and fewer calories than pan-style, which is cooked in an oiled pan for a richer taste.
Q5: Can I make hand tossed pizza at home?
Absolutely! With bread flour, proper proofing, and a hot oven, you can replicate the hand tossed texture right in your kitchen.
