What is the Difference Between Hand Tossed and Pan Pizza?

The main difference between hand-tossed and pan pizza lies in the crust thickness, preparation method, and texture:

1. Crust Thickness: Hand-tossed pizzas have a thinner crust, while pan pizzas have a thicker, chewy crust.
2. Preparation: Hand-tossed pizza is made by stretching and tossing dough into the air, whereas pan pizza is formed by pressing dough into the pan.
3. Texture: Hand-tossed pizza has a thinner, crispier crust and softer dough, while a pan pizza's crust is thick and chewy, with more bread-like dough.

Hand-tossed pizzas are often called New York-style pizzas, while pan pizzas are also known as deep-dish or Chicago-style pizzas. The thicker, more durable dough of pan pizzas allows for more cheese, sauce, and toppings, reaching the crust's margins. In contrast, hand-tossed pizzas have a more flexible dough that rises and spreads during baking.

Comparative Table: Hand Tossed vs Pan Pizza

Here is a table comparing the differences between hand-tossed and pan pizza:

In summary, hand-tossed pizzas have a thinner crust and are lighter, while pan pizzas have a thicker, chewier crust and can accommodate more toppings. Hand-tossed pizzas are generally lower in calories, but both types of pizzas feature crispy crusts. The preparation of the dough is also different, with hand-tossed pizzas being hand-stretched and tossed in the air, while pan pizzas require more straightforward preparation.