Pizza Hut is a global pizza icon. Since its humble beginnings in 1958, it has grown to become one of the most recognizable and widely available pizza chains on the planet.
When you’re staring at the Pizza Hut menu, you’re often faced with a big decision: hand-tossed or pan pizza? Both are extremely popular choices, but they offer distinctly different pizza experiences.
Hand-tossed pizza is known for its thinner, more pliable crust, while pan pizza boasts a thicker, doughier base with a crispy, golden-brown edge. So, which one is right for you?
This article offers a comprehensive comparison of Pizza Hut’s hand-tossed vs pan pizza. We’ll break down the key differences in crust, taste, toppings, cost, and even consider the health aspects of each. Plus, we’ll explore how you can recreate these styles at home.
Whether you’re a die-hard pizza fan, a frequent Pizza Hut customer, or a home pizza-making enthusiast, this guide will help you understand the nuances of hand-tossed and pan pizza so you can make the best choice for your next pizza night.
A Little Pizza Hut History
Pizza Hut started in 1958 when two brothers borrowed \$600 from their mom to open a pizza place in Wichita, Kansas. They quickly realized they were onto something, and more Pizza Huts started popping up.
Over the years, Pizza Hut became one of the biggest pizza chains in the world. They added all kinds of things to the menu to keep people coming back. One of the biggest changes was when they introduced the pan pizza. It was different from anything else out there, and people loved it.
Today, you can find Pizza Huts all over the globe. They’re still serving up all kinds of pizzas, including the hand-tossed and the pan, which we’re about to compare.
What is Pizza Hut Hand-Tossed Pizza?
Pizza Hut’s hand-tossed pizza features a crust that’s light, airy, and thin. It’s got a crisp, almost flaky, exterior. It’s not as dense as some other styles.
What makes it “hand-tossed?” The dough is stretched and spun by hand. This gives the crust a signature texture that’s different from machine-made pizzas. The stretching process creates air pockets, which bake into the crust and give it that light, airy quality.
You can get hand-tossed pizzas with all kinds of toppings, and there tend to be more options available than with the pan pizzas. Some popular combinations include pepperoni and mushrooms, sausage and peppers, or the classic supreme with pepperoni, sausage, veggies, and onions.
What is Pizza Hut Pan Pizza?
Pizza Hut’s pan pizza is known for its thick, fluffy, and crunchy crust. The unique texture comes from baking the pizza in a well-oiled pan. This gives it a distinctive, almost fried, bottom that’s crispy and satisfying.
The dough for a pan pizza is placed directly into the pan and allowed to rise before the pizza is assembled. This is what creates the characteristic thick crust that sets it apart from other styles. Because the crust is so substantial, pan pizzas tend to be more filling than their hand-tossed counterparts.
Pizza Hut offers a wide variety of toppings that pair well with the pan pizza. Classic combinations like pepperoni and mushrooms are always a good choice, but the sturdy crust can also handle heavier toppings like sausage, bacon, and extra cheese without becoming soggy. The pan pizza is a blank canvas for your favorite flavors!
The Crust: A Detailed Comparison
Crust is king when it comes to pizza. Here’s a more granular look at what distinguishes a hand-tossed Pizza Hut crust from a pan pizza crust.
Hand-Tossed Crust
Pizza Hut’s hand-tossed crust is more or less what it sounds like: a disc of dough that’s been tossed and stretched by hand. This method gives the crust a slightly uneven surface and contributes to its signature thin, crispy texture.
A hand-tossed crust is baked directly on the surface of the oven or on a screen, which allows it to get nice and crispy.
The flavor of a hand-tossed crust is subtle, allowing the flavors of the sauce, cheese, and toppings to come forward.
Pan Pizza Crust
In contrast to the thinner hand-tossed style, Pizza Hut’s pan pizza crust is thick, fluffy, and golden brown. Because it’s baked in a pan, it has a uniform shape.
Pan pizzas are baked in well-oiled pans. The oil gives the bottom of the crust a fried crispiness.
The pan and the oil add a buttery richness to the crust. If you enjoy the taste of fried dough, you’ll likely be a fan of Pizza Hut’s pan pizza crust.
Taste Testing: A Flavor Profile Comparison
Hand-Tossed Pizza Taste
Pizza Hut’s hand-tossed pizza is a pretty standard experience. The crust is thin enough that it doesn’t distract from the toppings, but thick enough to give you something to hold onto. It’s got a slightly yeasty flavor, but nothing overwhelming. The crust mostly just lets the sauce, cheese, and whatever toppings you choose do their thing. It’s a solid, dependable pizza.
Pan Pizza Taste
The pan pizza is where Pizza Hut really shines, in my opinion. The crust is thick, soft, and almost doughy, with a golden-brown, crispy edge. The best part is the buttery, almost fried, flavor that comes from baking it in a well-oiled pan. The crust soaks up all the flavors from the toppings, creating a rich and satisfying experience. It’s definitely a heavier pizza than the hand-tossed, but it’s worth it.
Personal Preference and Pairing Suggestions
If you like a lighter pizza where the toppings are the star, go for the hand-tossed. It pairs well with lighter toppings like vegetables or chicken. If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent and flavorful, the pan pizza is the way to go. It can handle heavier toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and extra cheese. Honestly, both are good, but the pan pizza has a special place in my heart (and stomach).
Toppings: Variety and Combinations
Let’s be honest, the toppings are half the fun, right? Both hand-tossed and pan pizzas at Pizza Hut offer a ton of customization options. But the type of crust can influence what toppings shine the most.
Hand-Tossed Pizza: A Topping Playground
With a hand-tossed pizza, you’ve got a blank canvas. The slightly thinner, more flexible crust can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. Think classic pepperoni and mushroom, but don’t be afraid to get creative! A personal favorite is a combo of grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, and a sprinkle of feta. Or, for the adventurous, try a Hawaiian with bacon and jalapeños. The possibilities are truly endless.
Pan Pizza: Comfort Food Combinations
Pan pizzas are all about that rich, buttery flavor, so toppings that complement that richness work best. Pepperoni is a classic for a reason, but sausage and onions are also a great choice. For a veggie option, try mushrooms and black olives. Because the crust is so substantial, you want toppings that can stand up to it. A simple, but delicious, combo is just cheese and extra sauce!
Your Pizza, Your Way
The best part? No matter which crust you choose, you can always customize it to your exact liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect topping combination!
The cost: which one’s cheaper?
Generally, a pan pizza from Pizza Hut will cost you less than a hand-tossed pizza. But pricing can change depending on a few factors.
The overall cost of your pizza will depend on:
- The size you order
- The toppings you select
- The location of the Pizza Hut store
Call your local Pizza Hut to get the most accurate price information.
Nutrition: Is one pizza healthier than the other?
Let’s be real: pizza is not health food. But if you’re trying to make an informed choice, here’s a quick nutrition rundown:
Calories
Generally, a slice of hand-tossed pizza from Pizza Hut will be lower in calories than a slice of pan pizza. Expect to take in roughly 220-290 calories with each slice of hand-tossed, versus around 300-350 for a slice of pan pizza.
Fats and Carbs
Because of the thicker, oilier crust, pan pizzas usually have more fat. They may also have more carbohydrates. However, these values depend on the toppings.
Sodium
Pizza is often high in sodium, so this is something to keep in mind if you’re watching your salt intake.
Making Healthier Choices
Want to make a slightly more nutritious choice? Opt for lean toppings like grilled chicken or ham. Load up on the veggies. And, most importantly, control your portion size.
Making hand-tossed pizza at home
Want to try making a hand-tossed pizza at home? It’s easier than you might think! Here’s a basic recipe to get you started.
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (around 105-115°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it in half. On a lightly floured surface, shape each half into a round.
- Now for the fun part: gently toss the dough to stretch it out to your desired size and thickness. If you’re not comfortable tossing, you can also use a rolling pin.
- Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Top with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Making Pan Pizza at Home
Craving that Pizza Hut pan pizza but don’t want to leave the house? You can recreate it in your own kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need and how to do it:
Ingredients
The ingredients are similar to what you’d use for a hand-tossed pizza, but the ratios are a little different to achieve that signature pan pizza texture. You’ll need:
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Warm water
- Olive oil (and plenty of it!)
- Your favorite pizza toppings
That olive oil is key! Don’t skimp – it’s what gives the crust that crispy, fried bottom.
Instructions
- Make the dough: Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for a few minutes until foamy. Then, mix in the flour, salt, and a bit of olive oil. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Proof the dough: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This usually takes about an hour.
- Prepare the pan: Generously coat a round baking pan (cast iron works great!) with olive oil. Really get in there!
- Press the dough: Gently press the dough into the oiled pan, working it to the edges. It should be fairly thick.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven (around 450°F or 232°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until it starts to lightly brown.
- Add toppings: Remove the crust from the oven and add your favorite toppings.
- Bake again: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the toppings are melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. You might need to adjust the temperature slightly to get that perfect crispy crust.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Pizza
Making pizza at home can be fun, and the results can be amazing, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Use a good quality pizza pan: A solid pan will help distribute heat evenly.
- Preheat the oven properly: Don’t rush this step!
- Prick holes in the dough before baking: This prevents the crust from bubbling up too much.
- Don’t overload the pizza with toppings: Resist the temptation to add too much.
- Bake at high temperatures for crispy crusts: Crank up the heat!
- Let the pizza cool slightly before cutting: This helps the cheese set.
- Experiment with toppings and cheeses: Get creative and try new combinations.
- Use fresh ingredients: This makes a big difference in taste.
Serving and Storing Pizza
Serving Suggestions
Pizza is a crowd-pleaser all on its own! But you can always pair it with a crisp salad and your favorite dipping sauce. A cold soda or a light beer are classic choices, too.
Storing Leftover Pizza
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep your pizza fresh:
- Hand-tossed: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Pan pizza: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating in the oven is best for crispy results. Microwaving can make it a little soggy.
FAQs: Common Questions About Hand-Tossed and Pan Pizza
- What toppings pair best with each type of pizza?
- Hand-tossed pizzas often hold up well to a variety of toppings, but lighter, fresh ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and lean meats work particularly well. Pan pizzas, with their sturdier crust, can handle heavier, richer toppings like sausage, pepperoni, and extra cheese.
- What type of oven should I use to cook pizza?
- A standard home oven works fine, but pizza stones or pizza steels can help mimic the high heat of a professional pizza oven. Convection ovens can also promote even cooking and a crispier crust. The key is to preheat the oven thoroughly before baking.
- Is pan or hand-tossed healthier?
- Generally, hand-tossed is considered slightly healthier because it usually has fewer calories and less fat due to the thinner crust. Pan pizza tends to be higher in both because of the oil used in the pan.
- How can I make my pizza healthier?
- Opt for whole-wheat crusts, load up on vegetables, use lean protein sources, and choose low-fat cheese. You can also reduce the amount of cheese you use and be mindful of sodium content in toppings like pepperoni and olives.
- Can I freeze hand-tossed or pan pizza?
- Yes! Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake directly from frozen until heated through.
- Is it better to bake or microwave pizza?
- Baking is generally preferred for reheating because it helps to crisp up the crust. Microwaving can make the crust soggy.
- How long will hand-tossed or pan pizza stay fresh?
- Pizza is best consumed within 2-3 days of being made. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
In Conclusion
So, what’s the real difference between a Pizza Hut hand-tossed and pan pizza? It all boils down to the crust. The hand-tossed crust is thinner, flatter, and a bit crispier, offering a more traditional pizza experience. The pan pizza, on the other hand, boasts a thick, buttery crust that’s soft and chewy, almost like focaccia. This difference in crust also affects the taste and how the toppings are presented, with the pan pizza holding more sauce and cheese.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which is right for you is to try them both! Pizza Hut offers a lot of great options, and the only way to know what you like is to sample them.
No matter which style you choose, pizza is a versatile and delicious meal that can be enjoyed any time. So, grab a slice (or a whole pie!) and enjoy!