Pan pizza is a popular type of pizza that is known for its thick, soft crust and deliciously crispy edges. This style of pizza is cooked in a deep-dish pan, which gives it a unique texture compared to other pizza types like thin crust or New York-style pizza. Pan pizza is often loved for its hearty, filling quality and its ability to hold a variety of toppings.
Unlike thin crust pizzas that have a crisp and light texture, pan pizza has a soft, chewy interior with a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior. The crust, often referred to as the “pan crust,” is thicker and provides a substantial base that can hold a lot of sauce, cheese, and toppings. This makes it a great option for those who love a more filling pizza.
The Appearance of Pan Pizza
The Crust: Soft and Crispy
The most distinctive feature of pan pizza is its crust. The crust is thicker than most other types of pizza, and when baked, it becomes golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. The outer part of the crust is more like a soft, airy bread, while the inside is often more chewy and spongy. This contrast between the crispy exterior and soft interior is what makes pan pizza so enjoyable.
The crust can sometimes be topped with butter or oil before baking, which gives it a shiny, golden finish and a rich flavor. This buttered crust also helps create a slight crunch on the outer edge, making it even more satisfying.
The Sauce: Rich and Flavorful
Pan pizza is known for having a generous amount of sauce. The sauce is usually spread evenly across the pizza, sometimes a little thicker than other pizza types. It may be a traditional tomato sauce, but there are also variations like BBQ sauce or pesto, depending on the toppings and preferences.
Because the crust is thick and spongy, it holds the sauce well, and the sauce often seeps into the pizza, making each bite flavorful. The sauce can be seasoned with herbs, garlic, and spices, adding depth to the overall taste of the pizza.
The Cheese: Melty and Gooey
Another feature that sets pan pizza apart is the cheese. Pan pizza often uses a generous amount of cheese, typically mozzarella, which melts beautifully to cover the entire surface. The cheese forms a thick, gooey layer that stretches with every bite. The cheese is usually spread all the way to the edges of the crust, so every bite of pizza includes some cheesy goodness.
In some versions of pan pizza, the cheese is layered between the crust and the toppings, making it even richer and more indulgent. The combination of gooey cheese and a thick crust is one of the reasons people love pan pizza so much.
The Toppings: Bold and Abundant
Pan pizza is often topped with a variety of ingredients, and because of its thick crust, it can hold a lot of toppings. Common toppings include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and olives. Some people also enjoy more unique toppings, such as anchovies, bacon, or even pineapple.
The toppings are typically spread across the pizza in a generous manner, so each slice has a good amount of flavor. The thick crust supports the weight of the toppings, ensuring that the pizza doesn’t become soggy, even with a lot of ingredients.
The Shape: Round or Square
Most pan pizzas are round, although some pizza places may offer square pan pizzas. The round shape is traditional, and it is typically baked in a round, deep dish pan. The square version is a more modern twist, and it can be found in some pizza chains that offer “party-sized” pan pizzas.
Regardless of whether the pizza is round or square, the key is that it’s baked in a deep dish, which gives it the signature thick crust and ample space for toppings.
The Thickness: A Hearty Meal
One of the main characteristics of pan pizza is its thickness. While thin crust pizzas are light and crispy, pan pizza is thick and hearty. The thickness of the pizza varies depending on the recipe, but it’s generally around an inch or more deep. This thick crust makes the pizza more filling, and it’s often considered a more substantial meal.
The thickness also affects the cooking time. Pan pizza takes longer to bake than thinner crust pizzas because the dough needs more time to cook through. The result is a pizza that’s warm and satisfying, with a thick, soft interior and a crispy, golden exterior.
How Pan Pizza Is Made
Making pan pizza starts with preparing the dough. The dough for pan pizza is often thicker and more bread-like than other pizza doughs. It is allowed to rise for a longer period of time, which gives it a fluffy, airy texture. Once the dough is ready, it is pressed into a deep dish pan, which gives it its characteristic thickness and shape.
After the dough is placed in the pan, the sauce is spread over the surface, followed by a generous amount of cheese. The toppings are then added on top, and the pizza is baked until the crust is golden brown and crispy on the edges, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Some pizza makers will brush the crust with butter or oil before baking to achieve that extra crispy texture and golden color. The pizza is then sliced into wedges or squares and served hot, often with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or herbs on top.
The Difference Between Pan Pizza and Other Pizza Styles
While all pizzas share certain common features, pan pizza stands out because of its thick crust and hearty texture. Compared to thin crust pizzas, pan pizza is more filling and offers a different balance of crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings. Thin crust pizzas, for example, are much crispier and less chewy, with a more delicate crust that doesn’t hold as much sauce or cheese.
Another popular pizza style, the New York-style pizza, has a thin, foldable crust and is known for its large slices. It’s often eaten on the go, while pan pizza is more of a sit-down meal. Pan pizza is hearty and filling, perfect for people who want a pizza that’s more like a full meal than a snack.
Deep-dish pizza is another pizza style that shares some similarities with pan pizza, especially in terms of its deep, thick crust. However, deep-dish pizza is typically much thicker and often includes more layers, with the sauce placed on top of the cheese and toppings. Pan pizza, on the other hand, tends to have the cheese on top, with sauce and toppings below.
Popular Pan Pizza Chains
Several pizza chains are well-known for their pan pizza, each with its own take on this classic style. Some of the most popular chains include:
Pizza Hut: One of the pioneers of pan pizza, Pizza Hut is known for its thick, buttery crust and generous toppings. Their pan pizza is a fan favorite, with a golden, crispy edge and a soft, chewy interior.
Little Caesars: Known for its affordable pizzas, Little Caesars also offers a pan pizza with a thick crust and plenty of cheese and toppings. Their pan pizza is often praised for its value and great taste.
Domino’s: Domino’s offers a pan pizza with a slightly different take on the classic. Their pan pizza has a slightly crispier crust, but it still offers the soft, chewy interior that people love.
Papa John’s: Papa John’s pan pizza is another favorite for those who enjoy a thick, hearty crust. They use high-quality ingredients, and their pan pizza is topped with a generous amount of cheese and toppings.
Conclusion
Pan pizza is a delicious, hearty pizza style that is known for its thick, soft crust and crispy edges. It is loaded with cheese, sauce, and toppings, making it a filling meal. Whether you prefer a classic pan pizza with pepperoni or like to experiment with different toppings, there’s no denying the appeal of this pizza style.
Its golden, crispy crust, melty cheese, and generous toppings make pan pizza a satisfying choice for pizza lovers. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends or having a solo pizza night, pan pizza is always a great option for a delicious and hearty meal.
Related topic:
- The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Cheese: Types, Uses, and Tips
- How Much Oil in Pizza Dough?
- How Fattening Is Pizza?
