When you take a bite of Domino’s pizza, you may notice a light dusting of powder on the crust. You might have wondered, “What exactly is that powder?” It adds a little extra flavor and texture to your pizza, but many people are curious about its purpose. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the mysterious powder on Domino’s pizza. We will explore its ingredients, why it’s used, and how it enhances the overall pizza experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Domino’s or just curious about the pizza-making process, this article will give you all the answers you need.
What is the Powder Made Of?
The powder you see on your Domino’s pizza is commonly referred to as “parmesan cheese seasoning.” This seasoning is a combination of grated parmesan cheese and a few other ingredients that enhance its flavor and texture. While it may look like just cheese dust, the powder also contains other ingredients that help it stick to the crust and add an extra burst of flavor with every bite.
Let’s break down the main components of the powder:
Parmesan Cheese: The primary ingredient is grated parmesan cheese. Parmesan is known for its sharp, salty flavor, which complements the dough and adds richness to the pizza.
Garlic Powder: To give the powder a savory kick, garlic powder is often included. It enhances the overall taste of the pizza, adding a garlicky note that pairs perfectly with the cheese and crust.
Dried Herbs: Some versions of the seasoning might include a mix of dried herbs, such as oregano or basil. These herbs add a fresh, herby aroma that brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Salt: A small amount of salt is added to balance out the flavors. It helps bring the other ingredients together, ensuring the seasoning isn’t too mild or overpowering.
Other Additives: In some recipes, there may be small amounts of other additives like corn starch, to help keep the powder free-flowing, or even some extra cheese or flavoring to boost the taste.
These ingredients are blended together to create a seasoning powder that’s sprinkled on the pizza’s crust after it’s baked. This creates a flavorful, aromatic crust that enhances the overall pizza experience.
Why is it Used on Domino’s Pizza?
Now that we know what the powder is made of, you may wonder why Domino’s uses it on their pizzas. The answer lies in flavor enhancement, texture improvement, and tradition.
Flavor Enhancement: The primary reason for adding powder to the crust is to enhance the flavor. The combination of parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs adds layers of taste to the pizza. The saltiness of the parmesan, paired with the mild garlic flavor, makes each bite a little more exciting.
Texture and Aroma: The powder also adds a subtle textural element to the crust. The cheese and herbs create a slight crunch on the edges of the pizza. This crunch gives your pizza a little more bite, making it more satisfying. Additionally, the aroma from the garlic and herbs is released as the pizza is baked, creating a more appetizing smell that draws people in.
Tradition: Sprinkling powder on pizza crusts has become somewhat of a tradition in the pizza world. It’s not just limited to Domino’s. Many pizzerias sprinkle something on their crusts to give it that extra touch. This practice dates back to Italian pizza-making traditions, where ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and grated cheese were used to elevate the crust.
A Signature Touch: For Domino’s, the powder is part of their signature pizza. It’s a simple way to distinguish their pizzas from those of other chains. The unique powder adds an extra level of branding and identity to their pizzas.
Does It Affect the Taste of the Pizza?
Yes, the powder definitely impacts the overall taste of the pizza. While the powder is applied to the crust, it also subtly influences the other components of the pizza. The seasoned crust creates a more balanced flavor profile, allowing the richness of the sauce, the tanginess of the cheese, and the savory toppings to shine through.
Balancing Richness: The parmesan powder balances out the richness of the pizza’s cheese. Cheese is often the star ingredient in pizza, and the extra parmesan dust gives it a sharper, more intense flavor. This sharpness contrasts beautifully with the creamy mozzarella cheese used on the pizza.
Adding Depth: Garlic powder and herbs add depth to the flavor. While the dough and cheese may be neutral, the seasoning gives the pizza more complexity and interest. These small details create a more gourmet experience.
Boosting the Overall Flavor Profile: The combination of salt, garlic, and cheese in the powder boosts the entire flavor profile of the pizza. Instead of having a bland crust, you get a crust that’s full of flavor, complementing all the other elements.
Is It Healthy?
While the powder does add a burst of flavor to the pizza, it also contains ingredients that should be consumed in moderation. Here’s a breakdown of the health aspects of the seasoning:
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a source of calcium and protein, but it’s also high in sodium and fat. This means that while it adds a nutritional benefit, it should be consumed in moderation. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you may want to ask for less powder.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is generally considered healthy in small amounts. It contains antioxidants and has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health. However, eating too much garlic powder could lead to digestive discomfort.
Salt: The seasoning does contain salt, which can contribute to high blood pressure if consumed in excess. Again, moderation is key, especially for those with specific dietary restrictions.
Overall Impact: The amount of powder used on a pizza is typically small, so the health impact isn’t significant for most people. However, if you are concerned about sodium or fat intake, it’s a good idea to request less or skip the seasoning altogether.
How Do Other Pizzerias Compare?
While Domino’s is known for its parmesan seasoning, other pizzerias may use different toppings or seasonings on their crusts. Here’s how Domino’s compares with others in terms of crust seasoning:
Pizza Hut: Pizza Hut also offers a variety of crusts, including a “Garlic Buttery Crust” option. This crust is brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with a mixture of garlic and herbs, similar to Domino’s seasoning but with a buttery twist. It’s rich and indulgent, giving a different flavor experience.
Papa John’s: Papa John’s is famous for its “Papa John’s Special Seasoning,” which is a blend of garlic powder and other spices. It’s sprinkled on the pizza after baking, similar to Domino’s, but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Local Pizzerias: Many independent pizzerias have their own secret recipes for crust seasoning. Some may use garlic butter, while others may add unique blends of herbs, cheese, or even a drizzle of olive oil. The specific combination of seasonings can vary widely depending on the pizza place and their style.
While each pizzeria adds its own flair to the crust, Domino’s stands out for its consistent and simple approach. The use of parmesan, garlic, and herbs creates a familiar, comforting flavor that appeals to a broad range of customers.
How Can I Make It at Home?
If you love the seasoning on Domino’s pizza and want to recreate it at home, here’s a simple way to do it. You can easily make a similar powder at home using common ingredients.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients.
Store the mixture in an airtight container for up to a few weeks.
When making homemade pizza, sprinkle the seasoning on the crust just before or after baking.
This homemade version is customizable, so feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences. You can even experiment with adding other herbs or spices to create your own signature seasoning mix.
Conclusion
The powder on Domino’s pizza is a simple yet effective way to enhance the flavor of the pizza crust. Made from a blend of parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs, and salt, it adds depth and a savory punch to every bite. Whether you’re a fan of the classic crust seasoning or looking to recreate it at home, understanding the ingredients and purpose behind it makes the pizza experience even more enjoyable. Next time you order a Domino’s pizza, you’ll know exactly what that powder is and how it contributes to the overall flavor profile.
Related topics:
