Pan pizza vs deep dish? | The differences and how to make

No food lover can deny that pizza is one of the most beloved dishes around the world. Depending on which part of the world you visit, there will be an endless variety of recipes and toppings to satisfy your craving. But when it comes down to comparing two traditional types, pan pizza and deep dish are at the top of the list in terms of favorites. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what sets these two types apart from each other, including their ingredients, cooking methods, characteristics and more – so keep reading if you want to find out everything about pan pizza vs deep dish.

What is pan pizza?

Pan pizza is a classic style of pizza that originated in the United States and has since spread across the globe. It is characterized by its crispy and crunchy crust, which is achieved by cooking the pizza in a shallow, wide pan. This type of pizza is also often called “thin-crust pizza” because the crust is typically thinner than that of other pizza types like deep dish.

History of pan pizza

The history of pan pizza can be traced back to the early 1940s, when it was first introduced by a Chicago-based restaurant named Uno’s Pizzeria. The owner, Ike Sewell, wanted to create a pizza that would be unique to his restaurant and instantly recognizable. Thus, he came up with the idea of using a deep, circular pan to bake a pizza with a thick, doughy crust that would be loaded with toppings.

Despite its initial success, pan pizza took some time to gain popularity outside of Chicago. However, by the 1960s, the dish had made its way to other cities across the United States, and it continues to be a favorite style of pizza for many Americans and pizza lovers around the world.

One of the reasons for pan pizza’s popularity is its versatility. The combination of a thin, crispy crust and an abundance of toppings means that pan pizza can be customized to suit a wide range of tastes. Additionally, the use of a pan ensures that the crust is evenly cooked and has a satisfying crunch.

Another factor that has contributed to the success of pan pizza is its affordability. Since the crust is typically thin and the toppings are spread out, pan pizza is often less expensive compared to other pizza styles, making it accessible to a wider audience.

What is deep dish?

Deep dish is a type of pizza that originated in Chicago, Illinois, in the United States. Unlike pan pizza, which has a thin crust, deep dish pizza has a thick crust that is more similar to a pie crust than traditional pizza crusts. The crust is also layered with cheese and toppings, resulting in a hearty, filling pizza that is often eaten with a knife and fork.

History of deep dish

The history of deep dish pizza can be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s in Chicago, during a time when traditional thin-crust pizzas dominated the scene. A restauranteur named Ike Sewell had a vision for a new type of pizza, one that would offer a unique eating experience and stand out from the rest.

Sewell and his partner, Ric Riccardo, began experimenting with a deep-dish pizza recipe, using a heavy, high-sided pan to create a thick crust that could hold a generous amount of toppings. The recipe they ultimately developed consisted of a layer of dough, followed by a layer of cheese and toppings, and then another layer of dough on top. Initially called the “Pizza Pie,” the dish quickly gained popularity among patrons of Sewell’s restaurant, Pizzeria Uno.

As with pan pizza, deep dish took some time to catch on outside of Chicago. However, by the 1970s, the dish had become a beloved staple of Chicago cuisine and a popular tourist attraction.

Importance of comparing pan pizza vs deep dish

The importance of comparing pan pizza vs deep dish is evident in the fact that both types are highly popular and beloved by pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Understanding the differences between these two styles of pizza allows for appreciation of their unique characteristics, cooking methods, and ingredients.

Comparing pan pizza vs deep dish also allows for more informed choices when ordering pizza or when preparing it at home. The differences in ingredients, cooking times, and methods may affect taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

Pan pizza vs deep dish

When it comes to pizza, two types that often come to mind are pan pizza and deep dish. While both are delicious and beloved around the world, they have distinct differences that set them apart from one another.

Pan pizza is characterized by its thin and crispy crust, achieved by cooking it in a shallow and wide pan. This style of pizza originated in the United States and gained popularity thanks to its versatility, affordability, and abundance of toppings. Pan pizza’s affordability makes it accessible to a wider audience, and the use of a pan ensures that the crust is evenly cooked with a satisfying crunch.

On the other hand, deep dish pizza has a thick crust that is more similar to a pie crust than traditional pizza crusts. Unlike pan pizza, the crust is layered with cheese and toppings, resulting in a filling pizza that is often eaten with a knife and fork. Deep dish pizza originated in Chicago, Illinois, during a time when thin-crust pizzas dominated the scene. The use of a heavy, high-sided pan to create a thick crust that could hold a generous amount of toppings was key in its development.

Pan pizza vs deep dish: which pizza is best?

When it comes to comparing pan pizza vs deep dish, the question of which pizza is best is highly subjective and deeply personal. Pizza lovers around the world may have different preferences based on their lifestyles, dietary needs, and taste buds. However, understanding the differences between these two classic styles can help individuals make an informed choice based on their unique preferences.

The choice between pan pizza vs deep dish comes down to personal taste and individual preferences. While pan pizza is known for its affordability and versatility, deep dish offers a hearty and filling eating experience. Regardless of your choice, both styles of pizza are delicious and loved by many pizza enthusiasts around the world.

How to make deep dish at home?

If you’re a fan of deep dish pizza and want to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home, the good news is that it’s possible to make it yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make deep dish pizza at home:

Ingredients

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon of white sugar

• 1/4 ounce dry active yeast

• 1/4 cup of olive oil

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1 cup of warm water

• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup of pizza sauce

• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, add in flour, sugar, yeast, olive oil, salt, and warm water. Mix all the ingredients together until a soft dough is formed.

3. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead it for about 5-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a circle large enough to fit inside a 9-inch deep dish pan. Make sure to press the dough up the sides of the pan so that it forms a deep dish crust.

5. Spread the pizza sauce on top of the crust, making sure to spread it evenly.

6. Add in the shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure to cover the entire pizza.

7. Add any additional toppings that you desire. Keep in mind that deep dish pizzas tend to have fewer toppings than other types of pizza to avoid overloading the pizza.

8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pizza.

9. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake it for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

10. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into pieces.

With the right ingredients and technique, making a deep dish pizza at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality pizza in the comfort of your own home. Plus, you can customize it to your liking and add your favorite toppings to make it truly your own.

Read on to learn more: how much dough for a 12 inch pizza

Best homemade pan pizza recipes

If you’re looking to make homemade pizza, pan pizza is a classic and delicious option. Here are some of the best homemade pan pizza recipes that you can try.

1. Classic Pan Pizza: To make this pizza, you’ll need all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil, warm water, and your favorite pizza toppings. The dough is easy to make, and the pizza is customizable to your preferences.

2. Margherita Pan Pizza: If you’re a fan of simple and classic flavors, this Margherita pizza is perfect for you. The pizza only uses a few ingredients like fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil, but the results are incredibly tasty.

3. BBQ Chicken Pan Pizza: For those who love a bit of sweetness and tanginess on their pizza, this BBQ chicken pan pizza is a great option. The pizza is topped with BBQ sauce, chicken, red onions, and cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

4. Pepperoni Pan Pizza: Pepperoni pizza is always a crowd-pleaser, and making it at home is as easy as making the classic pan pizza recipe and adding your desired amount of pepperoni slices.

5. Veggie Pan Pizza: If you’re a vegetarian or simply want to add more veggies to your diet, this veggie pan pizza is a great option. You can use any vegetables you like, but some popular options include green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives.

Is deep dish and homemade pan pizza the same thing?

No, deep dish and homemade pan pizza are not the same thing. While both are types of pizza, they have distinct differences in their crust, toppings, and cooking methods.

Deep dish pizza is characterized by its thick and buttery crust, layered with cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. The crust is more similar to a pie crust than traditional pizza crusts, and the pizza is often eaten with a knife and fork. On the other hand, homemade pan pizza has a thin and crispy crust, achieved by cooking it in a shallow and wide pan, with an abundance of toppings spread on top.

The cooking methods for these two types of pizza are also different. Deep dish pizza is typically baked in a high-sided, heavy pan, while pan pizza is cooked on a baking sheet or shallow pan. Additionally, deep dish pizza requires more time in the oven to ensure that the crust is fully cooked and the ingredients are heated through.

In terms of flavor, deep dish and homemade pan pizza also have different profiles. Deep dish pizza tends to be richer and more filling due to its thick crust and layering of ingredients. On the other hand, pan pizza has a lighter and crispier texture, with the focus on a combination of toppings.

Overall, while both deep dish and homemade pan pizza are delicious and beloved, they have distinct differences in their crust, toppings, cooking methods, and flavor profile.

Conclusion: pan pizza vs deep dish

In conclusion, the debate between pan pizza vs deep dish is a topic that has sparked many discussions among pizza lovers. Pan pizza, with its thin and crispy crust and abundance of toppings, is affordable, versatile, and accessible to a wider audience. On the other hand, deep dish, with its hearty, filling eating experience, is characterized by its thick crust and layers of cheese and toppings. While both styles have their own unique characteristics and fan base, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Understanding the differences between pan pizza vs deep dish can help inform choices when ordering pizza or making it at home.

FAQ: pan pizza and deep dish

Is original pan the same as deep-dish pizza Hut?

Pizza Hut’s Original Pan pizza – commonly referred to as deep-dish or Chicago-style pizza – features a thick, crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. This sets it apart from Pizza Hut’s Hand Tossed pizza, which boasts a thinner crust and a more pronounced crunch.

Is pan pizza thick or thin?

Pan pizza boasts a thick, chewy crust, while hand-tossed pizzas have a thinner one. Hand-tossing the dough eliminates air bubbles, so its crust doesn’t rise as much as the pan pizza’s.

Is Dominos pan pizza like deep-dish?

Try our Handmade Pan pizza from Dominos! Made with a special crust and perfectly sized for sharing, it’s the perfect choice for satisfying your craving.

Why does deep-dish pizza taste different?

This indulgent slice is bursting with flavor, thanks to the unique cooking method. Unlike traditional pizzas, the dough in a Chicago-style deep-dish is expertly pressed and pushed to the sides of the pan, creating an unforgettable crispy crust. Plus, the rich seasonings left behind in the oven pan infuse the pizza with even more deliciousness.

Why is deep-dish pizza so thick?

The magic behind the iconic Chicago-style pizza lies in its baking process. A steel pan is used to bake the pizza, with the dough pressed up onto the sides of the pan, creating a perfect basin for a rich layer of cheese and tempting fillings.

Is pan pizza crunchy?

Unlike its hand-tossed counterpart, the crust is fried in oil in the oven to achieve a crisp and golden texture. Satisfy your craving for the ultimate crispy pizza experience with a delicious slice of pan pizza.

Why does pan pizza taste so good?

Butter and Provolone Cheese Layers. Unlike traditional hand-tossed crusts, which feature cornmeal instead of butter, Pan Pizza takes flavor to the next level.

Is deep dish pizza greasy?

Be prepared to wait a little longer than your average pizza, as our Chicago-style creation takes approximately 40 minutes in the oven, depending on size and ingredients. But don’t worry, this time allows any excess oil to fall off resulting in a deliciously rich pie that doesn’t leave you feeling greasy.

Is deep dish pizza healthier?

The answer is no. A single slice of Domino’s America’s Favorite deep dish (topped with pepperoni, mushroom, and sausage) contains a whopping 400 calories, while the same toppings on a thin crust slice amounts to 280 calories.

Why is deep dish not pizza?