Hello, pizza connoisseurs and casual crust-crunchers alike! As a seasoned pizza master, I’m thrilled to share my insights and passion with all of you. It’s our shared love for this culinary marvel that truly brings us together.
Today, we’ll delve into an engaging debate that tantalizes taste buds and stirs conversations in every gourmet corner of the globe: the comparison between Domino’s Brooklyn Style and Hand Tossed Pizza. Both styles have carved a niche in the hearts (and stomachs) worldwide, but what truly differentiates them? Let’s slice into this delicious topic and find out.
An Introduction to Domino’s Styles
For those unfamiliar with Domino’s menu, it’s worth noting that Domino’s offers a variety of pizza crust options: the classic Hand Tossed, Brooklyn Style, Crunchy Thin Crust, Gluten Free Crust, and Handmade Pan. Each offers a unique experience, but today we’re focusing on the Brooklyn Style and the Hand Tossed.
What Is Brooklyn Style?
Brooklyn Style pizza is a tribute to what’s known as the New York style pizza, a style that’s associated with thin, flexible slices that you can fold and eat on the go. Named after the New York City borough of Brooklyn, Domino’s version captures this essence.
In terms of the crust, Brooklyn Style is thinner and stretchier than most of Domino’s offerings. The pizza has a noticeable cornmeal-dusted crust, which makes for a unique, slightly gritty texture. The pie slices are cut larger, which allows for the classic New York ‘fold and eat’ approach.
The toppings? In true Brooklyn fashion, Domino’s goes heavy. You can expect a generous amount of your chosen toppings, typically more than what you would get on a Hand Tossed pizza of the same size.
What Is Hand Tossed Pizza?
Hand Tossed is what comes to mind when you think of traditional pizza. It’s an all-around pleaser with a thickness that’s just right: not too thick, not too thin.
The Hand Tossed crust at Domino’s is characterized by a soft, doughy interior and a slightly crispy exterior. This is due to the high-gluten flour and the baking process. The pizza is shaped by hand (hence the name), giving it a unique, rustic look.
Unlike the Brooklyn Style, Hand Tossed pizzas have a more uniform distribution of toppings. They also have a thicker edge or ‘pizza bone,’ which many people love.
A Comparative Analysis
Now that we have an understanding of both pizzas, let’s dive into a detailed comparison.
Texture
The Brooklyn Style crust, thanks to its thinness and cornmeal dusting, offers a particular texture – slightly crisp but mostly soft and foldable. The large slices make for a fun and informal eating experience, but the thin base may not hold up if you opt for numerous heavy toppings.
Hand Tossed, on the other hand, presents a sturdier base that holds toppings well. It’s slightly thicker, with a doughy interior and a crisp exterior, perfect for those who like a bit of crunch.
Toppings
Domino’s is more generous with toppings on the Brooklyn Style pizza, and it typically has a lighter spread of tomato sauce. However, due to the thinness of the crust, there’s a limit to how many toppings it can handle before it becomes difficult to eat.
The Hand Tossed pizza, with its more robust base, is better equipped to handle an abundance of toppings. The sauce and cheese distribution is more uniform, giving a balanced flavor in every bite.
Size and Servings
Domino’s offers Brooklyn Style pizza in large sizes only. This makes it a great choice for sharing but perhaps not the best option if you’re dining alone.
The Hand Tossed pizza comes in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. This flexibility makes it more adaptable to various dining situations, whether it’s a party or a solo pizza night.
When comparing Domino’s Brooklyn Style and Hand Tossed Pizza, it’s essential to understand the dimensions and size of a 10-inch pizza to make an informed decision about your perfect slice.
The Verdict: Is There a Clear Winner?
While I’ve provided a detailed comparison between Domino’s Brooklyn Style and Hand Tossed pizza, the question remains: which is superior? Well, as a chef and a self-proclaimed pizza master, I have to say: it’s subjective! The “best” pizza style truly depends on your individual palate and preferences.
Some may prefer the light, thin, and generously topped Brooklyn Style, while others might opt for the classic, well-rounded Hand Tossed pizza.
Health Considerations
From a health perspective, the Brooklyn Style pizza, due to its thinner crust, can have slightly fewer calories, but this can quickly change depending on the quantity and type of toppings you select.
On the other hand, the Hand Tossed pizza, although possibly higher in calories, offers a more balanced distribution of ingredients. It’s also available in smaller sizes, which can aid in portion control if you’re watching your caloric intake.
Hosting a Pizza Party?
If you’re throwing a pizza party, consider the tastes of your guests. A variety of Hand Tossed and Brooklyn Style pies could cater to everyone’s preferences and make for an interesting taste comparison. After all, variety is the spice of life!
A Culinary Adventure
Why not take this opportunity to branch out and try a different pizza style? If you’re a staunch Hand Tossed pizza fan, give the Brooklyn Style a whirl and vice versa. Culinary adventures can lead to amazing discoveries, and who knows? You may find a new favorite!
A Closer Look at Ingredients and Flavors
While we’ve covered the texture, toppings, and overall characteristics of the Brooklyn Style and Hand Tossed pies, we haven’t touched upon the ingredients and flavors involved in making these scrumptious treats. Let’s rectify that!
The Crust — A Balance of Flavor and Texture
The Brooklyn Style crust’s ingredients include high-gluten flour, yeast, a touch of sugar, salt, and water. This, combined with the thin spreading of the dough, leads to a distinctive taste and texture. The cornmeal dusted on the bottom adds a unique gritty texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
Hand Tossed pizza, on the other hand, is made from a dough that typically includes bread flour, yeast, a pinch of sugar, salt, water, and sometimes olive oil, which adds to the crust’s richness. As a result, the crust is denser and has a doughier flavor and texture.
The Sauce — A Symphony of Tomatoes and Herbs
Domino’s uses a tomato sauce that boasts a balanced blend of sweet, sour, and savory. The sauce for both Brooklyn Style and Hand Tossed is robust, infused with a blend of garlic, salt, and spices. However, the Brooklyn Style usually has a lighter spread of sauce, allowing the flavors of the toppings to shine. In contrast, the Hand Tossed pizza often features a more generous sauce spread, contributing more to the overall flavor profile.
Cheese and Toppings — Where Creativity Shines
The cheese on both pizza styles is a blend of mozzarella and provolone, which offers a gooey, stretchy, and richly satisfying experience.
As for toppings, Domino’s provides a broad range to choose from, allowing you to customize your pie to your heart’s content. The Brooklyn Style pie is typically more liberally topped but remember, the thin crust may not support a lot of heavy toppings. The Hand Tossed pizza, with its sturdier base, can better handle a variety of toppings without getting soggy or floppy.
Final Words
Both Brooklyn Style and Hand Tossed pizzas have their merits. Brooklyn Style offers a unique, casual dining experience with a thin, foldable crust and generous toppings. Hand Tossed delivers a more traditional pizza experience, with a thicker, sturdy crust that stands up well to multiple toppings.
The choice between Brooklyn Style and Hand Tossed ultimately boils down to personal preference. Are you a thin-crust lover who enjoys large, foldable slices, or do you prefer a thicker, sturdier crust with a balanced flavor profile? Either way, Domino’s has got you covered.