Brooklyn-style pizza vs hand-tossed: the debate between these two Neapolitan-influenced styles of pizza has raged for years.
Brooklyn-style pies are characterized by their extra thin and crisp charred crusts that fold but do not break, while hand-tossed pizzas are crafted by stretching and tossing the dough by hand, giving them an airy and chewy texture .
The thicker crust of hand-tossed pizza provides a sturdy base for holding heavier toppings. These differences in crust thickness, texture, and flavor profile help define the Brooklyn-style pizza vs hand-tossed pizza debate that divides pizza lovers.
An analysis of key attributes like char, crunch, chew, and the balance of crust and toppings reveals the factors fueling each side of this slice of pizza passion.
What Is A Brooklyn Style Pizza?
The Brooklyn style pizza pays homage to the famed pies of New York City. In particular, it takes inspiration from those originating in the borough of Brooklyn. Domino’s version aims to capture the essence of this New York slice.
Rather than a thick, hefty crust, the Brooklyn boasts a thinner, stretchier base. It shares qualities with the classic NYC pizza – the kind that can be easily folded in half for convenient on-the-go eating. Adding to its distinct texture is a light dusting of cornmeal on the outside of the crust.
True to its name, the toppings dominate on a Brooklyn. Expect a generously loaded pie that allows each bite to be filled with flavor. The topping ratio will far surpass that of a hand-tossed pizza of similar size.
Some key characteristics that define Brooklyn style include the larger cut slices, suitable for folding. As well, the noticeable but not overpowering cornmeal sprinkled around the edge gives each bite a unique crunch. Above all, it strives to mimic the proud Pizza traditions of New York City within a convenient take-out package.
What Is A Hand Tossed Pizza?
The hand tossed pizza is one of the most classic and familiar styles of pizza crust. It evokes thoughts of traditional, authentic Neapolitan cooking. A hand tossed crust is simple yet pleasing, with a thickness that strikes the perfect balance.
This style involves dough being formed completely by hand rather than machines. A pizzaiolo will gently stretch and toss the ball of dough, shaping it into a rounded form. Because it is not perfectly smooth or consistent, each hand tossed pie will have a one-of-a-kind, rustic appearance.
The signature characteristic is a thin yet sturdy crust that can support toppings without sagging or becoming soggy. The crust is lightly crisp on the outside and soft and chewy within. Its texture comes from high-gluten flour and baking at high heat.
An even distribution of toppings is typical as the thinner crust prevents them from sinking. The outer edge or “pizza bone” is thicker for those who prefer a heartier bite.
Requiring artisan skill to shape just right, the hand tossed pie perfectly captures the appeal of wood-fired, traditional Neapolitan recipes. Its versatility has made it a favored choice for pizza enthusiasts everywhere as the classic crust texture.
What Is Different Between Brooklyn Style vs Hand Tossed Pizza?
Texture: The Brooklyn Style crust has a light crispness along with a soft, foldable quality thanks to its thinness and cornmeal dusting. Although tasty, the thin foundation might not support heavy toppings. The Hand Tossed has a heartier, slightly thicker doughy base that still manages to have a crisp exterior and soft interior. This thicker crust may support a variety of toppings.
Toppings: Domino’s is more generous with toppings on the Brooklyn Style and spreads the sauce lighter. However, there is a limit to how many the thin crust can hold before becoming difficult to eat. The Hand Tossed, with its robust base, excels at evenly distributing abundant mix-ins throughout for balanced flavor.
Size and Servings: The Brooklyn Style comes only in large sizes intended for sharing. Ideal for group gatherings, the Hand Tossed pizza is perfect for parties but might not be the best choice for individuals dining alone. This pizza style comes in various sizes, ranging from small to extra-large, providing adaptability for any dining scenario, whether it’s a solitary meal or a shared experience with friends and family.
In conclusion, the Brooklyn Style shines for its foldable crust and large sharing size but may falter with heavy toppings. The Hand Tossed provides a heartier base that can gracefully carry lots of mix-ins in any serving size.Deciding between the two styles depends on personal taste in toppings and serving requirements. Recognizing the unique characteristics of each is crucial for picking the perfect slice.
| Brooklyn Style | Hand Tossed |
|---|---|
| Thinner, stretchier crust | Thicker, softer crust |
| Light dusting of cornmeal on crust | No cornmeal |
| Larger slice sizes | Smaller, more uniform slices |
| Generous toppings | Evenly distributed toppings |
| More toppings than Hand Tossed of same size | Less toppings than Brooklyn of same size |
| Inspired by NYC pizza | Inspired by Neapolitan pizza |
| Suitable for folding | Typically not folded |
| Distinct gritty texture from cornmeal | Smooth texture without cornmeal |
| Captures essence of take-out NY slice | More of a traditional pizza style |
| Thinner crust can get soggy with more toppings | Thicker crust holds shape with toppings |
In summary, Brooklyn Style pays homage to classic New York slices with its thin yet popular foldable crust and abundant toppings. Hand Tossed takes after Neapolitan with a softer, thicker profile suited to an evenly balanced pie.
Table of Comparison: Brooklyn Style Pizza vs Hand Tossed
Here is a table comparing the nutrition information for Domino’s Pizza’s Brooklyn Style and Hand-Tossed crusts:
| Nutrient | Brooklyn Style (Per Slice) | Hand-Tossed (Per Slice) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280 | 210 |
| Total Fat (g) | 11 | 9 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Trans Fat (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 25 | 20 |
| Sodium (mg) | 570 | 460 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 34 | 28 |
| Fiber (g) | 1 | 1 |
| Sugars (g) | 1 | 2 |
| Protein (g) | 10 | 9 |
Please note that these values are based on Domino’s standard recipes and may vary depending on the toppings and other ingredients added to the pizza.
Brooklyn Style vs Domino’s Hand Tossed Pizza: Which Is Better?
The Brooklyn Style and Hand Tossed pizzas from Domino’s are both well-liked options, but they differ significantly in terms of flavors and textures.
The crust is thinner and stretchier on the Brooklyn Style compared to the thicker Hand Tossed variety. This lends it a crunchier quality both inside and out. Hand tossed gets its name from its dough being tossed in the air before baking, leading to a softer, chewier profile.
In terms of toppings, the Hand Tossed gets a seasoning of garlic once baked. This garlic flavor enhances its cheese taste. The Brooklyn Style relies on regular cheese only, giving it more of a pepperoni forward savoriness. It also contains provolone for added crisp.
With more cheese used than pepperoni, the Hand Tossed offers arguably bigger flavor. However, it is also higher in calories. The Brooklyn Style takes a more restrained cheese approach.
The Brooklyn Style interior is soft and airy despite the exterior’s crispness and thinness. Each mouthful of this combines the best aspects of the two textures. Hand Tossed has a propensity for having a consistently fuller, bouncy consistency.
In the end, personal preference will dictate which suits your taste best between these two longtime Domino’s classics. Their preparation methods yield clear taste and feel differences.
Which Is Healthier? Brooklyn Style Pizza vs Hand Tossed
Both the Brooklyn Style and Hand Tossed pizzas can fit into a healthy diet, but there are some factors that make one slightly healthier than the other. On the surface, the Brooklyn Style seems healthier due to its thinner crust containing fewer calories. However, loading up on high-calorie toppings can negate this.
With a larger crust and higher levels of calories, fat, sodium, and salt, the Hand Tossed pizza presents a more evenly distributed nutritional profile across its smaller slices. This makes it easier to regulate portions for those who are keeping an eye on their calorie intake. Moreover, the Hand Tossed also offers smaller size options, which are not available for the Brooklyn Style.
The Hand Tossed actually has less cheese and consequently less calories, despite the Brooklyn Style’s thinner crust giving the impression that it could be healthier. The Brooklyn Style’s purported health benefit is completely dependent on crust size.
But when considering total caloric and sodium intake from crust and toppings, the Hand Tossed’s smaller slice sizes and balanced toppings make it the slight healthier option between the two. Of course, either can fit into a healthy diet when moderation and portion control are practiced.
How Much Does Domino’s Brooklyn Style and Hand Tossed Cost?
Domino’s offers customers two crust options that are comparable to Brooklyn style and hand tossed – the Traditional Handmade pan pizza and Crunchy Thin Crust pizza.
Pizza with a thicker crust often cost more than those with a thin crust, however costs might vary between locations. The Traditional Handmade pan pizza, which has a heartier hand-tossed-like thickness, costs $10.99 at Domino’s for a medium size.
Meanwhile, the medium Crunchy Thin Crust pizza, which more closely resembles the lightness of a Brooklyn pie, is priced at $7.99. This makes sense considering the thin crust uses less dough material.
Customers can expect to pay in the ballpark of $10-11 for a medium hand tossed-equivalent pie and approximately $8 for a thinner Brooklyn style analogue. However, it’s best to check individual local Domino’s for precise menu and price details that may fluctuate slightly between franchise locations.
When Is It Best to Order Either a Domino’s Brooklyn Style or a Hand Tossed?
When looking to order Domino’s pizza, two of the most popular crust styles are Brooklyn Style and Hand Tossed. Both offer their own advantages depending on your preferences.
In general, a Brooklyn Style crust tends to be thinner and crispier than Hand Tossed. If you enjoy a thin crust pizza that bakes up light and crispy, the Brooklyn Style may be the better option. The thinner crust also allows the toppings and sauce to shine through more.
Meanwhile, a Hand Tossed crust tends to be thicker and softer compared to Brooklyn Style. The extra dough helps create pockets that catch and contain more of the toppings and sauce. This style is a great choice if you want a pizza with a more generous amount of substance and heartiness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to the nutrition of Domino’s Pizza, there is little difference between their Brooklyn Style and Hand-Tossed crusts. Both crusts contain similar amounts of calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, and protein per slice. However, it’s important to note that the nutritional content of a pizza can vary depending on the toppings and other ingredients added to it. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the nutrition information for specific menu items before ordering.
Overall, in this article, we compared the nutrition of Domino’s Pizza’s Brooklyn Style and Hand-Tossed crusts, and found that there is little difference between the two. Whether you prefer the thin and crispy Brooklyn Style or the traditional Hand-Tossed crust, you can enjoy your pizza without worrying too much about the nutritional impact.
FAQs
What is Brooklyn style pizza?
Brooklyn style pizza is a type of pizza that is cooked at high temperatures for a short period, resulting in a thin and crispy crust. The pizza is cut into large slices and is often sold by the slice.
How is Brooklyn style pizza different from hand-tossed pizza?
Brooklyn style pizza is thinner and crispier than hand-tossed pizza, which has a thicker and chewier crust. Brooklyn style pizza is also often sold by the slice, while hand-tossed pizza is typically sold as a whole pie.
What are the origins of Brooklyn style pizza?
Brooklyn style pizza is said to have originated in Brooklyn, New York, where many Italian immigrants settled in the early 20th century. The style was developed to meet the needs of the working-class population and has since become popular across the United States.
What are some popular toppings for Brooklyn style pizza?
Some popular toppings for Brooklyn style pizza include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives. Some pizzerias also offer unique toppings like artichoke hearts or prosciutto.
How is Brooklyn style pizza cooked?
Brooklyn style pizza is cooked in a high-temperature oven for a short period, usually around 500-550 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes. The high heat creates a crispy crust while still keeping the toppings and cheese melted and gooey.
What is the difference between New York style pizza and Brooklyn style pizza?
New York style pizza is typically larger and has a thinner crust than Brooklyn style pizza. New York style pizza is also often sold by the slice and has a larger variety of toppings available.
What type of cheese is used on Brooklyn style pizza?
Brooklyn style pizza traditionally uses low-moisture mozzarella cheese, which helps to create a crispy crust and allows the toppings to shine.
Can you make Brooklyn style pizza at home?
Yes, you can make Brooklyn style pizza at home by using a high-temperature oven and a thin, crispy crust. You can also experiment with different toppings to create your own unique flavor.
What is the best way to reheat Brooklyn style pizza?
The best way to reheat Brooklyn style pizza is to heat it in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. This will help to keep the crust crispy and the toppings melted.
Where can I find the best Brooklyn style pizza?
The best Brooklyn style pizza can be found in many pizzerias across the United States. Some famous pizzerias include Di Fara Pizza, Grimaldi’s, and Lucali’s, all located in Brooklyn, New York. However, every region has their local version of Brooklyn-style pizza, so it’s worth trying the local pizzeria first.
Since a young age, my love for pizza has only grown stronger. As a writer, I am dedicated my career to exploring the art behind a perfect pie. From the crisp crunch of the crust to the perfect blend of savory sauce and gooey cheese, I dedicated to captures the essence of what makes pizza so beloved. With each article, I hopes to inspire others to share in my passion for this timeless dish.