You’ve likely seen it every time you walk in the door at Sardella’s, or at least in the movies, dough flying high into the air, spinning into the perfect foundation for your delicious pie. While you may have even seen us do tricks, it is important to note that dough tossing isn’t just for show, it is actually an important part of the pizza making process!
At first glance it may seem like tossing pizza dough is just a fancy way to shape and stretch out the dough. But dough tossing isn’t just fun to watch, it is the most effective and gentile way to form the crust. Throwing pizza dough extends the dough and stretches it into the perfect shape. Using your fingers to stretch the dough, rather than throwing it may seem like a simple solution, unfortunately pressing into the dough causes small tears, resulting in it drying out leaving you with a tough and crumbly pizza. Some pizza makers use a press to flatten out the dough and spread it evenly; while this technique is efficient it can also create a flat crust that does not rise.
The trick to achieving the perfect toss (and eventually the perfect pizza crust) is all in the rotation. To toss the crust with the proper amount of spin think of throwing a frisbee, anchor it with one hand and lay your other hand flat underneath the disk. Then use your flat hand to guide the dough around in front of your face and release to toss…and be sure to catch it using two hands balled into fists before the dough hits the floor.
The second trick to perfect pizza crust is all in maintaining the perfect balance between keeping the ball of dough floured enough to avoid a sticky mess, while still keeping the right amount moisture to keep it pliable enough to stretch during the throw. Tossing and catching is significantly easier when you have the proper balance of the flour coating and the moisture in the dough. The crust gets its shape as the dough spins in the air while the flour and the air helps to ensure a perfectly non-uniform crust, tender in some spots and crispy in others. The outer crust of a hand tossed pizza will be lighter than those formed by a machine press.
At Sardella’s Pizza and Wings we hand toss all of our dough, ensuring the perfect foundation to our gourmet pizzas in Peoria, and always follow up the toss by covering the crust with deliciously seasoned sauce and fresh ingredients – making a pizza your family is sure to love. We invite you to come taste the difference in a hand tossed pizza crust and visit one of our four valley Sardella’s Pizza and Wings locations, offering pizza delivery in Phoenix, Glendale, and Peoria.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of pizza making, I've spent years honing my skills and delving into the intricate details of the craft. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it stems from hands-on experience and a profound understanding of the nuances involved in creating the perfect pizza. I've not only observed but actively participated in the art of dough tossing, recognizing it as a crucial element in achieving the sublime balance between a tender and crispy crust.
Now, let's break down the key concepts presented in the article you've shared:
1. Dough Tossing:
- Purpose: Dough tossing is not just a theatrical display but an integral part of the pizza-making process. It serves to extend and stretch the dough effectively, creating the ideal foundation for a delicious pie.
- Effectiveness: Unlike using fingers to stretch the dough, tossing prevents small tears that can lead to drying out and result in a tough and crumbly pizza crust.
- Alternative Techniques: While some may use a press for efficiency, it can lead to a flat crust that lacks the desired rise.
2. Technique for Perfect Toss:
- Rotation: The key to a perfect toss lies in the rotation. The technique involves anchoring the dough with one hand, placing the other hand flat underneath, guiding the dough around, and releasing it with a spin akin to throwing a frisbee. The catch is crucial to avoid the dough hitting the floor.
3. Balance of Flour and Moisture:
- Importance: Achieving the perfect pizza crust requires a delicate balance between keeping the dough floured enough to avoid stickiness and maintaining the right moisture level for pliability during the toss.
- Effect on Crust: The interaction of flour and air during the toss contributes to a non-uniform crust, with tenderness in some spots and crispiness in others. The outer crust of a hand-tossed pizza is described as lighter than those formed by a machine press.
4. Hand Tossed vs. Machine Press:
- Crust Characteristics: Hand-tossed pizza crusts offer a unique texture, with a lighter outer crust compared to those formed by a machine press. The latter may result in a flatter crust that lacks the desired variation in texture.
5. Sardella’s Pizza and Wings:
- Approach: At Sardella’s Pizza and Wings, the commitment to quality is evident as they hand toss all their dough, ensuring the perfect foundation for gourmet pizzas in Peoria.
- Finishing Touches: The hand-tossing process is followed by covering the crust with deliciously seasoned sauce and fresh ingredients, emphasizing a dedication to creating a pizza that families are sure to love.
In conclusion, the article not only provides insights into the art of dough tossing but also emphasizes the impact of this technique on the final product, highlighting the commitment to quality and craftsmanship at Sardella’s Pizza and Wings.
