One of the perks of visiting a local pizza place is watching the kitchen staff toss the pizza dough high into the air, spin it into shape, and stretch it into perfectly rounded foundations for your favorite pizza toppings. So, it is only natural to have the urge to learn the art yourself, just like the pros. Tossing and spinning pizza dough looks a lot easier than it is, but not to worry! You can acquire the skill in no time with a little foreknowledge and a lot of practice. Aside from learning how to toss and spin pizza dough, it is important that you first get the recipe just right if you want the best results.

Continue reading for some pizza dough making tips, including instructions on how to toss pizza dough with your own two hands!

Why Tossed Dough is Better

Many pizza chains use machines to press and form their pizza dough, but the best results come from the gentle manipulation of hand tossing and spinning. Machine presses and dough sheeters are great for high-traffic operations, like fast food joints and pizza delivery chain, but they do tend to dry the dough out, which leads to a thinner, crunchier crust.

The age-old method is hand tossing, as it is the gentlest way to form pizza dough without over manipulating it or causing it to lose moisture. As a result, hand-tossed dough renders a much softer crust. Over-manipulation can cause the dough to lose moisture, have an inconsistent texture, and bake unevenly, which can all ruin your pizza before you even take it out of the oven.

Hand tossing dough is better because it…

⇢ retains more moisture in the dough.

⇢ creates an airflow that reduces stickiness and makes it easier to handle.

⇢ delivers a perfectly crispy crust that is not too soft or too crunchy.

⇢ renders a non-uniform crumb, making each crust unique.

⇢ makes a higher, lighter edge crust.

Pizza Dough Hand Tossing Guide:

➀ Use a pizza dough that contains yeast. Store bought is fine for practice sessions.

➁ Let dough come to room temperature.

➂ Prep your work area with a layer of flour. Keep a bowl of flour close by.

➃ Shape the dough into a ball. Then dust it with some flour.

➄ Using your fingers, press the dough into a rounded, 10-inch disc. Aim for a half-inch for thickness. If necessary, use a rolling pin.

➅ With one hand in a fist and the other hand with the palm facing up, drape the disc of dough over both hands. Palm up hand should be your dominant hand.

➆ Starting with the palm up hand, lift and spin the disc in the same movement. Do not toss it too high; just enough to get one full rotation in.

➇ When the dough comes down, catch it using that backs of both fists. This is the flattest surface area your hands can create.

➈ Continue tossing, spinning, and catching until your disc of dough is around 12 inches or so!

Not really in the mood to make your own pizza, but craving it right now? Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to place a carryout order, or make a reservation at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! Our delicious pizzas are made-to-order, and come in 2 sizes!

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