It is not hard to see why pizza has remained one of the most popular dishes in the world.
From its customizable toppings to delicious crust types and classic flavors, pizza can be enjoyed by any taste bud and preferences.
Whether you are looking for low-calorie pizzas, vegan, or cauliflower crust, there is always an option for all dietary preferences.
Although the toppings shape the pizza experience, the crust can change the pizza’s overall flavor and texture.
When buying a pizza, the first thing you need to choose is the pizza’s crust.
After selecting your crust, you can choose the pizza style, add more toppings and cheese, and customize many more additional options.
With different types of crusts to choose from, it can be a tough call on which crust is the most suitable for your order.
If you do not know a thing or two about crusts, this article can help you learn more about the different crust types and what makes them unique.
The article covers 10 common types of pizza crust, from traditional hand tossed to crispy thin and stuffed crusts.
As a bonus, the article also compares the types of pizza crust available at top pizza chains.
In summary, the 10 types of crusts are:
- Pan Crust
- Stuffed Crust
- Hand Tossed Crust
- Thin Crust
- Cauliflower Crust
- Gluten-Free Crust
- Flat Bread Crust
- Cracker Crust
- Coated Or Flavored Crust
- Original And Creative Crusts Made By Pizza Chains
Contents
- 1 1. Pan Crust
- 2 2. Stuffed Crust
- 3 3. Hand Tossed Crust
- 4 4. Thin Crust
- 5 5. Cauliflower Crust
- 6 6. Gluten-Free Crust
- 7 7. Flat Bread Crust
- 8 8. Cracker Crust
- 9 9. Coated Or Flavored Crust
- 10 10. Original And Creative Crusts Made By Pizza Chains
- 11 Types Of Pizza Crust At Top Pizza Chains
- 12 Find The Best Crust For Every Topping
1. Pan Crust
Photo: Pan Crust Pizza
Pan Crust is thick, soft, and bready compared to other crusts that are flat or crispy.
However, it can be slightly crunchy and golden since it is cooked with oil in the oven.
It features a thick crust since it is baked in a pizza cast-iron skillet.
The dough is hand-pressed while making sure it covers the entire skillet for a soft and fluffy crust.
You can try Pan Crust with Pizza Hut’s Original Pan® Crust.
Order an Original Pan® Crust in large, medium, and personal pan pizza sizes.
A personal size is $5.69, a medium crust is $13.49, and a large crust is $15.49.
Aside from Pizza Hut, you can also order Domino’s Handmade Pan Crust in medium size for $17.99.
2. Stuffed Crust
Stuffed Crust is the perfect option for something cheesy and creamy.
The crust is topped with cheese, and the edges are filled with mozzarella.
As a result, you get a melty gooey slice in every bite.
With the extra cheesy goodness, expect this pizza crust to be heavier and have more calories than others.
Pizza Hut introduced the Original Stuffed Crust® Pizza in 1995.
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Order this Pizza Hut crust in large size starting at $18.49, which costs $3 more than the other crusts.
In the past, Pizza Hut even introduced a different type of Stuffed Crust with the Seasonal Hot Dog Stuffed Crust filled with hot dogs rather than cheese.
You can also try Stuffed Crust with Papa John’s Epic Stuffed Crust, starting at $13.99.
If you like pepperoni, go for Epic Pepperoni-Stuffed Crust, a seasoned crust stuffed with pepperoni and cheese.
3. Hand Tossed Crust
Hand Tossed is usually flatter and crispier than Pan Crust.
It is considered the traditional crust featuring a thinner crust than Pan Crust.
However, it is not as thin as Thin Crust.
This crust style is made by tossing and stretching the dough by hand while making sure the air bubbles are released.
One of the best pizza chains to order a Hand Tossed Crust is Jet’s Pizza.
It is available in three sizes: small for $10.29, medium for $12.49, and large for $15.49.
You can also try Pizza Hut’s Hand Tossed Crust in large and medium pizzas.
Photo: Pizza Hut’s HAND TOSSED Pizza
Prices start at $15.49 for a large pizza and $13.49 for a medium pizza.
4. Thin Crust
Thin Crust is commonly offered in pizza chains and is usually the thinnest among other main crusts on the menu.
Its texture is crunchy, comparable to a biscuit or cracker.
It is best for those who prefer the toppings to overpower the flavor.
However, it may not be the strongest crust to hold more than two toppings at once since it easily breaks.
Moreover, its center is thinner than its edges.
On the positive side, it is the lightest crust with the lowest calorie count.
This crust is achieved by stretching and rolling out the dough as thin as possible while ensuring you do not tear it.
If you like it crispy and thin, order this crust from Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s, Jet’s Pizza, Godfather’s, and Marco’s Pizza, to name a few.
5. Cauliflower Crust
Photo: Califlower Pizza, BBQ chicken pizza, cauliflower crust
Cauliflower Crust is a healthier option for lower carbohydrates and calories.
Grated cauliflower, flour such as rice flour, seasoning, and spices are usually used to make this crust.
Some recipes may include cheese and eggs to make it.
However, it can also be made gluten-free or vegan-friendly.
Order this crust from among the top 10 pizza places with Cauliflower Crust.
For example, Marco’s Pizza offers Cauliflower Crust for small pizzas on any Specialty Pizzas.
It is also a gluten-free crust and prices start at $11.99.
Many vegan-friendly pizza chains offer Cauliflower Crust, such as Pieology, Blaze Pizza, Califlower Pizza, and MOD Pizza.
6. Gluten-Free Crust
Photo: Domino’s Gluten Free Crust
Similar to Cauliflower Crust, Gluten Free Crust is also a commonly sought crust for those with dietary preferences.
This crust avoids wheat, rye, and barley at all costs to remove gluten completely.
However, it may not be a recommended crust for those with Celiac disease since most pizza chains make gluten-free pizzas in the same kitchen as gluten-containing items.
Try this crust with Casey’s Pizza, starting at $12.99 for a small pizza.
The Gluten Free Crust at Jet’s Pizza is crispy and thin for $13.98.
You can pair your gluten-free pizza with other gluten-free food options from Domino’s Gluten Free Menu, such as gluten-free wings, loaded tots, and dipping cups.
Aside from Domino’s, Pizza Hut also has a Gluten-Free Menu to go with your Gluten Free Crust pizza.
The menu includes gluten-free salad dressings, dessert, wing sauces, dipping sauces, and drizzles.
7. Flat Bread Crust
Flat Bread Crust is generally lighter and crispier than a traditional pizza crust.
This crust’s dough is different from a typical pizza dough since it uses only flour, salt, water, and olive oil, without the need for yeast.
Basically, it is an unleavened dough that does not contain yeast, preventing it from rising and creating a crunchy crust.
It cooks faster than other types of crust and is a common crust for appetizers and small pizzas.
This crust is slightly different from Thin Crust because it is thinner and crispier, while Thin Crust is still considered thicker and chewier.
You can taste a Flat Bread Crust at Casey’s Pizza in large size only starting at $13.99.
8. Cracker Crust
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Cracker Crust is a famous pizza crust from Chicago in the Midwest, best known for its crunchy, thin, and cracker-like consistency.
The dough is stretched as thin as possible to get that crackly texture.
It will look paper-thin and becomes translucent when baked, allowing a bit of light to pass through.
Generally, it is made from lean dough containing flour, water, olive oil, active dry yeast, salt, and sugar.
It does not use eggs or lots of sweeteners.
Moreover, it helps when whole grain is used to make it a lot easier to roll and thin out.
Cooking Cracker Crust is quick, needing only about five minutes to cook in a preheated oven.
It is usually common to see a bit of scorching on the underside when cooked.
Since it is super thin and crumbly, you can expect a weaker hold on the pizza toppings.
9. Coated Or Flavored Crust
Making more variations of the basic crust types is possible with coated or flavored crust.
You can spice up the crust’s flavor by coating the crust with seasonings such as garlic or parmesan cheese.
Instead of focusing on toppings or filling the crust, you can get experimental and playful by adding flavors to the outer crust itself.
Whether you have a traditional, thin, or gluten-free crust, you can change the overall flavor by coating it with seasonings.
There’s no better place to try this crust style than Hungry Howie’s Pizza Flavored Crust®, available in eight flavors: butter, asiago cheese, cajun, butter cheese, sesame, garlic herb, ranch, and onion.
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Add these crust flavors to Hungry Howie’s Pizza’s original round, deep dish, thin crust, and gluten-free crusts.
10. Original And Creative Crusts Made By Pizza Chains
Pizza chains get creative with new and original crust styles introduced from time to time.
In case you get bored with the traditional and basic crusts, you can always look forward to innovative and unique crust styles.
For instance, Papa John’s has unique crusts worth trying, such as Crispy Parm Crust.
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It is a specialty crust made by coating the traditional pizza crust with a layer of parmesan cheese and Italian herbs.
For something buttery, Godfather’s Golden Crust is an excellent choice.
It is a butter-pan style crust available in small, medium, and large.
Aside from main crusts, be on the lookout for seasonal or limited-time crusts offered by pizza chains.
For instance, some of the seasonal crusts launched by Pizza Hut that are no longer available are The Edge®, Hot Dog Stuffed Crust, and Buttery Blend Flavored Crust.
Types Of Pizza Crust At Top Pizza Chains
Explore more about crust texture and flavor with America’s 10 best pizza chains, featuring a variety of crust options.
Whether you are looking for gluten-free crust, low-calorie thin crust, or thick and chewy crust, you can find one you like in any of these pizza chains.
For quick and easy reference, use the table below to learn about crust options offered by the 10 best pizza chains.
Learn about crust types available, size options, and base price.
Table of Types Of Pizza Crust At Top Pizza Chains
| Pizza Chain | Crust Types | Size Availability and Price |
| Domino’s | Brooklyn Style Crust | Large
● Starts at $12.99 X-Large ● Starts at $14.99 |
| Hand Tossed Crust | Small
● Starts at $8.99 Medium ● Starts at $10.99 Large ● Starts at $12.99 |
|
| Crunchy Thin Crust | Medium
● Starts at $10.99 Large ● Starts at $12.99 |
|
| Gluten Free Crust | Small
● Starts at $11.99 |
|
| Handmade Pan Crust | Medium
● Starts at $12.99 |
|
| Godfather’s Pizza | Original Crust | Individual
● Starts at $10.74 Medium ● Starts at $23.24 Large ● Starts at $26.74 Jumbo ● Starts at $34.99 |
| Golden Crust | Medium
● Starts at $23.24 Large ● Starts at $26.74 Jumbo ● Starts at $34.99 |
|
| Thin Crust | Medium
● Starts at $23.24 Large ● Starts at $26.74 Jumbo ● Starts at $34.99 |
|
| MOD Pizza | Original MOD Crust | Mini
● Starts at $8.39 MOD ● Starts at $8.39 |
| Gluten-Friendly | MOD
● Additional $3.00 |
|
| Cauliflower Crust | MOD
● Additional $3.00 |
|
| Mega Dough (Thick Crust) | ● Starts at $12.19 | |
| Marco’s Pizza | Original Crust
|
Small
● Starts at $10.99 Medium ● Starts at $12.99 Large ● Starts at $14.99 XL ● Starts at $16.99 |
| Thick Crust | Small
● Starts at $10.99 Medium ● Starts at $12.99 Large ● Starts at $14.99 |
|
| Thin Crust | Small
● Starts at $10.99 Medium ● Starts at $12.99 Large ● Starts at $14.99 |
|
| Cauliflower Crust | Small
● Starts at $12.99 |
|
| Papa Murphy’s | Original Crust | Family (16″)
● Starts at $14.99 Large (14″) ● Starts at $11.99 Medium (12″) ● Starts at $9.99 |
| Thin Crust | Family (16″)
● Starts at $14.99 Large (14″) ● Starts at $11.99 |
|
| Pan Crust | Large (14″)
● Starts at $12.99 |
|
| Crustless | Medium (7″x9″ Tray)
● Starts at $9.99 |
|
| Gluten Free Crust | Medium (12″)
● Starts at $12.99 |
|
| Stuffed Crust | Family (16″)
● Starts at $22.99 Large (14″) ● Starts at $19.99 |
|
| Papa John’s | Original Crust | Small
● Starts at $8.99 Medium ● Starts at $11.09 Large ● Starts at $14.09 Extra Large ● Starts at $17.09 |
| Thin Crust | Large
● Starts at $14.09 |
|
| Gluten-Free Crust | Small
● Starts at $10.99 |
|
| Epic Stuffed Crust | Large
● Starts at $17.09 |
|
| Crispy Parm Crust | Large
● Starts at $12.99 |
|
| Epic Pepperoni-Stuffed Crust | Large
● Starts at $18.09 |
|
| NY Style Crust | Extra Large
● Starts at $17.09 |
|
| Pizza Hut | Hand Tossed Crust | Large
● Starts at $15.49 Medium ● Starts at $13.49 |
| Thin’ N Crispy Crust® | Large
● Starts at $15.49 Medium ● Starts at $13.49 |
|
| Original Pan® Crust | Large
● Starts at $15.49 Medium ● Starts at $13.49 Personal ● Starts at $5.69 |
|
| Original Stuffed Crust® | Large
● Starts at $18.49 |
|
| Gluten Free Crust | Small
● Starts at $9.99 |
|
| Little Caesars | Round Crust | Large Round
● $7.79 |
| Thin Crust | Large Round
● $7.79 |
|
| Stuffed Crust Round | Large Round
● $12.99 |
|
| Detroit-Style Deep Dish | Large Round
● $11.99 |
|
| Jet’s Pizza | Detroit-Style Deep Dish | Small
● Starts at $10.29 Large ● Starts at $15.49 Extra Large ● Starts at $18.99 Party Tray ● Starts at $34.99 4 Corner Pizza ● Starts at $10.29 8 Corner Pizza ● Starts at $16.99 |
| Hand-Tossed Round | Small
● Starts at $10.29 Medium ● Starts at $12.49 Large ● Starts at $15.49 |
|
| Thin Crust | Small
● Starts at $10.29 Large ● Starts at $15.49 |
|
| NY Style Crust | Large
● Starts at $15.49 Bold Fold ● Starts at $15.49 |
|
| Seasoned Cauliflower Crust | Small
● Starts at $12.99 |
|
| Gluten-Free Crust | Small
● Starts at $12.99 |
|
| Hungry Howie’s Pizza | Original Round | Small
● Starts at $8.99 Medium ● Starts at $10.99 Large ● Starts at $12.99 X-Large ● Starts at $14.99 |
| Thin Crust | Medium
● Starts at $10.99 Large ● Starts at $12.99 |
|
| Stuffed Crust | Large
● Starts at $15.98 |
Find The Best Crust For Every Topping
Not all crust types can be a good combination for some toppings.
So, I suggest you experiment with these crust types on different pizza toppings and combinations to discover which crust works best.
If you like a chewy and fluffy crust, go for Pan Crust or Hand Tossed Crust.
Pair your favorite toppings with Thin, Flat Bread, or Cracker Crust for an explosion of taste.
Stuffed Crust is best for heavier slices and Coated Crust for more variety.
And if you have dietary restrictions, you can always opt for Gluten Free and Cauliflower Crust.
Which crust type is your favorite go-to?
Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section below.
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