Clean cut pizza vs normal cut pizza – what’s the difference and what is clean cut pizza anyway? This is a relatively new term and it refers to the way a pizza restaurant slices their pizzas. Maybe you’re at a restaurant (in which case you can just ask) or perhaps you’re in the middle of an online order and unsure about the term.
So, what is pizza clean cut and should you order yours that way?
Clean Cut Pizza FAQs
What does clean cut mean for a pizza?
What are the different cuts at Papa Johns?
You can choose from the following:
- Clean cut
- Normal cut
- Square cut
- Double cut
- No cut
Clean cut means a clean knife or utensil is used for slicing. Normal cut is when it’s cut with a utensil that might’ve sliced another pie. Square cut means it’s cut into squares instead of wedges and this is often the case with Sicilian style pizza. You get the choice of edge or center if your pizza is square cut.
Double cut pizza means the pie is sliced into twice as many slices. So instead of cutting a 10 inch pizza into 8 slices, it will be double-cut, or cut into 16 pieces. This might be better if you are catering a party and have more people to feed (helps make sure everyone can have a slice) or if you’re feeding kids who might not want large slices, or simply because you prefer thinner slices.
In Italy, no cut pizza is the most common choice. Some people believe the crust remains more crispy and the sauce and toppings won’t start to ooze between the slices if it’s cut. You can cut however many slices you wish to eat and save the rest for later. You can also choose to slice the pizza into strips so you can dip them in sauce if that’s your jam.
Should you order clean cut pizza?
It’s worth remembering, too, that “clean cut” refers to the cutting tool, not the style of slice, so you can request a clean cut with any type of pizza: triangle slices, square cut, double cut, deep-dish, Sicilian, Grandma, rectangles, or any customized shape you’re in the mood for.
Want your deep-dish divided into manageable strips for dipping? Or a Grandma pie double-cut for the kids’ birthday party? Just ask for a clean cut and you’ll get those slices made with a fresh, uncontaminated utensil.
Square cut pizza, in particular, is popular for sharing at gatherings since the pieces are smaller and easy to handle. It’s perfect for sharing, snacking and keeping the conversation (and the pizza) flowing.
What’s the proper technique for cutting pizza at home to avoid cross-contamination?
If you’re making pizza at home and want to be sure there’s zero chance of cross-contamination, whether for allergy, dietary, or simply peace of mind reasons, here’s how to keep things immaculate:
- Start with a freshly washed cutter or knife. You don’t want any lingering flavors or residues from previous use. Run it under hot water with soap and dry thoroughly before slicing your pizza.
- Choose your weapon: A pizza wheel, rocker blade or long, sharp kitchen knife will all do the trick. Just make sure whatever you use is clean and sharp because dull blades tend to drag toppings all over the place.
- Cut immediately. For best results, slice your pizza as soon as it comes out of the oven. A hot pizza is easier to cut, and the cheese is less likely to cling stubbornly to your utensil.
- Wipe between cuts if needed. If you’re making several pizzas (or one pizza with different topping “zones”) and want to avoid any mixing, quickly wipe the blade with a clean, damp cloth between each cut. This is especially important if you’ve got someone with allergies or strict dietary preferences.
- Watch your cutting surface: Use a clean chopping board or cut directly on the pizza tray or plate. Just make sure that whatever surface you choose hasn’t touched any allergens or other foods beforehand.
With these steps, your at-home pizza will be as “clean cut” as anything from a pizzeria with no mysterious topping stowaways and everyone’s preferences or restrictions respected.
Can I cut pizza with a regular knife?
Commercially prepared pizzas are typically removed from the oven (I love this $50 home pizza oven!) with a peel and put into a clean box. It’s then cut with a rocker or rotary blade.
The chef usually uses the same blade on each pizza since it’s like a production line. Maybe he’s making more than 100 pizzas on Saturday night alone and most pizza shops don’t have more than 15 or 20 cutters.
In fact, while it might seem like common sense for pizza restaurants to clean or wipe the pizza cutter between every single pie, the reality is that this rarely happens—especially in busy places. Pizza shops work at lightning speed, prepping boxes and toppings before the doors even open, then jumping into full assembly-line mode once the orders start rolling in.
When that pizza comes hot out of the oven, it’s all about getting it sliced and out the door ASAP. To keep up with the rush, many pizzerias will cut pizza after pizza with the same rotary blade or rocker, rarely pausing to clean it off in between. This time-saving, conveyor-belt style approach keeps things moving and gets you your pizza fresher and faster.
And if you want Papa Johns clean cut, just ask and they’ll be happy to do that for you. Although a pizza wheel is my gadget of choice for cutting pizza, you can always use a knife if you don’t have one. Make sure it’s nice and sharp and you should be able to get clean slices, wedges, squares of whatever you prefer.
If you’re using a pizza wheel, pizza cutter, or rocker blade, it’s a good idea to keep the blade clean and sharp for best results. With a sharp, stainless steel blade, you’ll find it glides right through the crust, toppings, and gooey cheese without making a mess. For an extra-smooth cut, slice your pizza as soon as it comes out of the oven. This helps reduce the amount of melted cheese, sauce, and oil that might otherwise stick to the blade. And if you’re a gadget lover, the Oxo Good Grips pizza wheel is a solid choice for easy cleaning and handling.
If you don’t have a pizza cutter, a long, sharp kitchen knife works too. For the cleanest break, try to use a knife that’s at least as long as the diameter of your pizza. Let your pizza cool for a minute or two before cutting; this helps minimize cheese and toppings sticking to the blade. Press straight down into the pizza and use a gentle see-saw motion to slice through. Wipe the blade between cuts if needed, and watch your fingers!
Popular Types of Pizza
Photos from Pixabay
One thought on “Clean Cut Pizza vs Normal Cut Pizza”