What is Clean Cut Pizza

When at a pizza shop, you might hear someone order a clean-cut pizza. Does this mean the pizza comes out extra snazzy? Nope. It simply means that the cook will use a clean cutter to slice your pizza rather than using the same cutter (which is typical of a pizza shop).

Hey, there! My name is Michelle, and I love eating and learning about pizza. I was intrigued by people starting to order clean-cut pizza, and I had to dive into the meaning behind this. Today, I am here to share my findings with you.

If you’ve never heard the term clean-cut pizza before, then you’re in the right spot. This article shares what clean-cut pizza is and why you might (or might not) consider ordering it the next time you purchase a pizza.

Who’s ready for some clean-cut pizza?

What is Clean Cut Pizza?

When someone orders a clean-cut pizza, they’re essentially just asking the chef to use a clean cutter to cut the pizza

This might come as a shock to some people as they start to think – Was the chef using an old and dirty cutter to cut my pizza all along? The short answer is kind of. You have to understand the process of the pizza place to know what’s really going on inside.

A pizza shop will use a commercial pizza oven complete with a conveyor to bake your pizza (unless you’re ordering wood-fired pizza). It starts raw on one end and comes out ooey, gooey, and delicious on the other. 

Once the pizza is done, the cook will use a pizza peel to remove it and place it in the box. Then, they will cut it with a rotary or rocker blade. The chef will use the same blade for all of the pizzas made that day – unless otherwise stated.

But why? Think about how many pizzas are being made in a single night, especially a Friday or Saturday night. The cook may end up cooking hundreds of pizzas in just a few short hours. It would take a lot of time out of their day to clean the cutter every time. 

They can’t just use a new one, either. Most pizza shops will only have about 10 to 20 pizza cutters (or less) on hand at one time. It would be impossible to use a new one every time, too.

Why Would You Want Clean-Cut Pizza?

The simple answer is this: you think it’s more hygienic. The truth of the matter is, there is really nothing wrong with using the same pizza cutter between several pizzas. As long as the pizza shop is following health protocols, everything will be a-okay and delicious.

However, that doesn’t mean that everyone should abide by the multiple-cutting method. Here are two big reasons why you should order a clean-cut pizza.

Allergies

If you have a severe allergy to something – whether it’s cheese, pepperoni, jalapenos, sausage, or pineapple – you should absolutely ask for a clean-cut pizza. While there won’t be huge chunks transferred onto your pizza, there may be small particles that find their way.

Be safe and order a clean-cut pizza.

Religious/Personal Beliefs

There are religions in the world that practice not consuming meat. Many other individuals choose not to eat meat or dairy for personal reasons or beliefs. That said, you likely won’t want your pizza sliced by the same cutter that just cut the “meat supreme” pizza.

If you choose not to eat meat for religious or personal reasons, then it will be a good choice to order a clean-cut pizza, just in case.

Other Option: No Cut Pizza

To be frank, ordering a clean-cut pizza can be a bit of a hassle for a cook, especially on a busy weekend. (But don’t worry – the cook will always be happy to make sure you’re getting the pizza you desire, so don’t feel bad!)

Another option is to simply order a no-cut pizza. A no-cut pizza is exactly how it sounds: a pizza that will not be cut in any way, shape, or form. It will never make contact with the pizza cutter.

This might not be a feasible option for those dining at a pizza shop, as it will be challenging to slice the pizza properly without a pizza cutter. But carry-out or delivery orders can easily be sliced at home – with your clean cutter.

The added benefit of ordering a no-cut pizza for delivery or carry-out is that it will be less soggy. When a pizza is cut, the oils and juices are released to the bottom of the box, which can harm your one-crispy crust. Avoid this by slicing fresh at home!

Tip: If you plan to order a no-cut pizza for carry-out or delivery, I recommend sticking the pizza on a pizza peel (or baking sheet) and warming it up for a few minutes. That way, the pizza is extra warm with melted cheese and delectable toppings. Cut and pretend you’re dining in!

FAQs

Now you are a clean-cut pizza expert and can pass this info along to your friends! If you still have questions, though, keep reading. Below are some frequently asked questions about what clean-cut pizza is.

What’s the difference between normal-cut and clean-cut?

It’s fairly self-explanatory. A normal-cut pizza will be cut with the same pizza cutter used on the last 50 pizzas in regular slices. The size will depend on the diameter of the pizza. Clean-cut uses a fresh and clean pizza cutter to slice pizza in the same fashion.

What are the different cuts of pizza?

The four types of pizza cuts include normal, square, strips, and no-cut. I prefer squares because the pieces are smaller and easier to share. Strips are great if you plan to dip your pizza into multiple sauces. Choose no-cut if you want to cut the pizza yourself at home!

What is a Chicago cut pizza?

A Chicago cut (more often referred to as a Chicago-style pizza) has a thin and firm crust. Biting into a Chicago-style pizza will produce a noticeable “crunch.” They are typically cut into squares, which can also be referred to as tavern-style or party cut. 

What does Papa John’s clean-cut mean?

It really doesn’t matter if you buy your pizza from Papa John’s, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, or your favorite local pizza shop. Clean-cut means clean-cut across the board. They will use a clean pizza cutter to slice your pizza rather than the one used across multiple pizzas.

Why is pizza cut into triangles?

Because we’re on the subject of pizza cutting, I thought it would be fun to share why pizza is cut into triangles. There’s no deep meaning behind it. It’s simply the easiest way to cut a circular shape into pieces.

Final Words

A clean-cut pizza is great for those who have allergies, food preferences due to religious or personal beliefs, or simply don’t want the same cutter slicing up your pizza. Keep in mind, though, that there’s really nothing wrong with the same cutter being used (in most cases).

Do you order clean-cut pizza? Would you mind sharing why? Share your thoughts on the clean-cut pizza trend in the comment section below!

About Michelle
I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.

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