The classic Philly cheesesteak has found a home in the pizza world, but not all versions are created equal, especially in terms of nutrition. Domino's offers its own take on this savory favorite, and understanding its caloric breakdown is essential for anyone tracking their intake. The total number of calories is heavily influenced by your choice of crust, which can change the nutritional profile dramatically.
Calorie Breakdown by Crust and Size
Domino's offers several crust options, and the calories per slice for the Philly cheesesteak pizza fluctuate based on your selection. Here's a breakdown based on available nutritional data from third-party sources like CalorieKing and Nutritionix, as Domino's encourages customers to use their online Cal-O-Meter for the most precise information.
Hand Tossed Crust:
- Small (10"): A small Philly cheesesteak hand-tossed pizza is typically cut into six slices. A single slice contains approximately 240 calories.
- Medium (12"): A medium hand-tossed pizza, cut into eight slices, has around 220 calories per slice.
- Large (14"): For a large hand-tossed pizza, also with eight slices, a single slice contains roughly 310 calories.
Thin Crust:
- Small (10"): A small Philly cheesesteak thin crust pizza often yields four slices, with each slice containing about 243 calories. The larger, eight-slice thin-crust pizza has around 188 calories per slice. This demonstrates how slicing changes the per-piece count.
- Medium (12"): While specific medium thin crust data for this pizza isn't universally published, thin crust typically reduces overall calories compared to hand-tossed versions of the same size. For instance, a medium thin-crust pepperoni is 163 calories, versus 220 for a hand-tossed pepperoni.
Handmade Pan Pizza:
- Medium (12"): This heavier, oilier crust packs more calories. A medium Handmade Pan Philly cheesesteak, cut into eight slices, contains approximately 310 calories per slice.
Factors that Influence the Final Calorie Count
While the crust is the most significant factor, several other elements affect the final calorie and nutritional information of your pizza order. When you use the Domino's online pizza builder, you can see how these choices add up.
- Extra Cheese: Adding extra cheese is a popular customization but significantly increases the caloric, fat, and sodium content. For example, regular cheese on a small hand-tossed adds 260 calories for the entire pie; extra cheese adds 380.
- Sauce Variations: While the Philly cheesesteak pizza comes standard with a cheddar and provolone cheese sauce, certain regional variations or custom builds might use different sauces that alter the base nutrition.
- Other Toppings: Adding other meat toppings or vegetables will also change the overall count. While vegetables add minimal calories, extra meats can substantially increase the fat and protein.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Domino's also offers a gluten-free crust for a smaller, 10-inch pizza. The nutritional profile differs from other crusts, with a single slice of a gluten-free Philly cheesesteak reportedly around 175 calories.
Nutritional Comparison: Crust Type vs. Calories
To better visualize the impact of crust choice, here is a comparison based on medium pizza sizes where data is available. Note that serving size and slice count can vary.
| Crust Type | Approximate Calories per Slice (Medium Pizza) | Approximate Total Calories per Pizza (8 slices) | Primary Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Tossed | 220 | ~1760 | The standard, balanced option with moderate calories. |
| Handmade Pan | 310 | ~2480 | A much higher-calorie crust due to added oils and thickness. |
| Thin Crust | ~188 | ~1504 | The lowest calorie option, delivering a crispier, lighter pizza. |
Beyond Calories: A Fuller Nutritional Picture
Calories are not the only measure of nutritional impact. It's important to look at the macronutrient profile, especially for a dish like the Philly cheesesteak pizza. Using the data available for a handmade pan slice, you can see the density of fats and sodium.
- Fat: A single slice of a medium handmade pan pizza contains approximately 16g of fat, with 9g of that being saturated fat. This is a significant portion of the daily recommended intake for a single item.
- Sodium: The sodium content is also notably high, at around 590mg per slice for the medium pan version. Given that a pizza can be more than one slice, this can quickly accumulate and approach or exceed the daily recommended limit of 2,300mg.
- Protein: The steak and cheese toppings contribute a solid amount of protein, with about 11g per slice for the medium pan version, which is beneficial for satiety.
- Carbohydrates: As with most pizzas, carbohydrates are a major component, with the crust contributing the most. The medium pan slice has 29g of carbs.
Incorporating Domino's into a Balanced Diet
Enjoying a Domino's Philly cheesesteak pizza can still fit into a healthy diet with some conscious decisions. Portion control is key; instead of eating half the pizza, limit yourself to one or two slices. Consider pairing it with a fresh, green salad to increase your vegetable intake and feel more full. Opting for a thin crust can save you a significant number of calories and fat, making it a more diet-friendly choice. You can also ask for less cheese to reduce the fat and sodium content.
Conclusion
The nutritional impact of a Domino's Philly cheesesteak pizza is directly tied to the size and crust you choose. While a single slice of a thin crust option can be a reasonable indulgence, a couple of slices from a handmade pan pizza represent a substantial portion of your daily caloric, fat, and sodium allowances. Making mindful choices, practicing portion control, and balancing your meal with healthier sides are all ways to enjoy this classic flavor without completely derailing your dietary goals.
For the most up-to-date and personalized nutritional information based on your exact order, it is always best to use the Domino's online Cal-O-Meter tool.
