It’s a common adage that you can’t purchase happiness. A pizza-loving “they” hasn’t been introduced yet.
There’s nothing quite like a good pizza. Pizza lovers may be found in every part of the planet. As tasty as homemade pizza is, not everyone enjoys the process of making it themselves. Fortunately, you can rely on frozen pizzas for that.
The secret to making restaurant-quality pizzas in your own kitchen is as simple as learning how to cook on a frozen pizza stone. And if that’s the case, how can you start cooking delicious frozen pizza on a pizza stone? That’s why we’re here to help.
What Is A Pizza Stone?
A pizza stone is a circular cooking surface that’s commonly used to prepare pizzas, but it may also be used to cook flatbread and other foods. Ceramic is frequently used because of its ability to retain heat in order to ensure your crust becomes crisp. However, stones or salt are sometimes utilized instead. The only requirement for a pizza stone is that it must be able to absorb and retain heat.
Pizza stones should be preheated in an oven for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure that they’re hot enough. The heat helps the stone cook pizzas evenly by imitating a brick oven. As your pizza bakes on the stone, the crust becomes crispy while the cheese melts perfectly.
Most frozen pizza box instructions come with a simple recommendation which includes the option to pop the frozen pizza into a preheated oven, set at an exceptionally high temperature, and bake for a period of 15 to 20 minutes.
This is basically what you have to do, but as we will see below, using a pizza stone is the best option that we have.
Domestic Pizza Oven
Today, there are a plethora of commercially accessible home pizza ovens.
When choosing a pizza oven, the most critical aspect is the oven’s ability to create heat.
The recommended baking temperature for a wood-fired pizza oven is from 800 to 900 degrees Fahrenheit, which is higher than the 450 to 500 degrees F (260 to 265 degrees C) commonly found in electric pizza ovens.
The price of high-quality igloo-shaped pizza ovens, whether purchased or manufactured at home, is high.
Microwaveable Pizza
Soggy, doughy, and unappetizing are just some of the words that come to mind when it comes to microwave pizza.
The Pillsbury brand has a microwaveable pizza with a crisp crust that’s an option as well.
You will also need a “microwave susceptor,” which is an absorbent packing material that acts as a heat insulator and radiator for the food cooked in the microwave.
Food will be crispier and more delicious as a result of this procedure, but it will still fall short of the genuine thing — even if you manufacture your own frozen pizza at home.
Introducing the Pizza Stone
The most commonly used methods of cooking a store-bought frozen pizza are undoubtedly the standard preheated home oven pan or an electric/wood-fired purpose-made pizza oven and baked on a steel rack or plate.
These methods are acceptable for a pizza that could be considered as standard-fare. Yet, there is no denying that additional investment in a pizza stone for your pizza baking needs is sure to take the experience to a whole new level.
The ingredients such as the cheese and dough used are critical. In addition to this, the entire taste experience is in the crust, the foundation of a great pizza.
According to most pizza lovers, the crust is the foundation of pizza and is the most crucial element. How it is made affects how it turns out, whether thin-based or thick pan-based crust.
When placed on a pizza stone, the pizza starts to bake immediately due to the high heat transfer.
Compared to a baking sheet made of metal, a pizza stone’s ceramic or stone material retains heat more evenly.
Its porous surface draws water out of particularly moist areas of the dough as it bakes. The pizza will cook faster using a stone, making the result crunchier and tastier.
Pizza stones are available from most department stores and cookware retailers. They are typically made from heavy ceramic or stone material. Thus they are quite brittle and susceptible to chipping or breaking if mishandled or bumped.
They should always be handled and stored with care.
The Pizza Stone Cooking Process
- If you’re cooking from frozen, it’s best to put your pizza stone in a cold oven. Placing a frozen pizza on a cold stone might cause the stone to break or buckle, thus this should be avoided.
- Take a look at the flames: Wait till it reaches the oven temperature before using it.
- Remove the frozen pizza from its package to begin preparation. To improve the pizza’s crunchiness, brush the edges with olive oil. Top with your preferred ingredients (e.g. smoked salmon, olives, pepperoni, etc.).
- The pizza may be slid in. Sliding a pre-made pizza onto a heated stone is as easy as using a pizza shovel.
- Cook according to the timetable: This is usually between five and eight minutes, or when the cheese first starts bubbling and browing. Toward the end of cooking, the crust’s edges will begin to become a golden brown. To ensure a uniform cooking process, move the pizza once while it’s in the oven.
- In order to remove the pizza, slip the pizza spatula under it with a rapid thrusting motion, taking care not to send the pizza flying towards one corner of the oven. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes on a platter before slicing and devouring.
- Turn off the oven. Remove the pizza stone from the oven only after it has cooled fully.
Do’s and Don’ts of using a Pizza Stone
- Pizza stones are constructed of ceramic or stone that is both thick and fragile. Use utmost caution when handling. Because of this, avoid plunging hot stones into cold water or other extreme temperature fluctuations, since this might cause the stone to break or shatter.
- The pizza should be removed from the stone before cutting. Using pizza wheels or knives to cut on a stone might harm or dull your blades. Remove off the dish and onto a chopping board
- If your pizza tends to stick to the pizza stone, gently dust the stone with flour or cornmeal before laying the pizza on top of it. This should help. The pizza will be ruined if you use wax parchment paper since it will not be able to resist the high heat.
- If you’d like, you may defrost the frozen pizza first, then bake it. The oven should be preheated to 500F or as high as possible if the food has been thawed. Place the pizza stone in the center of the oven..
- Use a brush or a moist towel to remove any crumbs from the pizza stone. Do not totally submerge in water or detergent at any time. Moisture and soapy residue can build up on the stone, which might damage the next pizza you bake. A pizza stone that is properly cared for and preserved may last for many years.
How To Use A Pizza Stone With Frozen Pizza
Now that we know what a pizza stone is, it’s time to learn how to use one with frozen pizza.
1. Preheat oven and stone: The first step is to preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the frozen pizza box. While the oven is preheating, place the pizza stone in the oven on the middle rack.
2. Prepare frozen pizza: Once the oven and stone are preheated, it’s time to prepare your frozen pizza. Start by removing the pizza from the box and packaging. Next, use a fork or your hands to poke holes in the crust. This will help prevent the crust from bubbling up as it cooks.
3. Cook pizza: Carefully place the frozen pizza on the preheated stone in the oven. Bake for the amount of time specified on the box or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
4. Remove from oven and enjoy: Once your pizza is cooked, remove it from the oven and enjoy! Be careful when handling the hot stone.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to make frozen pizza, cooking on a pizza stone is the way to go. By following the steps above, you’ll be able to create restaurant-quality pizzas in the comfort of your own home. So preheat your oven, grab a pizza stone, and get cooking!
The Evolution of the Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizza has come a long way since it was first introduced in the 1950s. At that time, frozen pizza was little more than a glorified version of toaster pastry. It wasn’t until the 1970s that frozen pizza began to resemble the pies we know and love today.
One of the biggest changes to frozen pizza came in the form of pre-baked crusts. This innovation allowed pizza lovers to enjoy a crispy, thin crust without having to wait for the dough to rise.
Another game-changing moment in frozen pizza history came with the introduction of rising crust pizza. This type of pizza featured a thicker, doughier crust that was soft and fluffy on the inside.
Today, there are endless varieties of frozen pizza available, from classic cheese and pepperoni to more adventurous options like buffalo chicken and Thai style. No matter what your taste buds are craving, there’s a frozen pizza out there that will hit the spot.
So go ahead and indulge in your favorite comfort food. Thanks to the invention of the frozen pizza, you can enjoy a delicious slice anytime, anywhere.
FAQs
1. Can I use a pizza stone with frozen pizza?
Yes, you can use a pizza stone with frozen pizza. Just be sure to preheat the oven and stone before cooking.
2. What is the best way to cook frozen pizza?
There are several ways to cook frozen pizza, but using a pizza stone is a great option. Just be sure to preheat the oven and stone before cooking.
3. How do I prevent my pizza crust from getting soggy?
One way to prevent your pizza crust from getting soggy is to poke holes in it before cooking. This will allow steam to escape and keep the crust nice and crispy.
4. What is the best way to store leftover pizza?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. reheat before eating.
5. Can I reheat pizza in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat pizza in the microwave. Just be sure to heat it on low power so that the crust doesn’t get soggy.
Conclusion
A pizza stone is a great way to cook frozen pizza. By following the steps above, you can create a delicious and crispy pizza right in your own oven. So preheat your oven, grab a pizza stone, and get cooking!