In such a bustling life, frozen pizzas have become the need of the house. They aren’t only tasty but also quick, easy, and fulfilling meal options.
How to cook frozen pizza? It is today’s topic. Frozen pizzas are available in various toppings and crust types, but the taste of pizza lies in the cooking method. So let’s explore the details:
Table of Contents
How to cook frozen Pizza?
Frozen pizzas aren’t pre-cooked well and need proper cooking. At home, if you have some frozen pizzas and you want to eat them, you have to first cook them. For cooking, you may use a pan or oven.
How to cook frozen pizza in a pan?
You may wonder, “Can you cook a frozen pizza in a pan?”. The answer is definitely yes! A pizza pan is a utensil helpful in pizza cooking. It gives a crispy crust and an evenly cooked pizza. It is also the best alternative to the oven.
Now, let’s start learning how to cook frozen pizza in a pan. The process is not complicated and can be done with the minimum ingredients and effort. You simply have to follow the following steps and enjoy your pizza later.
Step 1: Choose your pan wisely
Choose your pan wisely and according to your requirements for pizza size. If you are about to cook a small pizza, then you should also choose a small pan. Larger will not help in even cooking from all sides of the crust. Similarly, for large-size pizzas, medium or small pizza sizes will not work, and you may lose your pizza.
The material of the pizza pan is also important, Aluminum or cast iron skillets are recommended as they distribute heat evenly. A non-stick pan will also be fine to use. Steel pizza pans have some drawbacks and can be discussed in a separate post.
Step 2: Preheat your pan
Preheating is essential. It will help you achieve a crispy crust. Place the pan on medium heat for a few minutes. You may drizzle a few drops of water to check if it’s hot or not. If it sizzles, then you may go for the next step.
Step 3: Add some oil
If you are using a casual cast iron or aluminum pan, then sprinkle a few droplets of oil and brush it on the bottom of the pan to avoid sticking. You may use any kind of oil as per your choice and availability.
Step 4: Prepare your frozen pizza
Remove the packing of your frozen pizza. Read the cooking instructions given on the package. Place the frozen pizza in a preheated pan. You can use a pizza peel or spatula to place the pizza in a pan.
Step 5: Cover and cook
Now your pizza is ready for cooking. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil to lock the heat inside and it will allow even cooking of pizza. Different types of frozen pizzas need different cooking times, you may read the instructions for cooking time given on the packaging of the frozen pizza.
Cook the pizza for the required time, let’s say 10-12 minutes. Keep on flipping the pizza to prevent from burning of the crust.
Step 6: Add your desired toppings
Most of the frozen pizzas already have some toppings but for a customized experience, you may add your favorite toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, or something else. It is suggested to not overload the pizza with toppings and to distribute toppings evenly for a well-cooked pizza.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy!
When the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, it’s time to serve the pizza. Use the pizza peel to transfer the pizza onto the cutting board. Cut into slices and serve the pizza fresh from the oven with a little garnishing of fresh herbs.
Let’s move to another cooking option “The best way to cook a frozen pizza in the oven”
Cooking the frozen pizza in the oven
It’s almost the same process of cooking, except for the use of cooking utensils. For your ease, we have broken down the process into small steps. Let’s explore:
Step 1: Preheat your oven
As pre-heating of the pan was done, similarly, pre-heating of the oven is necessary. Preheat the oven to 400–450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare your pizza
Unbox the package of frozen pizza after reading the instructions carefully. Place the pizza on a baking tray directly. There is no need to soften it before baking.
Step 3: Bake and rotate
Bake the pizza for the time mentioned on the packaging. Ensure the rotation of pizza is halfway for even cooking. If the cheese color changes to brown, reduce the temperature and continue cooking.
Step 4: Check for doneness
After 10–12 minutes, check if the crust is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. If not, let it bake for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Step 5: Slice and serve
When the cheese is fully melted and the crust has changed color to light brown, your pizza is ready to go. Remove it from the oven, and place it on the cutting tray. Cut the pizza into slices and serve it hot.
Whichever method you choose to cook the pizza, make sure you don’t cause any burns on your hands while transferring the pizza.
Cooking Time: Important thing to consider
Cooking time is an important thing to consider. Too much cooking time will make the crust dry or burn. Most frozen pizzas have recommended cooking time on packaging and it’s always good to follow the cooking instructions given for a particular pizza. However, it is suggested to check the pizza, few minutes before the said time to avoid any mishap.
Alternatives of Frozen Pizza Cooking
Except for the pizza pan and oven, you may also cook frozen pizza using a pizza stone or a grill. A pizza stone will give you almost the same results as pizza cooked in an oven. Pre-heating the oven is still the key to an even and well-cooked pizza.
If you have opopted for the grilled option, make sure to keep the temperature medium while avoiding direct flame on the pizza. Indirect heat for a pizza grill is more effective.
Conclusion
We hope that by following the steps of this blog, you will achieve a delicious and well-cooked pizza. So, next time if you are craving pizza while you have a short time to cook. Frozen pizza is a good option and if you following the instructions, you can cook restaurant-style pizza in your kitchen.