Baking Frozen Pizza?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: TUS and any place close to a lav
Programs: UA 1.6MM
Posts: 5,423
Baking Frozen Pizza?
I have an issue with baking frozen pizzas in my oven.
I can get the top and the crust edges cooked to my desired perfection.
However, the bottom is always still a bit gooey (undercooked).
Any advice on how to remedy this? I've been taking the individual slices and browning the bottom in a frying pan after baking.
I've heard about pizza stones, but I'm hearing conflicting advice on how to use them. Do you need to pre-heat the stone?
What about those "air bake" metal pizza pans (the ones with the holes that supposedly let warm air circulate to bake/crisp the underside)?
Thanks in advance.
I can get the top and the crust edges cooked to my desired perfection.
However, the bottom is always still a bit gooey (undercooked).
Any advice on how to remedy this? I've been taking the individual slices and browning the bottom in a frying pan after baking.
I've heard about pizza stones, but I'm hearing conflicting advice on how to use them. Do you need to pre-heat the stone?
What about those "air bake" metal pizza pans (the ones with the holes that supposedly let warm air circulate to bake/crisp the underside)?
Thanks in advance.
#4
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: ATL
Programs: DL, AA
Posts: 6,031
Agree with above. Directly on rack circulates the air around the bottom & produces a better crust.
That said, I personally use a stone because I find it easier to get the cooked pizza out of the oven. Do not pre-heat the stone (putting a frozen pizza on a hot stone = cracked stone). The stone absorbs moisture creating a crispier crust than a pan. I also use the stone for baking bread, rolls, and biscuits.
That said, I personally use a stone because I find it easier to get the cooked pizza out of the oven. Do not pre-heat the stone (putting a frozen pizza on a hot stone = cracked stone). The stone absorbs moisture creating a crispier crust than a pan. I also use the stone for baking bread, rolls, and biscuits.
#5
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: MCO/FRA
Programs: None anymore
Posts: 799
Re-heating I do the frying pan method.
#6
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: NOC/LAX
Posts: 432
+1 for straight on the rack. I usually remove the rack below it and put foil on the bottom of the oven.
I also swear by a wooden pizza peel for sliding it in and out easily, and for a great place to slice.
http://www.webstaurantstore.com/18-x...e/1244218.html
Now I want pizza!
I also swear by a wooden pizza peel for sliding it in and out easily, and for a great place to slice.
http://www.webstaurantstore.com/18-x...e/1244218.html
Now I want pizza!
#7
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
I don't remember the last time I made a frozen pizza (made fresh this weekend) but wanted to say I've been dealing with the web restaurant store for years and love them. Highly recommend them.
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 11,969
OP,
Just seen your question.
If you ever need to replace your microwave consider a whirlpool with crisper. Pre heat the crisper for around 7 to 10 minutes and put your pizza in. The results are as good as my kitchen pizza oven that reaches well over 600deg and my garden beehive. Crispy base, great edges and great top. Hard to tell the difference between "properly cooked" pizza and this.
In my view the oven is worth it for the crisper alone - although you may be able to buy the crisper dish as a spare part and use it in other combination microwaves. I'm not certain what setting you would use - but suspect microwave+grill+thermo grill?
Just seen your question.
If you ever need to replace your microwave consider a whirlpool with crisper. Pre heat the crisper for around 7 to 10 minutes and put your pizza in. The results are as good as my kitchen pizza oven that reaches well over 600deg and my garden beehive. Crispy base, great edges and great top. Hard to tell the difference between "properly cooked" pizza and this.
In my view the oven is worth it for the crisper alone - although you may be able to buy the crisper dish as a spare part and use it in other combination microwaves. I'm not certain what setting you would use - but suspect microwave+grill+thermo grill?
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
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Posts: 38,628
Right on the rack, and at a much higher temperature than "recommended." Pretty much the only ones I get are the Trader Joe's thin ones that are from Italy. And, right from freezer to oven. Don't let it thaw at all first.
#10
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: United States
Posts: 355
Pre-heat the oven to 400F, turn on the bottom heat rack to cook the bottom crust until it is gold. Then cook the top to get a nice crispy but juicy pizza. If you don't cook it this way, then the pizza is always soggy.
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,005
Yes I've noticed that as well. Everytime I use the recommended temp (even using the higher end of the range) I still find it not cooked well enough and need to leave it in for several more minutes.
#13
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: MCO/FRA
Programs: None anymore
Posts: 799
Cheap pizzas are were it is
Totino's are the hangover/late night gaming food of choice!
Back to topic
Always on rack(no pan) I think I bake at 400-500 and check every 5 mins.
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
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#15
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
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Posts: 21,690
Back in grad school, I had a friend from Scotland who swore by deep frying frozen pizza.
One very late night after sampling, repeatedly, another Scottish specialty item, he got me to try it.
Sure tasted good, but I could feel my arteries clogging right up.
One very late night after sampling, repeatedly, another Scottish specialty item, he got me to try it.
Sure tasted good, but I could feel my arteries clogging right up.