Digiorno Pizzas: To Pan Or Not To Pan?

Digiorno pizzas do not need to be cooked on a pizza pan or cooking sheet, unless the pan is included in the package. The brand's Crispy Pan Pizzas, for example, come with a pan and are cooked in it for a crispy, caramelized crust. Digiorno pizzas can be cooked directly on the oven rack, with the oven preheated to 400°F. However, raw pizza dough should not be placed directly on the oven rack as it will fall through the gaps.

Cooking Digiorno pizza on a pan vs. an oven rack

Digiorno does not recommend cooking their pizzas on a cooking sheet/pan unless the pan is included in the package. The Digiorno Crispy Pan Pizzas come with a pan and are cooked in it for a crispy, caramelized crust.

If you are cooking a Digiorno pizza without a pan, you can place the pizza directly on the oven rack. This is the recommended method for cooking most frozen pizzas. However, there are a few potential issues with this approach. First, it can be tricky to remove the hot pizza from the oven without burning yourself or dropping it. Second, the oven racks might not provide adequate support, especially for thin-crust pizzas with heavy toppings, and there is a risk of the pizza falling through the racks.

To avoid these issues, you can use a pizza pan, which makes it easier to handle the pizza and provides better support. A pizza pan is also useful if you want a crispier crust, as the thin metal helps to crisp up the crust. If you don't have a pizza pan, you can use a piece of aluminum foil, a baking sheet, a chopping board, a serving platter, or a rimless cookie sheet.

If you are cooking a Digiorno pizza with a pan, preheat your oven to 400°F and keep the pizza frozen while preheating. Remove the pizza from the box, freshness wrap, and cardboard. Place the pizza in the pan and follow the baking instructions on the package.

If you are cooking a Digiorno pizza without a pan, follow the same instructions as above, but place the pizza directly on the center oven rack instead of in a pan.

It is important to note that Digiorno pizzas should always be cooked from a frozen state, and the oven temperature and baking time may need to be adjusted depending on your oven. Always allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before serving to ensure food safety and the best taste experience.

When to use a pan vs. cooking directly on an oven rack

Digiorno pizzas should be placed directly on the center oven rack. The official cooking instructions specify that the pizza should be placed on the center rack, 6 to 8 inches from the bottom of the oven.

Now, when it comes to choosing between using a pan versus cooking directly on an oven rack, there are several factors to consider. Here are some insights to help you decide:

Using a Pan

Using a pan can be advantageous when you want to prevent drips or spills in your oven, especially if you're cooking something that might release juices or fats. A pan can also be useful if you want to contain the food and any seasonings or coatings, ensuring they don't fall through the rack. Additionally, a pan can make it easier to handle and transport your food in and out of the oven.

Cooking Directly on an Oven Rack

Cooking directly on an oven rack is ideal when you want to maximize airflow and heat circulation around your food. This method is often used for foods that need even cooking or browning on all sides, such as baked goods or roasted meats. It is also a good option for crispy foods like pizza, where you want a crunchy base.

Specific Cases

• Baking: When baking, the middle rack is typically the best choice as it provides even heat distribution. However, for foods that you want to brown on top, such as casseroles, the top rack is preferable. Conversely, for browning the bottom of foods like pizza or pie crusts, the bottom rack is ideal.
• Roasting: Roasting directly on an oven rack can be beneficial for achieving an even, crispy exterior while allowing excess fat to drip away. This method is often used for meats, poultry, and roasted vegetables.
• Convection Ovens: If you have a convection oven, cooking directly on the rack is recommended to take advantage of the improved airflow.

In summary, the decision to use a pan versus cooking directly on an oven rack depends on the type of food you're preparing and the desired outcome. Using a pan is ideal for containing drips and providing easy handling, while cooking directly on the rack maximizes airflow and heat distribution, resulting in even cooking and browning. Adjusting the rack position based on your specific needs is also essential for achieving the best results.

How to cook Digiorno pizza without a pan

Digiorno does not recommend cooking their pizzas on a pan or cooking sheet/tray unless one is included in the package. However, it is possible to cook their pizzas without a pan.

Preparation

Firstly, preheat your oven to 400°F. Keep the pizza frozen while preheating. Remove the pizza from the box, freshness wrap, and cardboard.

Cooking

Place the pizza directly on the center oven rack, 6 to 8 inches from the bottom of the oven. For softer crusts, place the pizza on a cookie sheet and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. For crispier crusts, turn the oven temperature up to 500 degrees and cook for 5 to 8 minutes.

Serving

Let the pizza stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Other methods

If you don't want to cook the pizza directly on the oven rack, you can use a pizza stone or steel, aluminum foil, or a grill.

How to cook Digiorno pizza without an oven

Digiorno pizzas are designed to be cooked in an oven, and the company does not recommend cooking their pizzas on a grill or in a microwave. However, Digiorno does offer the following instructions for cooking their pizzas without an oven:

For Digiorno Small Size Pizzas, you can use a microwave if you stick to the instructions. First, remove the pizza from the box, freshness wrap, and cardboard. Then, place the pizza on a microwave-safe plate and cover it loosely with a paper towel. Microwave on high for the recommended time, which varies depending on the wattage of your microwave. For example, for a 600 to 800-watt microwave, cook for 4 minutes and 30 seconds.

For larger Digiorno pizzas, the company recommends using an oven to ensure an even bake at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some people have reported success cooking larger Digiorno pizzas in a toaster oven or by using a combination of a super hot oven and residual heat.

• Thaw the pizza: Some people recommend thawing the pizza on the counter for about 30 minutes before cooking. This can help ensure even cooking and prevent the bottom or center from being raw while the outside is bubbling.
• Use a baking sheet or oven rack: If you're using an oven, consider placing the pizza on a baking sheet or oven rack to help prevent the crust from burning.
• Adjust the temperature and time: Depending on your oven and the type of pizza, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time. Some people recommend cooking at a lower temperature for a longer time, while others suggest going slightly higher than the recommended temperature to ensure the pizza reaches the desired temperature.
• Use a thermometer: If you're unsure if your oven is reaching the desired temperature, consider using an oven thermometer to check the accuracy of your oven's temperature setting.
• Broil the pizza: If the crust is getting too done but the top isn't, try turning on the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking.

How to make Digiorno pizza crispy

To make a DiGiorno pizza crispy, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that DiGiorno pizzas should be cooked from frozen according to their specific cooking instructions for food safety and the best taste. Do not thaw the pizza before cooking. Preheat your oven to the specified temperature, which will vary depending on the type of crust you have. For example, the Thin & Crispy Stuffed Crust and Loaded Ultra Thin Crust varieties should be baked at 425°F, while the Hand-Tossed Style Crust should be baked at 375°F. Keep the pizza frozen while preheating.

Once your oven is preheated, remove the pizza from the box, freshness wrap, and cardboard (if applicable). Then, place the pizza directly on the center oven rack, 6 to 8 inches from the bottom of the oven. If you are cooking a Hand-Tossed Style Crust pizza, place the pan directly on the center oven rack instead.

Follow the bake time for your specific pizza type, ensuring that the product reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety and quality. Do not cook the pizza on a pan unless the pan is included in the package.

If you are using a conventional oven, there are some additional tips for successfully cooking your DiGiorno pizza. Regularly calibrate your oven to ensure an accurate temperature. Cook the recommended time by using a timer, and let the pizza rest for the recommended time stated on the package instructions for safe consumption.

Some people choose to thaw their pizza before cooking, placing it on a sheet tray with parchment paper and then cooking it in a super hot oven (about 450-500°F) for 10-12 minutes. However, this may result in uneven cooking, with the bottom or center still frozen while the outside is bubbling.

For a crispy pizza, it is essential to find the right balance between a fully cooked crust and an overcooked, burnt one. Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time specified in the instructions. Some people recommend cooking at a lower temperature for a longer period to ensure even cooking. Others suggest cooking at a higher temperature than recommended, especially if your oven is not very powerful.

Frequently asked questions