Pan Topping Pizzas: What's The Fuss?

Pan pizza is a type of pizza that is baked in a pan, typically a cast-iron skillet, to create a crispy, fried crust. The dough for a pan pizza is often a no-knead dough that is left to rise for several hours or overnight, resulting in a chewy and airy texture. The pan is generously oiled to allow the dough to spread easily and create a crispy, fried bottom. While the type of flour, oil, and cheese used can vary, pan pizzas are typically baked at very high temperatures to create a chewy and crispy crust.

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Cheddar

Mozzarella is the most common cheese used on pizzas due to its mild flavour and optimal melting ability. It is a defining ingredient in Neapolitan pizza but is suitable for any pizza style. When used on its own, it is important to slice it thinly and drain any excess moisture. Mozzarella can also be blended with provolone to make a traditional cheese or pepperoni pizza.

Cheddar is widely loved for its sharp taste but is usually added to pizza cheese blends rather than used alone as it does not handle high heat well. It is a good addition to any pie as its lower elasticity means it doesn't blister as easily as mozzarella.

Parmesan is best used as a garnish on freshly baked pizzas, as exposing it to heat can ruin its umami taste. Its delicate flavour and dryness mean it should not be baked in the oven. Parmesan is particularly well-suited to Sicilian, Margherita, or Hawaiian pizzas, where it will accentuate the taste of other fresh and flavorful toppings.

When combined, these three cheeses offer a delightful variety of flavours and textures, making them a great choice for a pan pizza.

Chicken, Bacon, and BBQ Sauce

Pan toppings are the ingredients that are placed on top of a pizza before baking. A popular variety of pizza is BBQ Chicken Pizza, which typically includes chicken, bacon, barbecue sauce, and cheese.

For this pizza, you will need a pizza crust, barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, cooked chicken, red onion, and bacon. You can also add some green onion, Parmesan cheese, and garlic salt for extra flavour.

To prepare the pizza, start by pre-baking the pizza crust for about 5-7 minutes and letting it cool before adding the toppings. Then, add a thin layer of barbecue sauce to the crust, followed by the cheddar cheese, cooked chicken, bacon, and red onion. You can also add some green onion and Parmesan cheese at this point if desired.

Next, top everything off with a swirl of barbecue sauce and dust the edges of the crust with garlic salt. Bake the pizza according to the dough directions, usually at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes.

Finally, sprinkle some fresh green onion on top and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza!

Spinach, Blue Cheese, and Mushrooms

Pan toppings for pizza are a great way to elevate your pizza game and the combination of spinach, blue cheese, and mushrooms is a match made in heaven. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving pizza perfection with this mouth-watering trio:

Ingredients:

First, let's gather the ingredients for this delicious pan topping:

• Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves, rinsed and dried.
• Blue Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese, either vegetarian or regular, depending on your preference.
• Mushrooms: Sliced fresh mushrooms, such as cremini, oyster, shiitake, or any variety you prefer.

Preparation:

Now, let's get started with the preparation:

• Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350°F and 475°F, depending on your oven and the recipe you follow.
• Prepare your pizza dough according to your preferred recipe or store-bought instructions. Stretch and shape the dough to fit your baking pan or pizza stone.
• In a small bowl, mix olive oil and optionally, sesame oil. Brush this mixture onto your pizza dough, covering the entire surface.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try roasting garlic cloves and adding them to a creamy base made with vegan or regular cream cheese, along with the spinach, for an extra punch of flavor. Spread this mixture over your pizza dough.
• Generously scatter your spinach leaves over the crust, followed by a layer of blue cheese crumbles.
• Top it all off with the sliced mushrooms, creating an even layer.

Cooking:

Now, it's time to bake your pizza:

• Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 8 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the cheese is melted and the crust is golden and crispy.
• If you're using a cast-iron skillet, you can partially cook the crust before adding the toppings, and then finish it off under the broiler for a golden brown and crispy finish.
• Once your pizza is cooked to perfection, let it stand for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving:

Finally, it's time to enjoy your creation:

• Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or walnuts over your pizza for an extra crunch and a burst of flavor.
• Finish it off with some fresh herbs like basil or red pepper flakes to add a touch of freshness and spice.
• Slice your pizza into generous wedges and serve it hot or at room temperature.

There you have it! Your spinach, blue cheese, and mushroom pan-topped pizza is ready to be devoured. Enjoy the combination of creamy cheese, earthy mushrooms, and nutritious spinach, all on a perfect crispy crust. Bon appétit!

Pepperoni, Mushrooms, and Black Olives

Pan pizza is a type of pizza that is baked in a pan, usually a cast-iron skillet, and is known for its chewy, fried crust. Now, let's dive into the classic combination of pepperoni, mushrooms, and black olives as toppings for a pan pizza.

Ingredients

For the dough, you will need:

• High-gluten or bread flour (using bread flour will result in a chewier and holier dough)
• Water (ideally at body temperature, just under 100°F)
• Oil (use an oil with a high smoke point like grapeseed or peanut oil)
• Salt
• Yeast

For the toppings, you will require:

• Pizza sauce (marinara or a similar variety)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Sliced pepperoni
• Sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
• Sliced black olives
• Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, basil, or oregano for extra flavour

Instructions

• Start by mixing the dough ingredients and letting it rest, covered, at room temperature for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours. This extended period allows the dough to develop a chewy, hole-ridden texture.
• Oil your cast-iron skillet(s) generously. This step is crucial as it helps the dough spread easily, adds a fried layer to the exterior of the crust, and enhances the flavour.
• After the dough has risen, gently form it into a ball and place it smooth side down in the oiled pan. Flip it over so that the entire ball is coated in oil. Use your palm to gently flatten the dough. Cover the pan and let it rest undisturbed for about 2 hours.
• Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible, preferably 550°F.
• Spread your chosen pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small gap around the perimeter.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
• Top with pepperoni, mushrooms, and black olives.
• If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top for extra flavour.
• Bake the pizza in the oven for 12-20 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Keep an eye on the pizza, and remove it when the crust is deep brown and the cheese is bubbling.
• Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This step is important to prevent the cheese from solidifying too much and to ensure you don't burn your mouth!

Tips and Variations:

• If you want to get creative, you can add some herbs like basil or oregano to your pizza before baking.
• For an extra kick, include some crushed red pepper flakes with your toppings.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough, but making your own is highly recommended for the best texture and flavour.
• While fresh mozzarella is not ideal for pan pizza due to its delicate texture, you can use a combination of shredded mozzarella and fresh mozzarella balls (burrata) for a dreamy texture.

Sausage, Mushrooms, and Onions

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• Olive oil
• Sausage
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, or pecorino romano)
• Tomato sauce or tomato paste
• Butter (optional)
• Spinach (optional)
• Thyme (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic

Preparation

Start by preparing the pizza dough. You can make your own dough or buy a pre-made one. If you are making your own, it is best to start the process at least 10 hours or up to a day ahead. Mix the flour, water, oil, salt, and yeast, and let the dough rise.

Preheat your oven to a high temperature, preferably 550°F (288°C). If your oven does not go that high, set it to the highest temperature.

While the oven is heating up, prepare your toppings. It is recommended to precook the sausage, mushrooms, and onions. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until it is no longer pink. Transfer the sausage to a bowl and add the mushrooms to the skillet. Cook the mushrooms for 3 to 7 minutes until they are softened and browned. Add the onions to the skillet at the beginning or the end, depending on how soft and sweet you want them. If you want to add garlic, stir it into the skillet and cook for a few minutes. You can also add butter to the skillet for extra flavour.

Assembly

Coat a cast-iron skillet or a baking pan with olive oil. Place the dough in the pan and press it down, spreading it to the edges. If you are using a cast-iron skillet, you can let the dough rise for a couple of hours before adding the toppings.

Spread the tomato sauce or tomato paste over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the cheese over the sauce. If you are using spinach, add it at this point.

Evenly distribute the sausage, mushrooms, and onions on top of the cheese. If you are using mozzarella cheese, you can add it after the other toppings.

Baking

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on the pizza to make sure it doesn't burn.

Serving

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool down for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh thyme and red pepper flakes, if desired. Enjoy your delicious pan pizza!

Frequently asked questions