Tiffany Haney
Making pan pizza is a great way to enjoy a thick and crispy crust that's golden on the bottom, but puffy and soft under the layers of sauce and cheese. While you can use a pizza stone to make great pizza at home, it isn't the only way to achieve a delicious, crispy crust. Here are some alternatives to a pizza stone: an inverted baking sheet, a cast-iron skillet, a grill, a pizza-specific baking pan, or a baking steel.
If you're using a cast-iron pan, it's important to note that the pan should be preheated upside down on a sheet pan for safety. This method can replicate a pizza stone and produce a crispy pizza crust. For those who love a thick and crispy crust, pan pizza is a great option that's also easy to make.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan type | Cast iron skillet |
| Pan size | 10-inch or 12-inch |
| Pan temperature | As hot as possible |
| Dough ingredients | Bread flour, salt, yeast, water, oil |
| Dough preparation | Mix, divide, oil, wait, top, bake |
| Dough weight | 14 ounces |
| Dough rising time | 8-24 hours |
| Dough ball formation | Pull and tuck the dough, form a taut ball |
| Oil type | Olive oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, canola oil, vegetable oil |
| Sauce type | Pizza sauce, tomato sauce |
| Cheese type | Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, Muenster, Jack |
| Other toppings | Pepperoni, basil leaves, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano |
| Baking time | 12-20 minutes |
| Resting time | 5-8 minutes |
What You'll Learn
Perforated Pizza Pans
There are several advantages to using a perforated pizza pan. Firstly, they deliver a crispier crust, thanks to the improved airflow and moisture reduction. Secondly, they ensure even cooking, as the perforations distribute heat evenly, cooking the edges and centre simultaneously. Perforated pans also offer faster cooking times due to the direct heat and improved airflow.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The holes in the pan can create a mess if sauce or cheese drips through, and they may not be suitable for other baking needs due to their specialised design. Additionally, perforated pans require careful cleaning to ensure food bits don't get stuck in the holes, and they may be more challenging to maintain over time.
Overall, perforated pizza pans are a great option for those seeking a crispy, pizzeria-style crust. With their enhanced airflow and moisture-reducing properties, these pans deliver delicious, evenly cooked pizzas with a perfect crispy texture.
Pizza Hut's Pan Pizza: Detroit-Style?
You may want to see also
Pizza Screens
Using a pizza screen is a simple way to achieve a perfectly cooked pizza with a crispy crust. The holes in the screen allow heat to transfer directly to the crust, ensuring even cooking and the desired crunchy texture. Pizza screens are also oven-safe and rust-free, making them a durable and convenient option for pizza lovers.
In addition to the pizza screen, other factors contribute to the perfect pan pizza. These include the type of flour, cheese, oil, and oven temperature used. A long, slow rise of the dough also develops maximum flavour and chewiness in the crust. For a thick and crispy crust that is golden on the bottom but puffy and soft underneath, a hot oven and cast-iron pan are recommended.
Pan Pizza vs Thin Crust: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Deep-Dish Pizza Pans
Materials
When choosing a deep-dish pizza pan, it is important to consider the material it is made from. Steel and cast iron are popular choices, but aluminium is also commonly used.
Steel
Black steel is often recommended for deep-dish pizza pans as it allows for proper crisping of the crust. Carbon steel is essentially the same material as black steel and blue steel, and it can be seasoned in the same way as cast iron. However, it can be difficult to find carbon steel pans without a non-stick coating, which can affect the performance of the pan.
Aluminium
Aluminium is a softer metal than steel but is a better conductor of heat. It is also a common material for pizza pans as it is thinner and more affordable than other options. However, it is important to note that aluminium is reactive to acidic ingredients such as tomato products, which can darken, pit, or corrode the pan over time.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is a versatile and inexpensive option that can withstand high temperatures. It is also durable and can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. However, cast iron skillets may not have straight sides, which can affect the shape of the deep-dish pizza.
Features
Brands
There are several brands that offer deep-dish pizza pans, including LloydPans, Nordic Ware, and Chicago Metallic. LloydPans offers a variety of deep-dish pan options, including stacking and nesting pans, as well as perforated pans for even baking. Nordic Ware's Naturals® collection features pure aluminium pans for superior heat conductivity and even browning. Chicago Metallic offers a non-stick deep-dish pizza pan, although some users have reported issues with the pizza sticking to the pan.
Tips
When using a deep-dish pizza pan, it is important to consider the recipe and the type of pan recommended. For example, some deep-dish pizza recipes suggest coating the pan with olive oil, which can affect the dough's ability to stretch and stick to the pan. Additionally, it is important to consider the oven-safe temperature of the pan, as some pans may not be suitable for recipes that require higher temperatures.
In conclusion, when choosing a deep-dish pizza pan, consider the material, size, features, and brand that best suit your needs and preferences. With the right pan, you can easily create delicious and evenly baked deep-dish pizzas at home.
Smoking Turkey: Water Pan Needed?
You may want to see also
Cast Iron Pizza Pans
A cast-iron pizza pan is a great way to make homemade pizza with a thick crust and crispy edges. It's easy to use and gives your pizza a restaurant-style feel. Cast iron pans are also very versatile and can be used on various heat sources like grills or even an open flame.
Features
Care
Performance
Customer Reviews
Customers rave about the quality, heat distribution, ease of cleaning, and versatility of cast iron pizza pans. They also appreciate the non-stick properties, with some mentioning that the crust never sticks even without cornmeal. The pans are also praised for their durability, with some reviewers stating that they expect the pan to last for years or even decades.
Washing Disposable Aluminum Pans: Yes or No?
You may want to see also
Wide-Rim Pizza Pans
The American Metalcraft TP14 Wide-Rim Pan is a popular choice, with many customers impressed by its sturdiness and ease of cleaning. It's lightweight, sturdy, and accommodates standard-sized pizzas. The American Metalcraft HATP28 28" Heavy Weight Aluminum Wide Rim Pizza Pan is another great option, featuring a durable 14-gauge, 1.5 mm thick heavy-weight aluminum construction. It's ideal for busy commercial kitchens and can withstand high-heat applications.
When choosing a pizza pan, it's important to consider the type of pizza you want to make. For thin-crust pizzas, a thinner-gauge pan is recommended, while a deep-dish pizza pan with high metal sidewalls is best for creating thick, buttery crusts. The shape of the pan is also important, with round, square, and rectangular options available to suit your needs.
Baking: Pan Rotation for Even Cooking
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Avoid using a pan that is not oven-safe, such as a non-stick pan, as it may release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures.
There are several alternatives to a traditional pizza pan, such as an inverted baking sheet, a cast-iron skillet, a pizza stone, or a pizza steel.
High-gluten or bread flour is recommended for pan pizza as it yields a chewier and holier dough. However, all-purpose flour can also be used, although the results may vary.
Shredded, low-moisture mozzarella is recommended for pan pizza as it keeps the pizza crisp and light. Other options include young cheddar, provolone, Muenster, or Jack cheese.
To prevent sticking, use a well-oiled pan, preferably with a high-smoke-point oil such as grapeseed or peanut oil. This will reduce friction and allow the dough to spread easily.
