Perfect Pan Pizza: Baking Temperature Guide

Pan pizza is a foolproof, less fussy, and superior way to make pizza at home. The best temperature to bake a pan pizza is between 425°F and 550°F. The baking temperature and time will depend on the type of oven and pan used. For example, if using a cast-iron skillet, it is recommended to bake the pizza in the lower third of the oven at 450°F for 20-35 minutes. On the other hand, a sheet pan pizza is baked at 450°F for 20-25 minutes or 425°F for 15-20 minutes.

Bake at 450°F for 20-25 minutes

To make a delicious pan pizza, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure your dough is at room temperature before you begin. This makes it easier to stretch and work with. Preheat your oven to 450°F and lightly grease a sheet pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil. If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then stretch it out in the pan with your fingertips. For a crispy crust, it is important to stretch the dough to the edges of the pan.

Now for the fun part: toppings! For a classic pan pizza, start with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. This creates a barrier to prevent the dough from getting soggy. Next, spread your pizza sauce evenly over the cheese, leaving a ridge around the perimeter for the crust. Sprinkle more cheese on top, followed by your choice of toppings.

When your pizza is assembled, it's time to bake! Place it in the preheated oven and bake at 450°F for 20-25 minutes. The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy crust, bake it on the bottom rack of the oven.

Once the pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set and prevents your pizza from falling apart when cut. Enjoy the fruits of your labour and savour the taste of a perfectly baked pan pizza!

Use a cast iron pan

Using a cast-iron pan is a great way to achieve a crispy, crunchy, thick, and golden crust on your pan pizza. The cast iron retains heat extremely well, creating an "extra oven within your oven" and allowing you to achieve a higher temperature to cook your pizza.

To make a pan pizza using a cast-iron pan, you will need the following:

• A cast-iron pan (skillet) or a cast-iron Dutch oven/casserole skillet (without the lid)
• Pizza dough (store-bought, homemade, or from a local pizzeria)
• Pizza sauce (traditional tomato-based, basil pesto, or another sauce of your choice)
• Toppings of your choice (cheese, meat, vegetables, herbs, etc.)
• Olive oil
• Cornmeal (optional)
• Italian herbs (optional)

Preheat the oven and the cast-iron pan:

Set your oven to the highest possible temperature, typically between 450-550°F (230-290°C). Place your cast-iron pan inside the oven and preheat it along with the oven for at least 20 minutes, and up to 45 minutes to 1 hour. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your pizza will cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

Prepare the pizza dough:

While the oven and pan are preheating, prepare your pizza dough. If using store-bought or pre-made dough, let it come to room temperature. If making your own dough, follow a recipe or use a no-knead dough method, which requires less effort and time.

Roll or stretch the dough into a circle that is slightly larger than the bottom of your cast-iron pan. For a 10-inch pan, you may need to divide the dough into two smaller balls to make two pizzas.

Prepare the toppings:

Gather and prepare your desired toppings. Grate or cube any cheese, cook any meat, and chop any raw vegetables. You will typically need about 1/2 to 2/3 cup of sauce, 4 to 6 ounces of cheese, and 1 cup of chopped vegetables or cooked/cured meat for a 12- to 14-inch pizza.

Assemble the pizza:

Carefully remove the hot cast-iron pan from the oven and place it on a trivet or an oven pad to protect your surfaces. Use paper towels or a brush to coat the pan generously with olive oil. This step is essential to prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the pan and to achieve a crispy crust.

Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pan, adjusting it to fit the edges. You can use your hands or a rolling pin to carefully form the dough to the size and shape of the pan. There is no need to form a crust as it will naturally rise on its own.

Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a small gap around the edge for the crust to form. Sprinkle or layer your desired toppings over the sauce, being careful not to overload the pizza to allow the dough to cook through.

Bake the pizza:

Place the cast-iron pan with the assembled pizza back into the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly browned. The crust should be golden brown and crisp when done.

Serve the pizza:

Carefully remove the cast-iron pan from the oven and slide the pizza onto a cutting board. Let it cool down for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Enjoy your freshly baked pan pizza with a crispy, golden crust, made right in your cast-iron pan!

Use store-bought dough

Using Store-Bought Dough to Make Pan Pizza

Using store-bought dough is a great way to make pan pizza without the hassle of making your own dough. Here are some tips and instructions to help you get started:

Choosing and Preparing the Dough

• You can usually find store-bought pizza dough at local bakeries, grocery stores like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods, or even your local pizza place.
• If you're using frozen dough, make sure to thaw it before using. Take it out of the freezer and place it in the fridge overnight, then let it come to room temperature before shaping it.
• Letting the dough rise is crucial. Set it on the counter for at least 30 minutes to a few hours. This will make it easier to stretch and shape.
• If you're short on time, you can speed up the rising process by placing the dough near a window or wrapping it in a warm kitchen towel.

Shaping the Dough

• Lightly flour your work surface and coat both sides of the dough with flour.
• Start shaping the dough by pinching the outside with your fingers to form the crust.
• Work from the center outward, pushing and stretching the dough to expand the base.
• Use your knuckles to stretch the dough in vertical and horizontal motions. Add more flour as needed to help it expand.
• Keep working the dough until it's large enough to cover your sheet pan. Don't worry about making it a perfect shape—all pizzas are beautiful!
• If you prefer a round pizza, start by forming the dough into a ball and then stretch it in a circular motion.

Baking the Dough

• Preheat your oven to 450°F.
• Prepare your sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper and drizzling a little olive oil.
• Transfer the shaped dough to the sheet pan and bake it "naked" for about 7-10 minutes. This is called par-baking and helps create a crispy crust.
• After par-baking, remove the dough from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 500°F.
• Brush the perimeter of the dough with olive oil to create a golden crust, then add your desired toppings.
• Bake the pizza at 500°F for about 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden.
• Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

• Never add toppings to raw pizza dough. Always par-bake the dough first.
• Season your crust with parmesan and a light sprinkle of salt for extra flavor.
• Fresh herbs like basil are best added after the pizza is baked so they don't wilt.
• If you want an extra crispy crust, you can bake the pizza directly on the oven rack for the final few minutes of baking.

Layer cheese, then sauce, then more cheese

To make a pan pizza, you'll need to layer the cheese, then the sauce, and then more cheese. This is different from a hand-tossed pizza, where you would usually put the sauce and then the cheese. The reason for this difference is that the first layer of cheese in a pan pizza acts as a barrier to prevent the sauce from seeping into the crust and making it soggy.

To make a pan pizza, start by coating a sheet pan with olive oil and setting it aside. Next, make your dough by combining yeast, sugar, and warm water in the bowl of an electric mixer. After the yeast has proofed, add flour and garlic salt, and then slowly add more olive oil. Mix until a smooth ball of dough forms. Press the dough onto the bottom of the pan and up the sides.

Now for the layering: start by sprinkling an even layer of cheese onto the dough. This will be the barrier that keeps the sauce from seeping into the crust. Next, spread your sauce evenly over the cheese. You can use pizza sauce, marinara sauce, or any other sauce you prefer. After the sauce, sprinkle on the remaining cheese. You can also add other toppings at this point, such as pepperoni or vegetables.

Finally, bake your pizza in the oven at 450°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Let it set for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy pan pizza!

Bake on the bottom rack of the oven

To ensure your pan pizza is baked to perfection, it's important to follow these steps and keep your pan pizza on the bottom rack of the oven.

First, let's talk about the benefits of baking your pizza on the bottom rack. This placement ensures that the bottom of the pizza gets enough heat to cook through and become crispy, without burning the toppings. It's a delicate balance, but one that's easily achieved with this method.

Now, let's get into the specifics of baking your pan pizza. Preheat your oven to a temperature between 425°F and 450°F. The exact temperature will depend on your oven and preferences, but this temperature range will ensure a crispy crust and perfectly melted toppings.

Once your oven is preheated, it's time to prepare your pizza for baking. Start by greasing your sheet pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your pizza dough doesn't stick to the pan and creates a crispy crust.

Next, stretch your dough to fit the pan. If your dough is cold, let it come to room temperature first, as it will be easier to stretch. Gently stretch and press the dough to cover the entire pan, forming a ridge around the perimeter for the crust.

Now for the fun part—toppings! Start by spreading your pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small gap around the ridge. Then, sprinkle on your shredded cheese. This layer of cheese will act as a barrier, preventing the dough from getting soggy.

At this point, you can add any additional toppings of your choice. Get creative and add your favourite meats, vegetables, or spices! Just remember that if you're using fresh herbs or leafy greens, it's best to add them after baking to preserve their flavour and texture.

With your toppings in place, it's time to bake! Place your pan on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 15 to 25 minutes. The exact time will depend on your oven and the desired doneness of your pizza. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.

When the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly, it's ready! Remove your pan pizza from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes. This resting time will help the pizza set and make it easier to slice.

Finally, slice and serve your delicious, freshly baked pan pizza! Enjoy the fruits of your labour and savour every bite of that crispy, cheesy goodness.

Remember, the key to a perfect pan pizza is baking it on the bottom rack and following these simple steps. Happy baking, and bon appétit!

Frequently asked questions