Patrick Oconnell
Frozen cheese pizza is a convenient and tasty meal, but it can be tricky to cook to perfection. The crust often turns out soggy and cardboard-like, and the cheese may refuse to melt. The key to a better frozen pizza is to thaw it before baking and to cook it in a super-hot oven, which mimics a real pizza oven. Commercial pizza ovens can reach temperatures as high as 800–1000 °F, so crank your oven up as high as it will go. You can also brush the crust with olive oil for added flavour and crunch and sprinkle on seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Parmesan cheese.
How to Cook Frozen Cheese Pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 400°F to 550°F |
| Cook Time | 8-25 minutes |
| Cook Time per Topping | Additional 1-2 minutes |
| Cook Time for Extra Ingredients | Additional 5-10 minutes |
| Cook Time for High Temperature | 5-7 minutes |
| Rest Time | 2-3 minutes |
| Bake | Do not use a pan or cookie sheet |
| Bake | Place pizza on the middle rack |
| Thawing | Thawing before baking improves texture |
| Crust | Coat with olive oil and seasonings |
| Toppings | Add after baking for best results |
| Toppings | Fresh herbs, cheeses, meats, and vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Defrosting and oven temperature
Defrosting your frozen pizza before baking is a good trick to improve the texture and taste of your pizza. Leaving your pizza to thaw for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven will ensure a crispier crust and a more even bake. However, it is important to note that you should never cook or refreeze a thawed pizza, especially if it has been outside of the refrigerator for more than two hours, as this can cause an uneven bake or even make you sick.
If you are in a rush, you can place your pizza directly into the oven from the freezer. However, this may result in a pizza with a cardboard-like texture.
When it comes to oven temperature, it is recommended to cook your pizza at a high temperature to mimic the conditions of a real pizza oven. Commercial pizza ovens can reach temperatures of 800-1000 degrees Fahrenheit, so you should aim to get your oven as close to this temperature as possible. Most sources recommend an oven temperature of around 450-550 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important to note that oven temperatures may vary, so you should keep an eye on your pizza as it cooks and adjust the temperature and time as needed.
The cooking time for your pizza will depend on the oven temperature and the size and amount of toppings on your pizza. A thinner pizza with fewer toppings will cook faster than a thicker pizza with more toppings. On average, a frozen pizza will take around 8-25 minutes to cook at an oven temperature of 400-550 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you crank your oven to the highest temperature, it can take as little as 5-7 minutes to cook completely.
Remember to remove all packaging and shrink wrap from your pizza before placing it in the oven, and always use a baking sheet or pizza stone for best results.
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Cook time
The cooking time for a frozen cheese pizza varies depending on the type of crust, the number of toppings, and the desired level of crispiness. On average, a frozen cheese pizza should be baked in a preheated oven at a temperature between 400°F and 550°F for 8 to 25 minutes.
For a classic pizza, it is recommended to bake it for 15-17 minutes, while an ultra-thin pizza should be cooked for 8-14 minutes. If you prefer a crispier crust, it is suggested to bake the pizza at a higher temperature of 550°F for about 10 minutes.
The cooking time can also depend on the type of oven and the number of pizzas baked simultaneously. When baking two pizzas at the same time, it is advised to alternate racks halfway through. Additionally, the use of parchment paper can slightly reduce the cooking time.
It is important to keep an eye on the pizza as it cooks, as oven temperatures and cooking times may vary. The pizza is done when the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
If you're looking for a quick fix, microwaving a frozen cheese pizza is an option. Remove the pizza from its packaging and place it on a microwave-safe paper plate. Microwave for around 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, and let it stand for 30 seconds before handling.
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Toppings
The great thing about pizza is that you can top it with almost anything! If you're cooking a frozen cheese pizza, you can add your toppings straight on top of the frozen pizza before baking.
It's important to be mindful of the water content of your toppings. Too many "wet" vegetables can make your pizza soggy. For example, fresh mushrooms can make a pizza soggy, but you can stir-fry them first for 1-2 minutes in oil or butter and then add them before baking. Similarly, raw onions are another culprit for soggy pizza, so frying them first is a good idea. You can also dip vegetables like broccoli in water first or cover them with a little cheese to insulate them against the heat and stop them from drying out. Fresh tomatoes should be added after baking, unless they are anemic winter or strip-mined tomatoes, in which case you should dice, press out the extra juice, and scatter them before baking. Olives can be added either before or after.
Meat toppings like sliced raw onion, mushroom, bell pepper, broccoli, asparagus, and shredded or sliced meats can be added before baking. If you're using leftover meat, like bacon or ham, you can add it straight on top of the frozen pizza. If you're using deli meat, like pepperoni, add it a few minutes before the pizza is done.
You can also add extra cheese, like mozzarella, feta, or parmesan, and dried or fresh herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, or cilantro. If you want to add a kick of heat, try adding red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or spicy honey. Other tasty toppings include sundried tomatoes, olives, anchovies, and garlic powder.
Don't forget to adjust your cooking time to account for the extra toppings. For each additional topping, add 1-2 minutes to the cook time.
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Pizza stone or baking sheet
Pizza stone and baking sheet are two different types of equipment used for cooking frozen cheese pizza. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Pizza Stone
Pizza stone is a flat slab of ceramic or stone that you place directly on the rack of your oven. It is primarily used for cooking pizzas in conventional ovens. Pizza stones can get very hot—up to 500°F. Using a pizza stone allows you to get a crisp crust on pizzas. Pizza stones come in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses. A thicker pizza stone generally works better than a thinner one. Pizza stones require a specific preheating period. The stone will heat up as the oven heats up. Once the oven is preheated, carefully slide the frozen pizza onto the heated stone and bake it for about 5 to 8 minutes.
Baking Sheet
A baking sheet is a metal pan used for baking. It delivers heat quickly, contributing to a well-cooked base if preheated. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier transfer and cleaning. The pizza will also cook more evenly. Arrange the frozen pizza with space between the edges and sides of the pan. This will prevent the crust from steaming and ensure even cooking. If you are making several pizzas, use two racks instead of cramming them into one pan. Remember to rotate the pans halfway through cooking. Ensure even cooking by positioning the pizza in the middle of your oven, directly on the center rack. The center rack position (usually racks 3 out of 5) optimizes heat circulation and allows the top and bottom of foods to cook evenly.
Both pizza stone and baking sheet can be used to cook frozen cheese pizza. Pizza stone is better for achieving a crisp crust. However, it requires a specific preheating period. On the other hand, a baking sheet delivers heat quickly and cooks the pizza evenly. It is also easier to transfer and clean.
Olive oil and seasoning
Firstly, brush the crust of your frozen pizza with olive oil. You can also drizzle olive oil over the entire pizza after it is baked. If you are baking at a high temperature, wait until the pizza is almost cooked before adding the olive oil to prevent it from burning.
Secondly, choose your seasonings. Italian seasonings such as dried oregano, chilli flakes, and basil pair well with pizza. Other options include paprika, garlic, black pepper, curry powder, or dill. You can also make a compound garlic butter by mixing minced garlic with butter and spreading it onto the crust. If you want to add a sweet element to your pizza, drizzle honey on top.
Lastly, sprinkle your chosen seasonings on top of the pizza before or after baking, depending on the seasoning. For example, fresh garlic can be sliced thinly and added before baking, whereas oregano is added after baking.
