Frederic Melton
The Kirkland Signature Frozen Cheese Pizza is a convenient and affordable option for a quick and easy meal. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy the simplicity of gooey, melted cheese on a crispy crust. While some reviewers suggest that the pizza is lacking in flavour and requires additional cheese, others praise its versatility as a base pizza, allowing for customization with various toppings and ingredients. To cook the Kirkland cheese pizza, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and place the pizza directly on the middle oven rack. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. For a crispier crust, avoid using a baking sheet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 425°F (218°C) or 450°F |
| Baking time | 10-15 minutes |
| Pizza base | Thick and soft |
| Cheese | Mozzarella |
| Additional toppings | Parmesan, basil, Italian seasoning, tomatoes, meat, vegetables |
| Serving suggestions | Costco quinoa salad, Costco caesar salad |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C)
To cook a Kirkland cheese pizza, preheating your oven is crucial. Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) to ensure an optimal cooking temperature. This temperature is ideal for most frozen pizzas, including the Kirkland Signature variety. A well-preheated oven will help achieve a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese, the hallmark of a great pizza.
Preheating at a lower temperature of 425°F (218°C) is especially important when cooking a cheese pizza due to the high amount of cheese. This temperature allows sufficient time for the fat in the cheese to render properly. It is important to give the pizza enough time to cook at this temperature, ensuring the cheese melts evenly and the crust becomes golden brown.
When preheating, it is recommended to use an oven thermometer to ensure the oven reaches the desired temperature. This guarantees a more accurate reading than relying solely on the oven's temperature dial. By preheating the oven effectively, you can avoid undercooking or overcooking the pizza.
Additionally, while preheating, it is worth considering the type of oven you are using. If you are using a convection oven, it is advisable to lower the temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit. This adjustment accounts for the even heat distribution in convection ovens, ensuring your pizza doesn't burn.
By following these instructions and preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C), you'll be well on your way to cooking a delicious Kirkland cheese pizza with the perfect balance of melted cheese and a crispy, golden crust.
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Remove pizza from packaging
To cook a Kirkland cheese pizza, start by removing the pizza from its packaging. It's important to remove all the packaging, including any plastic wrapping or cardboard. This is because the pizza will be placed directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet.
If you're using a pizza stone, you may want to leave the cardboard base intact to make transferring the pizza to the oven easier. However, if you do this, be sure to remove the cardboard before placing the pizza in the oven, as it will burn.
If you have time, it's a good idea to let the pizza thaw before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the centre from being cold while the edges are overcooked. You can thaw the pizza by placing it in the refrigerator for a few hours or leaving it on the counter for about an hour.
Once the pizza is out of its packaging and thawed, you can move on to the next step of cooking it.
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Place pizza on a baking sheet or directly on the center rack
Cooking pizza is an art, and there are several ways to get it just right. The first step is to preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Then, take your pizza out of its packaging and place it on a baking sheet or directly onto the center rack of the oven. This is a crucial step in the pizza-making process, as placing the pizza directly on the rack can give you a crispier crust.
If you choose to use a baking sheet, you can add a pizza stone for that authentic, rustic feel. Baking sheets are a great option if you want to avoid the potential mess of cheese melting and bubbling onto the oven floor. If you don't mind the mess and are after that perfect, crispy base, then placing the pizza directly onto the oven rack is the way to go.
When cooking your pizza, it's important to keep an eye on it, especially towards the end of the baking time, to prevent burning. You'll know your pizza is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the crust is golden brown. This should take around 12-15 minutes, but the exact time will depend on your oven and the type of pizza.
For a Kirkland Signature Frozen Cheese Pizza, the manufacturer recommends cooking it directly on the middle oven rack at 450°F for 10-12 minutes. However, some people prefer to cook it at a lower temperature for a longer time, especially due to the high amount of cheese. This allows the fat in the cheese to render properly, improving the texture and taste.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes
Baking is the final step in cooking your pizza. By now, you should have preheated your oven to 425°F (218°C) and removed the pizza from its packaging. You should also have placed the pizza directly on the centre oven rack, or on a baking sheet if you prefer.
Now it's time to bake your pizza. You should bake it for 12-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during this time, especially towards the end of the baking process, to make sure it doesn't burn. You'll know your pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want to get really precise, you can cook the pizza to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If you like a crispier crust, it's best to bake the pizza directly on the oven rack, rather than using a baking sheet. However, this may require a little more attention to ensure it doesn't burn.
If you're using a convection oven, you might want to lower the temperature by 25 degrees. It's also worth noting that the cooking time will depend on the type of pizza you're making and the amount of cheese you're using. For example, a pizza with a lot of cheese, like the Kirkland pizza, may need a little longer in the oven to ensure the fat is properly rendered.
Once your pizza is baked to perfection, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the cheese to set and ensure you don't burn yourself!
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Add toppings
The Kirkland Signature Frozen Cheese Pizza is a great blank canvas for those who want to get creative with their pizza toppings. The cheese pizza is a simple yet classic choice, perfect for anyone who loves gooey, melted cheese spread evenly over a crispy crust.
When it comes to adding toppings, the possibilities are endless. You can add a variety of meats, vegetables, herbs, and extra cheese to take your pizza to the next level. Here are some specific suggestions:
- Leftover charcuterie meats, such as salami or prosciutto
- Vegetables like mushrooms, onions, green peppers, or sliced fresh tomatoes
- Herbs such as fresh basil, torn into small pieces
- Spices like dried Italian seasonings or crushed red pepper
- Extra cheese! Try adding some shredded Parmesan cheese, but beware of the increased sodium content. You could also add some mozzarella cheese or another type of cheese that you particularly enjoy.
Remember, when adding toppings, it's essential to consider the cooking time and temperature to ensure that your toppings are cooked properly and your pizza is safe to eat. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly to account for the additional ingredients. Always cook your pizza to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious, customized Kirkland cheese pizza!
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Remove the pizza from its packaging and any additional wrapping. Place the pizza directly on the center oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The pizza should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure the cheese sets and doesn't run out immediately.
Yes, you can add your own toppings before baking. Some suggestions include fresh basil, Italian seasonings, fresh tomatoes, Kirkland Parmesan cheese, vegetables, meat, and extra cheese.
For optimal results, thawing is essential. Use the fridge method by placing the pizza in the refrigerator for a few hours. If you're short on time, leave it on the counter for about an hour to quickly thaw.
