Papa Murphy’s pizzas are renowned for their fresh ingredients and customizable options, making them a popular choice for pizza lovers everywhere. But what about baking them from frozen? Whether you’re short on time or simply planning ahead, baking a frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza is a convenient option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or quality. However, getting that perfect bake requires some know-how. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of baking time, preparation steps, oven rack placement, checking for doneness, additional tips, and variations to ensure your frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza comes out of the oven piping hot and delicious every time.
Baking Time and Temperature:
The recommended baking time and oven temperature for different types of Papa Murphy’s pizzas can vary slightly. Here’s a breakdown:
Thin Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the pizza for 12-18 minutes, depending on the toppings and desired level of crispiness. Thinner crusts generally require less baking time.
Original Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pizza for 18-25 minutes. The original crust typically requires a slightly longer baking time to ensure the center is thoroughly cooked.
Stuffed Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pizza for 25-30 minutes. The stuffed crust needs extra time to ensure the filling is heated through and the crust is golden brown.
Preparation Steps:
Preparing your frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza for baking is a crucial step to ensure even cooking and delicious results. Here’s what you need to do:
Thawing: While it’s not necessary to thaw the pizza before baking, allowing it to thaw slightly can help reduce overall cooking time and promote even baking. If you have the time, place the pizza in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to thaw gradually. If you’re short on time, you can still bake the pizza from frozen, but be prepared to extend the baking time accordingly.
Preheating: Before placing your pizza in the oven, make sure to preheat it to the appropriate temperature based on the type of crust you’re baking.
Handling: Carefully remove the plastic wrap and cardboard tray from the pizza, if included. Place the pizza on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack for a crisper crust.
Oven Rack Placement:
The optimal oven rack position can vary depending on your oven and personal preference. However, as a general rule of thumb:
For a crisper crust, place the pizza directly on the middle oven rack.
If you prefer a softer crust, place the pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone on the bottom rack to prevent the bottom from becoming too crispy.
Checking for Doneness:
Determining when your Papa Murphy’s pizza is ready to come out of the oven is crucial for achieving that perfect bake. Here’s how to tell if your pizza is cooked thoroughly:
Golden Brown Crust: The crust should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Melted and Bubbly Cheese: The cheese should be fully melted and bubbling, with a slight golden hue.
Uniform Heat Distribution: Check that the toppings are heated through evenly, with no cold spots in the center.
To ensure accuracy, you can use a kitchen thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pizza reaches 165°F (74°C).
Additional Tips:
For an even better baking experience, consider the following tips:
Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet: Using a pizza stone or baking sheet can help distribute heat evenly and prevent the bottom of the pizza from burning.
Rotate the Pizza: To ensure even cooking, rotate the pizza halfway through the baking time.
Let It Rest: Allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut and preventing the toppings from sliding off.
Variations:
When it comes to baking frozen Papa Murphy’s pizzas, there may be variations based on oven types or specific pizza types. Here are some considerations:
Conventional vs. Convection Oven: If using a convection oven, you may need to reduce the baking temperature by 25°F (14°C) and monitor the pizza closely as it may cook faster.
Different Toppings: Pizzas with heavier or denser toppings may require longer baking times to ensure the center is cooked thoroughly. Keep an eye on the crust to prevent it from burning while the toppings cook.
Conclusion
In conclusion, baking a frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza is a convenient and delicious option for satisfying your pizza cravings. By following these tips and guidelines for baking time, preparation steps, oven rack placement, checking for doneness, additional tips, and variations, you can enjoy a perfectly baked pizza every time, straight from your own oven.
FAQs
How long do you cook a frozen pizza in the oven?
To cook a frozen pizza in the oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C) and place the pizza directly on the center oven rack. Cooking time typically ranges from 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the pizza’s size and thickness. Follow the instructions on the packaging for best results.
What temperature do you bake Papa Murphy’s pizza?
For Papa Murphy’s take and bake pizza, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pizza on the center oven rack and bake according to the instructions provided by Papa Murphy’s, usually for 12 to 18 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Can I freeze take and bake pizza?
Yes, you can freeze take and bake pizza. If you want to freeze it, do so before baking. Wrap the pizza securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before following the baking instructions.