So you've got a Papa Murphy's pizza – a delicious, unbaked canvas of potential. But how do you transform this raw ingredient into a piping hot, cheesy masterpiece? Fear not, pizzaiolo-in-training! This guide will walk you through the process of cooking your Papa Murphy's pizza to perfection, ensuring a crispy crust and perfectly melted toppings every time.
Preparing Your Oven for Papa Murphy's Pizza
Before you even think about opening that pizza box, let's get your oven ready. This is crucial for achieving the best results.
Preheating is Key:
- High Heat: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your Papa Murphy's pizza box. This is usually a high temperature, around 425°F (220°C). Don't skimp on the preheating time! A properly heated oven ensures even baking and a crispy crust.
Choosing Your Baking Surface:
-
Pizza Stone (Recommended): For the crispiest crust, use a pizza stone. Place it in the oven while it preheats. The stone retains heat and transfers it evenly to the pizza.
-
Baking Sheet: If you don't have a pizza stone, a baking sheet will work, but you might not get as crispy a crust. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Baking Your Papa Murphy's Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now for the fun part! Let's bake that pizza.
-
Carefully Remove Pizza from Box: Gently remove your Papa Murphy's pizza from its box. Avoid tearing the crust.
-
Transfer to Baking Surface: Carefully transfer the pizza from the box to your preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Use a pizza peel if you have one; otherwise, carefully slide it onto the surface.
-
Bake Time: Refer to the baking instructions printed on your Papa Murphy's pizza box. Baking times vary depending on the size and type of pizza. Typically, it's between 15-20 minutes.
-
Monitor Carefully: Keep a close eye on your pizza during baking. The crust should be golden brown, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can reduce the oven temperature slightly.
-
Check for Doneness: Use a spatula or pizza peel to check for doneness. The pizza should be cooked through and the cheese should be fully melted and slightly browned in places.
-
Remove from Oven: Once cooked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel or oven mitts.
-
Cool Slightly Before Slicing: Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut and preventing it from being too gooey.
Tips for Papa Murphy's Pizza Perfection
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Papa Murphy's pizza comes out perfectly every time:
- Don't overcrowd the oven: If you're baking multiple pizzas, bake them one at a time to ensure even cooking.
- Rotate the pizza: For even baking, rotate the pizza halfway through the cooking time.
- Experiment with toppings: While Papa Murphy's already provides delicious toppings, feel free to add your own!
- Enjoy! Once your pizza is cooked, enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor!
By following these simple steps, you'll be able to bake a delicious Papa Murphy's pizza that is crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Now go forth and conquer the world of take-and-bake pizza!
