Papa Murphy’s pizzas are a staple of the meal prep world, but cooking them like a pro can be intimidating. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy parent, this guide will walk you through the process of cooking a Papa Murphy’s pizza like a pro. From preheating your oven to adding extra toppings, we’ve got you covered.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn the ins and outs of cooking a Papa Murphy’s pizza, including the optimal baking time, the best way to achieve a crispy crust, and how to freeze and reheat your pizza for later. You’ll also discover the secrets to cooking multiple pizzas at once and how to troubleshoot common issues that can arise during the cooking process.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be a Papa Murphy’s pizza cooking master, able to whip up a delicious meal for yourself and your loved ones with ease. So, let’s get started!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Bake a Papa Murphy’s pizza at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes to achieve a perfectly cooked crust
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before baking for optimal results
- Use a pizza stone or baking steel to achieve a crispy crust and well-cooked toppings
- Freezing an unbaked Papa Murphy’s pizza is a great way to save for later, but be sure to thaw and bake it at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes
- Reheating a Papa Murphy’s pizza in the oven or microwave is a quick and easy way to revive a leftover meal
Cooking Time and Temperature
Papa Murphy’s pizzas are designed to be cooked in a home oven, and the recommended baking time and temperature are crucial for achieving a perfectly cooked crust. To bake a Papa Murphy’s pizza, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the pizza directly on the middle rack. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked through.
The key to achieving a perfectly cooked crust is to bake the pizza at the correct temperature and for the right amount of time. If you bake the pizza for too long, the crust will become overcooked and crispy. On the other hand, if you don’t bake it long enough, the crust will be undercooked and soft. To avoid these issues, make sure to check on the pizza regularly during the cooking process and adjust the baking time as needed.
Cooking Methods and Tips
One of the most common questions about cooking a Papa Murphy’s pizza is whether it can be baked on a cookie sheet or a pizza stone. The answer is yes, but it’s essential to use the right cooking method for the best results. If you’re using a cookie sheet, make sure to grease it with cooking spray or oil to prevent the pizza from sticking. On the other hand, if you’re using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza to achieve a crispy crust.
When it comes to baking a Papa Murphy’s pizza on the grill, it’s essential to use a pizza stone or a cast-iron skillet to achieve a crispy crust and well-cooked toppings. Place the pizza on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked through. Keep in mind that cooking a Papa Murphy’s pizza on the grill can be a bit tricky, so make sure to monitor the temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Achieving a Crispy Crust
Crust texture is a crucial aspect of a Papa Murphy’s pizza, and achieving a crispy crust can be a challenge for even the most experienced cooks. To achieve a crispy crust, make sure to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and use a pizza stone or baking steel to distribute the heat evenly. When baking the pizza, place it on the middle rack and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
If you’re having trouble achieving a crispy crust, try using a bit more cornmeal or flour on the bottom of the pizza to help it brown evenly. You can also try baking the pizza for a bit longer to achieve a crisper crust. Just be careful not to overcook the crust, as it can become dry and brittle.
Cooking Multiple Pizzas at Once
Cooking multiple pizzas at once can be a bit tricky, but with the right strategy, you can achieve perfectly cooked crusts and toppings every time. To cook multiple pizzas at once, place them on a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked through.
When cooking multiple pizzas at once, make sure to leave enough space between each pizza to allow for proper air circulation. You can also try rotating the pizzas halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. By following these tips, you can cook multiple Papa Murphy’s pizzas at once with ease and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
Removing the Pizza from the Packaging
One of the most common mistakes people make when cooking a Papa Murphy’s pizza is not removing it from the packaging before baking. This can cause the pizza to steam instead of bake, leading to a soggy crust and undercooked toppings. To avoid this issue, make sure to remove the pizza from the packaging before placing it in the oven.
When removing the pizza from the packaging, take care not to touch the toppings or sauce, as they can be delicate and prone to damage. You can also try using a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper to transfer the pizza to the baking sheet or pizza stone, making it easier to handle and less messy.
Knowing When the Pizza is Done
One of the most crucial aspects of cooking a Papa Murphy’s pizza is knowing when it’s done. To check if the pizza is cooked through, look for a golden brown crust and toppings that are cooked through. You can also try using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pizza, which should be around 165°F (74°C) for the toppings and 200°F (93°C) for the crust.
When checking if the pizza is done, make sure to check the crust, toppings, and sauce for even cooking. If the crust is overcooked, the toppings will be dry and the sauce will be burnt. On the other hand, if the crust is undercooked, the toppings will be soggy and the sauce will be raw.
Freezing and Reheating
Papa Murphy’s pizzas can be frozen for later use, making them a great option for meal prep or when you’re short on time. To freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw the pizza at room temperature or in the fridge and bake it in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked through.
When reheating a Papa Murphy’s pizza, make sure to use the right cooking method for the best results. You can reheat the pizza in the oven, microwave, or on the grill, but be sure to follow the correct cooking times and temperatures to avoid overcooking the crust or undercooking the toppings.
Adding Extra Toppings
Papa Murphy’s pizzas are customizable, and adding extra toppings is a great way to make your meal more exciting. To add extra toppings to a Papa Murphy’s pizza, simply place them on top of the existing toppings and bake the pizza in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the toppings are cooked through.
When adding extra toppings, make sure to choose toppings that complement the existing flavors and textures of the pizza. For example, if you’re adding meat toppings, pair them with vegetables and cheese for a balanced flavor. You can also try using different types of cheese or sauces to add more flavor to your pizza.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a Papa Murphy’s pizza in a toaster oven?
While it’s technically possible to cook a Papa Murphy’s pizza in a toaster oven, it’s not the best option. Toaster ovens can be unpredictable, and the heat distribution may not be even, leading to a soggy crust or undercooked toppings. If you don’t have access to a conventional oven, consider using a grill or a pan on the stovetop to cook your pizza.
How do I handle a burnt crust?
A burnt crust can be a real disappointment, but it’s not the end of the world. If you notice the crust is burning during the cooking process, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, use a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper to transfer the pizza to a wire rack and let it cool completely. Once it’s cooled, you can try to salvage the burnt crust by scraping off the burnt bits and adding new toppings. However, if the crust is severely burnt, it’s best to start over with a new pizza.
Can I cook a Papa Murphy’s pizza in a slow cooker?
While it’s technically possible to cook a Papa Murphy’s pizza in a slow cooker, it’s not the best option. Slow cookers are designed for cooking low and slow, which can lead to a soggy crust and undercooked toppings. If you want to cook a Papa Murphy’s pizza, it’s best to use a conventional oven or a grill for optimal results.
How do I handle a pizza that’s not cooking evenly?
If you notice the pizza is not cooking evenly during the cooking process, try rotating the pizza halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. You can also try using a pizza stone or baking steel to distribute the heat evenly and achieve a crispy crust. If the issue persists, consider adjusting the cooking time or temperature to achieve the best results.
Can I cook a Papa Murphy’s pizza in a air fryer?
While it’s technically possible to cook a Papa Murphy’s pizza in an air fryer, it’s not the best option. Air fryers are designed for cooking small portions of food quickly, and the heat distribution may not be even, leading to a soggy crust or undercooked toppings. If you want to cook a Papa Murphy’s pizza, it’s best to use a conventional oven or a grill for optimal results.
