How to Bake a Perfect Papa Murphy’s Pizza at Home
Baking a Papa Murphy’s pizza perfectly requires understanding oven temperature, bake time, and specific pizza types. Follow these instructions to achieve a delicious and evenly cooked Papa Murphy’s pizza every time.
Introduction: The Art of the Take ‘N’ Bake
Papa Murphy’s has revolutionized the pizza experience, offering fresh, customizable pizzas ready to bake at home. This “take ‘n’ bake” model allows consumers to enjoy restaurant-quality pizza with the convenience of home cooking. But achieving pizza perfection from a Papa Murphy’s requires more than just tossing it in the oven. It’s about understanding the nuances of temperature, time, and ingredient placement to ensure a crispy crust, melted cheese, and fully cooked toppings. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza aficionado or a take ‘n’ bake novice, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and skills to bake the perfect Papa Murphy’s pizza every time.
Benefits of Baking at Home
Baking a Papa Murphy’s pizza at home offers several distinct advantages:
- Freshness: You control when the pizza is baked, ensuring it’s as fresh as possible when you eat it.
- Customization: While Papa Murphy’s offers a wide variety of pizzas, you can add your own toppings before baking to further personalize your meal.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Take ‘n’ bake pizza can be more economical than traditional delivery or restaurant pizza.
- Convenience: Bake at your leisure, fitting the pizza into your schedule without the pressure of a delivery window.
- Control over Baking: Tailor the bake time and temperature to your oven for optimal results.
The Baking Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The process of baking a Papa Murphy’s pizza is straightforward but requires attention to detail:
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature. This is crucial for even cooking. Most Papa Murphy’s pizzas require baking at 425°F (220°C), but check the instructions on the pizza box for specific temperature recommendations. This is the most important step for even cooking.
- Remove the Pizza from the Refrigerator: Let the pizza sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats. This helps the crust and toppings warm up, leading to more even cooking.
- Prepare the Baking Surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. While the pizza can be baked directly on the oven rack, a baking sheet provides extra support and prevents toppings from falling through. If baking on the rack, make sure your oven is completely clean!
- Place the Pizza on the Baking Surface: Carefully slide the pizza onto the prepared baking sheet or directly onto the oven rack.
- Bake According to Instructions: Bake the pizza for the recommended time, usually 12-18 minutes. Check the pizza halfway through to ensure it’s not browning too quickly. Rotate if necessary for even browning.
- Check for Doneness: The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the toppings are cooked through. Use a spatula to lift a corner of the pizza to check the crust.
- Let it Rest: Once baked, let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set and prevents burning your mouth.
Understanding Pizza Types and Bake Times
Different types of Papa Murphy’s pizzas may require slightly different baking times. Here’s a general guideline:
| Pizza Type | Recommended Bake Time (minutes) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Pizzas | 12-18 | Watch for cheese browning; adjust time accordingly. |
| Stuffed Pizzas | 15-20 | These pizzas take longer to cook thoroughly. |
| Gourmet Delite Pizzas | 10-15 | Thinner crusts require shorter baking times. |
| FAVES Pizzas | 12-18 | The bake time depends on the pizza and can vary. Review Box. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with clear instructions, mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Not Preheating the Oven: This is the most common mistake. A preheated oven ensures even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Overcrowding the Oven: If baking multiple pizzas at once, leave enough space between them for proper air circulation.
- Baking on the Wrong Rack: The middle rack is generally recommended for even heat distribution.
- Overbaking: Overbaking leads to a dry crust and burnt cheese.
- Ignoring Visual Cues: Don’t rely solely on the timer. Pay attention to the crust, cheese, and toppings for signs of doneness.
- Cutting it too Soon: Allowing the Pizza to rest for a few minutes is key.
Enhancing Your Papa Murphy’s Experience
Beyond the basic baking process, consider these tips for an enhanced Papa Murphy’s experience:
- Experiment with Toppings: Add your own favorite toppings to personalize your pizza.
- Use a Pizza Stone: A pizza stone helps retain heat and create a crispier crust.
- Adjust Baking Time for Your Oven: Every oven is different. Adjust baking time as needed based on your oven’s performance.
- Consider a Pizza Peel: A pizza peel makes transferring the pizza to and from the oven easier and safer.
- Pair with Sides: Complement your pizza with a salad, breadsticks, or a refreshing beverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ideal oven temperature for baking a Papa Murphy’s pizza?
The ideal oven temperature is generally 425°F (220°C). However, always check the specific instructions on the pizza box, as some pizzas may require slightly different temperatures.
How long should I let a Papa Murphy’s pizza sit out before baking?
Letting the pizza sit out at room temperature for 20-30 minutes is recommended. This allows the ingredients to warm up and helps ensure even cooking.
Can I bake a Papa Murphy’s pizza directly on the oven rack?
Yes, you can bake a Papa Murphy’s pizza directly on the oven rack, but using a baking sheet or pizza stone is recommended for easier handling and to prevent toppings from falling through. Make sure your oven is clean so you do not make a mess.
How do I know when my Papa Murphy’s pizza is done baking?
The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the toppings are cooked through. Check the bottom of the crust for golden brown color.
What if my pizza is browning too quickly?
If your pizza is browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F and continue baking until done. You can also loosely cover the pizza with foil to prevent further browning.
What if my cheese isn’t melting properly?
Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. If the cheese still isn’t melting, increase the baking time by a few minutes. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer.
Can I freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza and bake it later?
While Papa Murphy’s pizzas are designed to be baked fresh, you can freeze them. Wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Should I add any extra ingredients before baking?
Adding extra ingredients is a great way to customize your pizza. Consider adding extra cheese, vegetables, or meats to suit your taste. Just don’t overload the pizza, or it might not cook evenly.
What is the best way to reheat leftover Papa Murphy’s pizza?
The best way to reheat leftover pizza is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. This helps the crust crisp up and the cheese melt again. You can also use a skillet on the stovetop for a crispy crust.
My Papa Murphy’s pizza looks different from the pictures on the box. Is this normal?
Slight variations in appearance are normal, as each pizza is hand-made. As long as the ingredients are fresh and the pizza is cooked thoroughly, it should be delicious.
Can I use a convection oven to bake a Papa Murphy’s pizza?
Yes, you can use a convection oven. Reduce the temperature by 25°F and check the pizza more frequently as convection ovens cook faster.
Is it okay to put the baking sheet with the pizza on the very bottom of the oven so the top does not burn?
It is not recommended to place the baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven. This can lead to an unevenly cooked crust and potentially burnt bottom. The middle rack provides the most even heat distribution.