Can You Freeze Papa Murphy’s Pizza?: A Complete Guide
Yes, you can freeze Papa Murphy’s pizza, but doing so requires understanding the best practices to maintain its quality and flavor. Properly freezing and thawing ensures you can enjoy a delicious, freshly-baked pizza at your convenience, while neglecting these steps can lead to a soggy and less-than-appetizing result. Freezing Papa Murphy’s pizzas before baking is the recommended approach for optimal texture and taste.
Understanding Papa Murphy’s and Its Unique Characteristics
Papa Murphy’s operates on a “take ‘n’ bake” model, meaning you purchase an uncooked pizza assembled with fresh ingredients and bake it yourself at home. This model lends itself well to freezing, as the ingredients haven’t undergone the initial baking process, which can degrade their quality during freezing and thawing. The key lies in understanding how different ingredients react to freezing temperatures and adjusting your technique accordingly.
The Benefits of Freezing Your Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Freezing a Papa Murphy’s pizza offers several compelling advantages:
- Convenience: You can have a pizza ready to bake whenever the craving strikes, without needing to make a trip to the store.
- Meal Planning: Freezing allows you to plan your meals in advance and avoid last-minute dinner dilemmas.
- Waste Reduction: If you can’t finish an entire pizza, freezing the remainder prevents food waste.
- Cost Savings: Taking advantage of promotions and freezing pizzas for later can result in significant savings.
Best Practices for Freezing Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Follow these steps to ensure your frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza retains its flavor and texture:
- Preparation is Key: Before freezing, ensure your pizza is properly assembled in its original container.
- Reinforce the Packaging: Papa Murphy’s cardboard containers are not designed for long-term freezing. Wrap the entire container in a double layer of heavy-duty plastic wrap or place it inside a large freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn.
- Label Clearly: Use a permanent marker to label the pizza with the date it was frozen and any specific toppings or instructions.
- Freeze Flat: Place the pizza flat in your freezer. This helps prevent the toppings from shifting and ensures even freezing.
- Thawing Properly: Thaw your Papa Murphy’s pizza in the refrigerator for at least 12-24 hours before baking. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture of the crust and toppings.
- Baking Instructions: Bake the pizza according to the instructions on the original packaging, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it is thoroughly heated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Freezing pizza may seem simple, but avoid these common pitfalls to achieve the best results:
- Not wrapping the pizza properly: Improper packaging leads to freezer burn and a loss of flavor.
- Freezing already-baked pizza: While possible, freezing unbaked pizza produces a superior result.
- Thawing at room temperature: This can lead to uneven thawing and potential bacterial growth.
- Re-freezing: Once thawed, do not re-freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza. This compromises the quality of the ingredients.
Comparing Freezing Methods: Before vs. After Baking
| Feature | Freezing Before Baking | Freezing After Baking |
|---|---|---|
| Crust Texture | Retains optimal texture; crust bakes up crispier. | Can become soggy or dry after thawing and reheating. |
| Topping Quality | Ingredients maintain their fresh flavor and texture. | Some toppings, like vegetables, can become mushy. |
| Overall Flavor | Superior flavor profile. | Flavor may be diminished due to the double heating process. |
| Recommended Method | Highly Recommended | Recommended only as a last resort. |
Freezing Individual Pizza Slices
While freezing the entire pizza is often preferred, you can freeze individual slices:
- Cool Completely: Allow the baked pizza to cool completely before slicing.
- Wrap Individually: Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
- Freeze Flat: Lay the slices flat in the freezer to prevent them from sticking together.
- Reheat: Reheat the slices in the oven, microwave, or toaster oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I keep a Papa Murphy’s pizza frozen?
A properly frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality. Beyond this timeframe, you may notice a decline in taste and texture. Always label your pizza with the date of freezing.
Can I freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza if it has already been in the refrigerator for a day?
While it’s best to freeze the pizza as soon as possible after purchase, you can freeze it after it’s been refrigerated for a day. However, freezing immediately after purchasing is highly recommended to maintain the freshest quality and taste.
What is freezer burn, and how can I prevent it?
Freezer burn occurs when moisture evaporates from the surface of the food, causing ice crystals to form. This results in a dry, leathery texture and off-flavors. To prevent freezer burn on your Papa Murphy’s pizza, ensure it is tightly wrapped in multiple layers of plastic wrap or placed in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.
Do I need to adjust the baking time when baking a frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza?
Yes, you will likely need to increase the baking time by a few minutes when baking a frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza. Start by following the original baking instructions and check the pizza frequently, adding a few extra minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza with a stuffed crust?
Yes, you can freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza with a stuffed crust. The freezing process is the same as for a regular pizza. However, be aware that the stuffed crust may become slightly softer after thawing and baking.
What’s the best way to reheat a baked Papa Murphy’s pizza slice after freezing?
The best way to reheat a baked Papa Murphy’s pizza slice is in the oven or toaster oven. This method helps to crisp up the crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the slice for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may become softer.
Is it safe to eat a Papa Murphy’s pizza that has been frozen for longer than 3 months?
While it may be safe to eat, the quality will likely be compromised. The pizza may have developed freezer burn or off-flavors, and the texture may be less desirable. It’s best to consume it within 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.
Can I add extra toppings before freezing my Papa Murphy’s pizza?
Yes, you can add extra toppings before freezing your Papa Murphy’s pizza. Just be sure to arrange them evenly so they freeze well. Adding vegetables with high water content is not recommended, as they may become soggy after thawing.
How should I handle a Papa Murphy’s pizza that has been partially thawed during a power outage?
If the pizza is still cold to the touch and has only partially thawed, you can safely refreeze it. However, if it has reached room temperature, it’s best to discard it to avoid the risk of bacterial growth.
Does the type of crust (e.g., thin crust, original crust) affect the freezing process?
The type of crust has a minimal impact on the freezing process itself. However, thinner crusts may become soggy more easily after thawing, so it’s especially important to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Can I freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza with fresh vegetables, like tomatoes or peppers?
Freezing Papa Murphy’s pizzas with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and peppers is possible, but they may release excess moisture during thawing and become somewhat mushy. If you’re planning to freeze, consider omitting such toppings or adding them fresh after thawing and before baking for best results.
What if I forget to thaw the pizza in the refrigerator? Can I bake it straight from frozen?
While thawing in the refrigerator is recommended, you can bake a Papa Murphy’s pizza straight from frozen. You will need to increase the baking time significantly and monitor the pizza closely to ensure it cooks evenly. Lower the oven temperature slightly to prevent the crust from burning before the toppings are fully cooked. It is best to thaw, but baking from frozen is a viable alternative.