The Science of Perfect Pizza: Why Temperature Matters
When it comes to creating a mouthwatering pizza, temperature is everything. High temperature, precise heat control and flash cooking are the not-so-secret secret to why pizzeria pizza always seems so much better.
Typical residential ovens max out at about 500° F, which cooks the dough and topping slowly, and that has several consequences. First, the sugars and amino acids in dough and toppings never really caramelize. And all the extra time needed to get the crust fully cooked also causes the cheese and toppings to release too much moisture. The typical result? Limp crust that lacks chewy/crispy goodness and char, and bland, dried-out toppings.
Quickly heating dough to high temperatures creates steam from the water it contains, causing the dough to expand into a light, airy crust. It also melts the sugars, so the exterior is crispy. The light char it creates produces a slightly bitter offset to the sweetness—the perfectly balanced crust. And the baking time is reduced tenfold, from about 20 minutes to 2.
The Keys to Perfect At-Home Pizza
An oven that can cook pizza at or above 750° F is essential for amazing homemade pizza, but using the right ingredients and techniques will further raise your game to artisan level. (That’s not to say that every homemade pizza has to be a work of art. Store-bought dough, jarred sauce and dry seasonings from your pantry make great pies when you’re doing a fun kids-cook weeknight dinner!)
Dough Preparation: Use high-gluten or 00 flour for elasticity and texture. Allowing the dough time to rise will produce the airy crust you crave. Don’t be afraid to experiment with dough hydration and fermentation times and techniques. Cold fermenting your dough, for example, adds flavor complexity. These small adjustments can significantly influence the final taste and texture of your slice.
Ingredient Quality: Choose fresh, high-quality toppings and herbs for the best flavors and colors.
Balance: Too much sauce or cheese can lead to soggy slices, while too little diminishes flavor. And overloading the meats, veggies and other toppings can make it impossible to taste the individual flavors of each.
Prep Your Oven: Preheat your pizza stone or steel to peak temperature, allowing the heat to distribute evenly. It’s the secret behind a crisp crust bottom.
Use a Peel: A peel (the wood or metal paddle you see used in pizzerias) not only makes the in/out process much easier, but it also makes it safer, too.
Choosing the Right Pizza-Cooking Solution
There are an ever-increasing number of ovens for pizza cooking available, but they’re not all equal. Selecting the right one will enable your culinary success.
Temperature Range: Select an oven that reaches at least 700° F and offers precise temperature control.
Size and Fit: Match the oven to your space and cooking ambitions. An oven with a small cooking area, like most countertop models, means you’ll be forced to make lots of individual pies (think time and effort) if you’re feeding the family or a crowd of friends. Countertop models also take up valuable workspace. Outdoor-only models mean you’re relegated to being outside, even in inhospitable weather.
Single-purpose vs. Multipurpose: Purpose-built pizza ovens can do the job, but they’re just taking up space when you’re not making pizza. That’s a waste of countertop real estate and money. Frigidaire full-featured ranges with Stone-Baked Pizza mode are full-size, everyday ranges available in gas, electric and induction, that meet all your family’s needs—with 15+ ways to cook—and when used properly, they produce real pizzeria-style pizza, too.
Additional Features: Self-cleaning is a bonus. Smart controls add convenience and ease to your cooking routine.
Creating the perfect stone-baked pizza at home is within your reach. Frigidaire ranges with Stone-Baked Pizza mode offer the unparalleled temperature and precision essential for
crafting both traditional and modern pizzas. Whether you’re doing a quick family pizza night with the kids or entertaining friends, these ranges will elevate your everyday.
Learn more about Frigidaire ranges with Stone-Baked Pizza capabilities by clicking here. Stop back here for new ideas, recipes, and tips for all the ways you can use the Stone-Baked Pizza feature on your new Frigidaire range. (Hint: it’s great making more than just pizza.)
