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HOW TO MAKE PIZZA
Baking the Pizza
First-time
pizza makers should test their oven for the best combination of
rack placement, baking temperature and baking time.
Use an oven thermometer to make sure that the temperature you set on your oven
temperature dial produces the same temperature inside the oven.
Other variables that
come into play are the quantities of the toppings used, as well as their
fat and water content. Electric ovens tend to bake hotter, dryer and faster
than gas ovens, so make your adjustments accordingly. Make adjustments
to your baking process one at a time until you've found the perfect balance
of rack position, temperature and baking time to suit your oven.
Start by placing an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Turn on
the oven, setting the temperature at 450° F and completely pre-heat,
(10 to 15 minutes).
You may wish to check the temperature with an oven thermometer.
When the oven is at temperature, place a prepped pizza in the center
of the middle rack to allow for maximum air circulation around the pan.
A simple cheese and pepperoni pizza prepared in a 12" diameter pizza pan will bake
evenly and thoroughly in a 450° F oven
on the middle rack in only 12 minutes.
By comparison, in a commercial, conveyor pizza oven, which may include the added
baking power of convection air, the average pizza will bake
completely at an oven temperature of about 420° F in
just 8 minutes!
Adding more toppings to the pizza adds more moisture and mass to cook through.
For example, a deluxe pizza with four or five different toppings generally
requires a longer baking time at a lower temperature, perhaps 325°
F to 350° F for 25 to 35 minutes.
ALWAYS use hot mitts when handling hot pans in and around the oven.
Also, a wooden pizza peel with a short handle is terrific for handling
hot pans in the home kitchen. Open the oven, slide the rack and pan out
for access and remove the pizza to a counter-top. Signs to look for that
the pizza is ready are:
1) The cheese has melted on top and is beginning
to brown,
2) The crust edge has browned, from a medium to a golden brown,
and,
3) Carefully lift the edge of the pizza to inspect its bottom. The
bottom dough should be evenly browned.
If these signs are evident, your pizza's done!
Return to the "How To Make Pizza" Index
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