You just got home and you’re hungry. A frozen pizza is the perfect solution. Knowing how to bake frozen pizza in the oven correctly makes all the difference between a soggy mess and a crisp, delicious meal. This guide gives you the simple steps and tips to get it right every single time, straight from the freezer.
Let’s get your pizza from frozen to fantastic.
How To Bake Frozen Pizza In The Oven
Baking a frozen pizza seems straightforward, but a few key steps ensure a great result. You don’t need to thaw it. In fact, you shouldn’t. Placing a frozen pizza directly on a hot surface in your oven is the best method for a crispy crust.
What You’ll Need
- A frozen pizza (any brand or style)
- Your oven
- A baking sheet, pizza pan, or oven rack
- Oven mitts
- A timer (your phone or oven timer works fine)
- Optional: Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
This is the most important step. Do not skip it. A properly preheated oven is essential for cooking the pizza evenly. Turn your oven on and set it to the temperature listed on the pizza’s box. This is usually between 375°F and 425°F (190°C to 220°C). Let the oven heat fully, which typically takes 10-15 minutes. The indicator light or a beep will often tell you when it’s ready.
2. Prepare Your Baking Surface
While the oven heats, get your pan ready. You have a few good options here:
- Baking Sheet or Pizza Pan: Place it in the oven as it preheats. A hot pan helps crisp the bottom crust from the moment the pizza touches it.
- Oven Rack: For an extra crispy bottom, you can place the pizza directly on the middle oven rack. Put a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips. This method allows hot air to circulate all around the pizza.
- Pizza Stone or Steel: If you have one, place it in the oven during preheating. It creates a professional, crispy crust. Transfer the frozen pizza onto the hot stone using a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet.
3. Place the Pizza in the Oven
Once the oven is hot, carefully place the frozen pizza on your chosen surface. If you’re using a preheated pan or stone, work quickly to get the pizza on it and close the oven door to retain heat. Use oven mitts for safety, as everything is very hot at this point.
4. Set Your Timer
Check the box for the recommended bake time. Set your timer for the middle of the suggested range. For example, if the box says “18-22 minutes,” set it for 20 minutes. Ovens vary, so it’s best to check the pizza a few minutes before the time is up.
5. Check for Doneness
When the timer goes off, look at your pizza. The cheese should be fully melted and lightly browned in spots. The crust edges should be golden brown. If the bottom isn’t crisp enough for your liking, you can leave it in for another 2-3 minutes. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Let It Cool Before Slicing
This is a tough step, but it’s important. Take the pizza out of the oven and let it sit on a cutting board for 3-5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t all slide off when you cut it. It also gives the crust time to firm up, making for cleaner slices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Preheating: A cold oven leads to a soggy, undercooked crust.
- Using Parchment Paper on a Preheated Surface: If you preheat your pan, don’t put parchment paper on it first. The paper can burn or scorch at high temperatures. Add the pizza directly to the hot pan.
- Overloading with Toppings: Adding lots of extra cheese or toppings before baking can prevent the pizza from cooking through properly. If you must add extras, do it in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Ignoring the Box Instructions: While this guide gives general rules, always check your specific pizza’s box. Some thicker or specialty pizzas may have unique instructions.
Tips for the Best Frozen Pizza
For a Crispier Crust
If you love a really crispy crust, try these tricks. Bake the pizza on the lowest rack of your oven for the first half of the cooking time. This focuses heat on the bottom. Then, move it to the middle rack to finish cooking the top. Using a preheated pizza stone or steel is the ultimate method for a cracker-like crust.
For a Softer Crust
If you prefer a softer, chewier crust, bake the pizza on a room-temperature pan (don’t preheat it). You can also place the pan on a higher rack in the oven, farther from the bottom heating element.
Adding Your Own Flair
A frozen pizza is a great canvas. After baking, sprinkle on fresh herbs like basil or oregano, a drizzle of olive oil, or red pepper flakes. For extra flavor, add a handful of fresh arugula or spinach right after it comes out of the oven. The residual heat will wilt them perfectly.
Different Types of Frozen Pizza
Not all frozen pizzas are the same. Here’s how to adjust for different styles:
Thin Crust Pizza
Thin crust pizzas cook quickly and can burn easily. Use the higher end of the recommended temperature, but check them early. They often cook in 12-15 minutes. A preheated pan or stone is highly recommended to get that essential snap in the crust.
Rising Crust or Thick Crust Pizza
These pizzas need more time for the thick dough to cook through. Often, the instructions will have you bake them directly on the oven rack. This ensures heat gets to the center. Don’t be tempted to take it out early if the top looks done—the bottom and dough inside need that full time.
Wood-Fired or Artisan Style
These often benefit from a very hot oven. If the box allows a range, like 400-425°F, choose 425°F. The high heat helps mimic the effect of a real pizza oven, giving you those lovely charred spots and a bubbly cheese.
Oven Types and Adjustments
Conventional Ovens
Most home ovens are conventional (with top and bottom heating elements). The instructions above are written for this type. The middle rack position is usually ideal for even cooking.
Convection Ovens
If you have a convection oven (with a fan that circulates air), you’re in luck. Convection ovens cook more evenly and often faster. Reduce the recommended temperature by about 25°F and check the pizza several minutes before the minimum time on the box. The circulating air can give you a wonderfully even, crispy crust all around.
Toaster Ovens
Yes, you can bake a frozen pizza in a toaster oven if it fits. Follow the same rules: preheat, use a pan, and check often. Because toaster ovens are smaller and have the heating elements closer to the food, the top may brown faster. If this happens, you can loosely tent a piece of foil over the top for the last few minutes to prevent burning while the crust finishes.
Safety and Storage Tips
Handling Hot Pans and Pizza
Always use dry oven mitts. Wet mitts can transfer heat quickly and lead to burns. When taking a pan out of the oven, place it on a heat-resistant trivet or stovetop, not directly on a countertop that could be damaged by the heat.
Storing Leftover Pizza
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, skip the microwave (which makes it soggy). Use a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to crisp the bottom, or place slices on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 8-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to preheat the oven for frozen pizza?
Yes, absolutely. Preheating is non-negotiable for a good frozen pizza. A hot oven immediately starts cooking the crust, preventing it from becoming soggy as it thaws. A cold oven will give you disappointing results.
Can you put a frozen pizza directly on the oven rack?
You can, and it’s a great method for a crispy bottom. Just make sure to place a baking sheet or piece of foil on the rack below to catch any cheese or toppings that might drip. This prevents a smoky kitchen and a messy oven cleanup.
How long do you cook a frozen pizza?
Always refer to the package instructions first, as times vary by brand, size, and thickness. As a general rule, most standard 12-inch frozen pizzas bake in 15-22 minutes in a preheated oven at 375°F to 425°F. Start checking a few minutes before the minimum time listed.
Why is my frozen pizza soggy in the middle?
A soggy middle usually means the oven wasn’t hot enough when the pizza went in, the pizza was baked on a cold pan, or it was taken out too early. Ensure proper preheating and use a hot surface. Also, avoid adding wet extra toppings before baking.
Should I thaw frozen pizza before baking?
No, do not thaw it. Baking from frozen is the intended method. Thawing can make the dough gummy and lead to uneven cooking. The instructions on the box are designed for a pizza that goes in straight from the freezer.
Can I add extra cheese to a frozen pizza before baking?
You can, but it’s better to add it halfway through the baking time. If you put extra cold cheese on at the start, it can insulate the pizza underneath and prevent it from cooking properly. Sprinkle it on during the last 5-7 minutes.
What’s the best temperature for frozen pizza?
The best temperature is the one listed on your pizza’s box. It’s been tested by the manufacturer. It typically falls between 375°F and 425°F. If given a range, a higher temperature will yield a crispier crust, while a lower one can be slightly more forgiving.
Troubleshooting Your Bake
Burnt Crust but Undercooked Toppings
This happens when the oven is too hot, or the pizza is too close to the top heating element. Next time, try baking at a slightly lower temperature and place the pizza on a lower rack. You can also loosely cover the top with aluminum foil partway through baking to slow the browning.
Pale, Doughy Crust
A pale crust means it needs more heat or more time. Ensure your oven is fully preheated. Use an oven thermometer to check its accuracy—sometimes ovens run cool. Baking on a lower rack or a preheated stone/pan will also help brown the bottom.
Toppings Slide Off When Slicing
This is usually because the pizza wasn’t allowed to rest after baking. Letting it cool for a few minutes lets the melted cheese firm up just enough. Also, using a very sharp pizza cutter or knife in one smooth motion helps prevent dragging the toppings off.
Baking a great frozen pizza is an easy skill that pays off every time. By following these simple steps—preheating, using the right surface, and trusting the timer—you’ll get a result that feels a lot more special than just a quick frozen meal. Remember, the box is your best starting guide, but a few personal tweaks can make it perfect for your taste. Now, go enjoy that hot, crispy slice.