If you love pizza but want the convenience of taking it home and baking it fresh yourself, Papa Murphy’s is a fantastic choice. Their unique Take ‘N’ Bake pizzas let you customize your toppings and crust, then bake it to perfection in your own oven. But how do you cook a Papa Murphy’s pizza to get that perfect golden crust and melty cheese? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to bake your pizza like a pro.
What Makes Papa Murphy’s Pizza Special?
Papa Murphy’s pizzas are made fresh in-store, then packaged for you to bake at home. This means you get the freshness of a homemade pizza but with the convenience of takeout. You can choose from various crusts like original, thin, pan, or stuffed, and load up your favorite toppings. The key is baking it properly to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook a Papa Murphy’s Pizza
1. Prepare Your Oven
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for most pizzas. For stuffed crust pizzas, a lower temperature of 350°F (175°C) is recommended.
– Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even cooking. For thin crust pizzas, placing the pizza on a lower rack can help crisp it up.
2. Get Your Pizza Ready
– Remove the plastic wrap and any other packaging from the pizza.
– Keep the pizza on its cardboard tray for easy handling.
– If you refrigerated your pizza, take it out about 30 to 60 minutes before baking to let it come closer to room temperature for even cooking.
3. Bake Your Pizza
– Place the pizza on the center oven rack or on a baking sheet or pizza stone if you prefer.
– Bake for 12 to 18 minutes depending on the crust type and pizza size:
– Original, thin, or pan crust pizzas usually take 12-18 minutes.
– Stuffed pizzas require longer, about 32-40 minutes.
– The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
– If you want a crispier crust, you can remove the pizza after about 10 minutes, take it off the cardboard, and place it directly on the oven rack for a few more minutes-just watch carefully to avoid burning.
4. Let It Rest
– After baking, let your pizza sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier.
5. Slice and Serve
– Use a pizza cutter to slice your pizza into your favorite-sized pieces.
– Serve with your favorite sides like salad, garlic bread, or a cold drink.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Papa Murphy’s Pizza
– Preheat your oven fully before putting the pizza in. This ensures even cooking.
– Don’t overcook your pizza; it can dry out the crust and burn toppings.
– Check the pizza a few minutes before the minimum baking time if you have a hot oven.
– If refrigerated, allow the pizza to warm up a bit before baking for best results.
– Experiment with placing the pizza on a baking stone or directly on the oven rack for different crust textures.
– Add extra flavor after baking with toppings like parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs.
Baking Times by Pizza Size and Crust Type
| Pizza Type | Size (inches) | Baking Temperature | Baking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Crust | 12-18 | 425°F (220°C) | 12-18 minutes |
| Thin Crust | 12-18 | 425°F (220°C) | 12-18 minutes |
| Pan Pizza | Varies | 425°F (220°C) | 12-18 minutes |
| Stuffed Crust | Varies | 350°F (175°C) | 32-40 minutes |
What If I Can’t Bake It Right Away?
If you don’t plan to bake your pizza immediately after purchase:
– Refrigerate it promptly, but bake within 24 hours for best freshness.
– Remove the pizza from the fridge about 30-60 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature.
– Follow the same baking instructions once ready.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Papa Murphy’s Pizza
– Customize your pizza with extra toppings or spices before baking.
– Try the Cheesy Garlic Stuffed Crust for a bold flavor twist.
– Use the Mini Murph kits for fun, build-your-own pizzas perfect for kids or parties.
– Transform leftovers into pizza sandwiches or fold your pizza for a calzone-style treat.
Papa Murphy’s pizza is all about convenience and customization. With simple baking steps and a bit of care, you can enjoy a fresh, delicious pizza right from your own oven. Whether you like a thin, crispy crust or a thick, cheesy stuffed crust, following these tips will help you bake your perfect pizza every time.
Enjoy your pizza night with Papa Murphy’s!
Cooking a Papa Murphy’s pizza is easy and rewarding when you follow the right steps. Preheat your oven, bake at the right temperature and time, and enjoy fresh, homemade pizza in no time!