When it comes to pizza, asking for it to be cooked well done can significantly enhance its flavor and texture. Whether you’re getting delivery from a popular chain, having a quick bite at Costco, or picking up a pizza from your neighborhood shop, this simple modification infuses your pie with rich depth and flavor while only extending your wait time by a few minutes. The extra heat from the pizza oven profoundly impacts how this slice turns out due to the science behind the cooking process.
A well-done pizza allows ample time for caramelization to occur, along with the Maillard reaction. Caramelization happens when the sugar molecules in the tomato sauce and vegetables break down, leading to rich and complex flavors. Additionally, the extra heat releases the moisture from the sauce and vegetables like onions and peppers, intensifying the flavors. Simultaneously, the amino acids in the cheese, crust, and pepperoni engage in a reaction with sugar molecules, known as the Maillard reaction, resulting in a beautifully golden-brown crust, crispy toppings, and perfectly blistered cheese.
Advice for baking pizza at home to achieve well-done perfection.
If you forget to request that your pizza be cooked well done, or if your delivery or takeout pizza arrived soggy, don’t worry. You can easily crisp it up in your oven for the ideal texture. A specialized pizza oven can reach temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit—though most operate around 750 degrees Fahrenheit—so it’s best to set the heat as high as possible. For the best results, utilize a pizza stone that helps distribute uneven oven heat by maintaining and directing heat to the base of your crust. If you’re using a pizza stone, be sure to place it in your cold oven and preheat it for 15 minutes before putting in your pizza.
Regardless of whether you’re using a pizza stone, an oven rack, or a baking sheet, remember to check your pizza every few minutes to ensure it crisps to perfection without burning. Similarly, to cook a frozen pizza to a well-done finish, start with a defrosted pie and bake it for just a few minutes at a high temperature. Thawing first not only accelerates the cooking process but also allows you to upgrade your frozen pizza by adjusting the toppings as you see fit.