How Long Should I Bake Homemade Pizza

Baking the perfect homemade pizza is an art that requires attention to detail as well as an understanding of the factors that influence baking time. Whether you're making a pizza from scratch or reheating leftovers, the right baking time ensures a delicious and crispy crust with perfectly cooked toppings.

Home Baking: Ideal Time and Temperature

When baking homemade pizzas at home, the baking time can vary based on several factors including the size of the pizza, the quantity of toppings, and the thickness of the crust. Here are some variations in baking time and temperature for different pizza scenarios:

Typical Homemade Pizza

A standard homemade pizza, with one to two toppings and a typical thickness, can take around 14 to 18 minutes at 450°F (232°C). Keep a keen eye on the crust to prevent it from burning. The key is to maintain a close watch, particularly in the last few minutes of baking.

Commercial Bakery vs Home Oven

Commercial ovens can bake pizzas much faster than typical home ovens due to their higher temperatures. If your home oven is set to 400°F (204°C), a pizza should bake for about 20 minutes. However, if the pizza has a thicker crust or a lot of wet toppings (like mushrooms or peppers), you may need to add an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

Successful Homemade Pizza Techniques

My preferred method involves baking a 16-inch thin-crust pizza with sauce, cheese, and a couple of toppings. This is done on a pizza screen at 475°F (246°C) for 6 minutes, then rotated and baked for another 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned and the crust is golden. I recommend checking the pizza at the 12-minute mark and keeping a close eye on it from that point onward.

Pizza Reheating and Additional Tips

Reheating a pizza from frozen or leftovers requires specific care to maintain its quality. Here are some effective methods:

For Pizza from Scratch

When baking a homemade pizza from scratch, preheat your pizza stone at 500°F (260°C) for an hour. This will help achieve a crispy crust and evenly cooked toppings.

Reheating Slices

To reheat a slice of pizza, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven or place the slice in a cast-iron frying pan on medium-low heat with a lid turned on for a few minutes. Avoid using a microwave as it can ruin the texture of the pizza. For a little Caesar salad or other low-end chain takeout, you might not notice much difference, but it is not ideal.

Pizza from Take Out

When reheating takeout pizza, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then place the pizza on a sheet pan or any pan that can hold it and reheat it for 10 minutes. This helps to restore some of the freshness that has been lost in the cardboard box. It significantly improves the quality of the pizza, making it more enjoyable.

Frozen Pizza

Refer to the package directions for best results when baking frozen pizzas.

Understanding these factors and tips can help you bake or reheat pizza to perfection every time, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Whether you're enjoying a homemade pizza or reheating a takeout, these methods will help you achieve the best possible results.