There’s nothing quite like a delicious slice of pizza from your favorite pizzeria, served hot and fresh. For years, chefs and home cooks have been creating and exploring different types of pizza styles, toppings, and cooking methods. From Neapolitan to New York-style, the varieties of pizza are nearly limitless. But there’s one type of pizza that stands out from the rest — stone cold delicious pizza.
Yes, we’re talking about pizza made on a pizza stone for that extra crispy and flavorful crust. If you’re a pizza lover, then it’s time to heat up the oven, grab your favorite toppings, and explore the benefits of using a pizza stone.
Whether you’re making a pizza at home or eating out at a pizzeria, pizza stones can take your pizza-making skills to the next level. Here’s what you need to know.
The Benefits of Using a Pizza Stone
Think of the pizza stone as the ultimate pizza baker’s cooking tool. It’s a large, heavy stone made of material like cordierite, soapstone, or cast iron that helps cook a pizza to perfection.
With a pizza stone, you can make super-crispy, flavorful crusts just like the pros without having to use a commercial pizza oven.
The pizza stone works by absorbing and evenly distributing the heat from your oven, eliminating hot and cold spots.
This consistent heat is key to achieving a perfectly cooked pizza — no more soggy or burnt spots. Plus, the heat radiates off the stone and infuses the pizza crust with smoky, char-like flavors that take your pizza game to the next level.
Best Practices for Using a Pizza Stone
At first, it can be intimidating to use a pizza stone — but it’s actually quite simple. Before you get started, it’s important to make sure the stone is pre-heated.
Placing the stone in a cold oven and then turning it on can cause the stone to crack. So preheat the oven to the desired temperature (usually 500 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit) and let the stone heat up for 45 minutes to an hour to ensure it’s up to temperature.
It’s also important to season your pizza stone before you start cooking. You can season the stone before each use by brushing it with a light layer of oil and then wiping it off with a paper towel. This helps to prevent sticking.
Once the oven and the stone are preheated, it’s time to get cooking. Place the pizza directly onto the stone and bake it for 8-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Remember to rotate the pizza if needed to achieve an even baking.
Maintenance and Cleaning Tips for Your Pizza Stone
When it comes to cleaning a pizza stone, the key is to be gentle. Avoid using any abrasive cleaning supplies like steel wool, which can scratch the surface. Instead, use hot water and a soft bristle brush to brush away any debris.
Pizza stones can become stained over time from cheese and sauce, so it’s important to clean them regularly. You can remove stubborn stains by scrubbing the pizza stone with a damp cloth and a water and baking soda paste.
For extra deep cleaning, you can also put the stone in the oven and set the temperature to 500 degrees for about an hour. When the stone cools, wipe away any residual debris with a damp cloth.
Pro Tips and Recipes for Making Amazing Pizza
Every pizza lover has their own style and preferences when it comes to their ideal slice. So while we may not be able to agree on the “perfect” pizza, we can all agree that pizza is one of the most delicious and satisfying meals. Here are some tips to help you make amazing pizza at home, as well as a few recipes to get you started.
Tip #1: Start with quality ingredients. Opt for fresh, quality ingredients like handmade dough, high-quality cheese, and top-shelf tomato sauce. Be sure to avoid pre-packaged dough and anything that’s been sitting out for too long.
Tip #2: Treat the toppings as you would a salad. Once you’ve chosen your toppings, be sure to slice and dice them properly. This will ensure the toppings are evenly distributed, For example, sliced peppers and onions should be julienne, not just chopped up.
Tip #3: Don’t skimp on the sauce. Many home cooks and pizza makers forget about the sauce, but it can make or break a pizza. Choose a balanced sauce with a good level of sweetness, acidity and salt.
Tip #4: Spread the toppings and cheese evenly. Keep in mind that the cheese will spread over the pizza while it’s baking, so be sure to spread the cheese and toppings evenly across the pizza to avoid overloading it.
Tip #5: Put your pizza stone to good use. The pizza stone helps to achieve a crisp, evenly cooked crust — so don’t hesitate to use it. Be sure to preheat the oven and the stone before baking.
Margherita Pizza
This classic pizza is one of the most popular Italian dishes. It’s simple and delicious, and it pairs perfectly with a pizza stone. Here’s what you need:
1 lb ball of fresh dough
1 can of quality tomato sauce
3 cloves of garlic, minced
Extra-virgin olive oil
Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions: Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Place the pizza stone in the oven to preheat. Stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle and place it onto the pizza stone. Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil. Cover with a thin layer of sauce and then top with the mozzarella cheese and basil leaves. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper, to taste. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!
BBQ Chicken Pizza
This classic American-style pizza features sweet and smoky flavors. Here’s what you need:
• 1 lb ball of fresh dough
1 cup of BBQ sauce
1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken
Dried oregano
Sliced red onions
Sliced bell peppers
Smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
Directions: Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Place the pizza stone in the oven to preheat. Stretch the dough onto the pizza stone and brush with olive oil. Spread the BBQ sauce onto the dough followed by the chicken, red onions, bell peppers, and oregano. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Whether you’re making pizza at home or eating out, flavoring it with a pizza stone is a great way to enhance the flavor and texture. Experiment with different recipes and find the stone cold delicious pizza you love. Before you know it, you’ll be a pizza connoisseur in no time.
