Papa Murphy’s pizza bakes best directly on the oven rack for a crisp bottom crust. If you’re wondering how to cook papa murphy’s pizza the right way, you are in the right place. This guide covers everything from oven temps to toppings tips. You will get a perfect pizza every single time.
Papa Murphy’s is famous for its take-and-bake concept. You bring the pizza home raw, then cook it yourself. The key is knowing the exact steps so the crust is golden and the cheese melts evenly. Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Direct Oven Rack Baking Works Best
Many people put their pizza on a baking sheet or pan. That traps steam and makes the bottom soggy. When you bake directly on the rack, hot air circulates all around. This gives you that crispy, restaurant-style crust.
Place the oven rack in the center position. Preheating is not optional. You must heat the oven fully before the pizza goes in. A cold oven leads to uneven cooking and a doughy center.
How To Cook Papa Murphy’s Pizza: Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Correctly
Set your oven to 425°F (218°C). This is the temperature recommended on most Papa Murphy’s boxes. Let it preheat for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Ovens vary, so use an oven thermometer if you have one.
Do not rush this step. A properly heated oven is the foundation of a good bake. If your oven runs hot, reduce to 400°F. If it runs cool, go to 450°F.
Step 2: Remove Packaging And Prepare The Pizza
Take the pizza out of the plastic wrap. Leave it on the cardboard tray for now. Remove any extra plastic or stickers. Some locations put a paper sheet under the pizza, remove that too.
Check the pizza for any tears in the crust. If you see a hole, pinch it closed gently. Let the pizza sit on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes while the oven heats. This takes the chill off and helps it cook more evenly.
Step 3: Transfer To The Oven Rack
Slide the pizza directly onto the center oven rack. You can use a pizza peel or a flat baking sheet to help transfer it. If you use a sheet, pull it out quickly so the pizza stays on the rack.
Do not use the cardboard tray in the oven. It can burn or smoke. The pizza should be on the bare rack only. Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drips if you want.
Step 4: Bake And Rotate Halfway
Bake for 12 to 18 minutes total. The exact time depends on your oven and the pizza size. A large pizza takes closer to 18 minutes, a small one around 12.
At the halfway point, open the oven and rotate the pizza 180 degrees. This ensures even browning. Use oven mitts, the rack is hot. Check the bottom crust by lifting an edge with a spatula. It should be golden brown.
Step 5: Check For Doneness
The cheese should be bubbly and starting to brown in spots. The crust edges should be golden and firm. If the top is browning too fast but the bottom is pale, move the pizza to a lower rack for the last few minutes.
Let the pizza rest on a cutting board for 3 to 5 minutes after baking. This sets the cheese and makes slicing easier. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife.
Common Mistakes When Baking Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Not Preheating Long Enough
This is the number one error. People put the pizza in a cold oven or one that just reached temp. The crust ends up doughy. Always preheat fully.
Using A Baking Sheet Or Pan
A sheet pan blocks heat from the bottom. The crust steams instead of crisping. If you must use a pan, preheat it in the oven first. But direct rack is best.
Overloading With Extra Toppings
Adding too many extra toppings makes the pizza heavy. It takes longer to cook and the center stays raw. Stick to one or two extra items if you add any.
Cutting Too Soon
Cutting the pizza right out of the oven makes the cheese slide off. The crust also gets squished. Wait a few minutes for it to set.
How To Adjust Cooking For Different Pizza Sizes And Types
Thin Crust Pizzas
Thin crust cooks faster. Check it at 10 minutes. The edges can burn quickly. Reduce oven temp to 400°F if needed. Bake until the cheese is melted and the edges are crisp.
Stuffed Crust Pizzas
Stuffed crust needs more time. The cheese inside the crust must melt fully. Bake at 425°F for 16 to 20 minutes. Check the bottom for doneness. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil.
Gourmet Or Signature Pizzas
These often have more toppings and sauce. They may need an extra 2 to 3 minutes. Watch the cheese closely. Rotate the pizza more than once if needed.
Mini Or Family Size Pizzas
Mini pizzas bake in 8 to 12 minutes. Family size pizzas take up to 22 minutes. Always check the bottom crust. Size matters for timing.
Using A Pizza Stone Or Steel
A pizza stone or steel gives an even crispier crust. Place it in the oven during preheating. Let it heat for at least 30 minutes. Slide the pizza onto the hot stone directly.
Baking time may be slightly shorter with a stone. Check at 10 minutes for a medium pizza. The stone holds heat and cooks the bottom faster. Be careful not to burn.
If you use a steel, the same rules apply. Steel conducts heat even better than stone. Reduce oven temp by 25°F to avoid burning the bottom before the top is done.
How To Reheat Leftover Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Leftover pizza can be just as good as fresh if reheated right. Do not use the microwave. It makes the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery.
Use a skillet on the stovetop. Place the pizza slice in a cold non-stick pan. Heat on medium-low for 2 to 3 minutes. Add a few drops of water to the pan and cover with a lid. The steam melts the cheese while the bottom crisps.
You can also use the oven. Preheat to 375°F. Place slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy.
An air fryer works well too. Set to 350°F and heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Check frequently to avoid burning. This is the fastest method for a single slice.
Tips For Customizing Your Papa Murphy’s Pizza
You can add extra toppings before baking. Just do not overload. Spread them evenly. Pre-cook raw meats like sausage or bacon before adding. Raw meat will not cook fully in the short baking time.
Brush the crust edge with garlic butter before baking for extra flavor. Sprinkle with parmesan or Italian seasoning. This adds a nice touch without changing the cooking time.
If you like a well-done pizza, add 2 to 3 minutes to the bake time. Watch the cheese so it does not burn. A well-done pizza has a darker crust and more caramelized cheese.
For a softer crust, bake the pizza on a preheated baking sheet. This traps some steam and keeps the bottom less crisp. It is a personal preference, but direct rack is still recommended for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Cook Papa Murphy’s Pizza On A Grill?
Yes, you can grill it. Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 400°F). Place the pizza directly on the grates. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes with the lid closed. Check the bottom often to prevent burning. Grilling adds a smoky flavor.
What If My Pizza Is Still Doughy In The Center?
This usually means the oven was not hot enough or the pizza was not baked long enough. Next time, preheat fully and bake a few minutes longer. You can also try baking on a lower rack to cook the bottom more.
Do I Need To Remove The Cardboard Tray?
Yes, remove the cardboard tray before baking. It is not oven-safe and can burn or smoke. Slide the pizza directly onto the oven rack or a preheated stone.
How Do I Store An Unbaked Papa Murphy’s Pizza?
Keep it in the refrigerator if you plan to bake within 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake from frozen, adding 5 to 10 minutes to the cook time.
Can I Cook Papa Murphy’s Pizza In A Toaster Oven?
Yes, if the pizza fits. Preheat the toaster oven to 400°F. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Check frequently because toaster ovens cook faster. Use the baking tray that came with the toaster oven, not the cardboard.
Final Thoughts On Baking Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Now you know exactly how to cook papa murphy’s pizza the right way. The direct oven rack method gives you a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. Preheating is critical, do not skip it.
Rotate the pizza halfway through for even browning. Let it rest before cutting. Adjust times for different sizes and crust types. With these steps, your pizza will come out great every time.
Experiment with extra toppings or a pizza stone if you want. The basic method stays the same. Enjoy your homemade-style pizza from Papa Murphy’s without any guesswork.