Introduction
It can get messy when making pizza. Particularly when you have sticky pizza dough and need to use flour to prevent it from sticking to your work surface or your pizza peel.
So you might be wondering if you can make pizza using common household items like aluminum foil or parchment paper (also known as baking paper).
For the best start, check out my best pizza dough recipe if you need a foolproof dough with comprehensive step-by-step instructions.
On parchment paper, can pizza dough be cooked?
Pizza can indeed be cooked on parchment paper. Using the paper will enable you to cook the pizza without a mess or sticking. The drawback is that the pizza does not become as crisp as it would if it were placed directly onto a pizza stone.
The heat in the oven can cause the paper to disintegrate, scattering small pieces of pizza over it. Utilize the technique I’ve provided below to learn how to remove paper while cooking. Keep in mind that using wax paper will cause it to smoke in the oven.
Is aluminum foil suitable for baking pizza?
To prevent pizza from falling through the oven rack while baking, use aluminum foil. Because it prevents the pizza stone from drawing moisture from the base, the foil is not a good choice when using one with a pizza stone. Additionally, foil reflects heat away from the pizza rather than effectively transferring it.
Can Parchment Paper Be Used On A Pizza Stone?
Yes. Pizza still cooks perfectly when cooked on a pizza stone and parchment paper. Although it was not how the stone was intended to be used, some people find it convenient to cook pizza in this manner.
Since the stone should be hot from preheating in the oven if you don’t use parchment paper, you’ll need another method to move the raw dough there.
One method is to flour a pizza peel and slide it onto the pizza stone.
On a pizza stone, is foil permissible?
The use of foil with a pizza stone is not advised because it prevents moisture from being drawn from the pizza as it cooks. As there is nowhere else for the water to go but up, it effectively steams the pizza from below.
The foil will deflect the heat away from the stone because it is a good reflector as well. As a result, the pizza base becomes wetter and cooler and cooks less effectively because the stone can’t transfer heat to it as effectively.
I would either get a pizza peel or use parchment paper because you won’t reap the benefits of cooking with a pizza stone and won’t get the crisp base you desired.
A Soggy Base for the Pizza?
When the base is cooked on parchment paper placed on top of the pizza stone, it won’t be as crisp as when it is cooked directly on the stone. Despite this, the effects do not cause the pizza to become soggy.
In order to make the pizza crust crisp up nicely, a pizza stone works by drawing moisture from the dough as it cooks. The pizza is placed on a preheated pizza stone, which allows for quick cooking of the dough due to the high heat transfer and low moisture content.
Because parchment paper is not waterproof, some moisture can pass through it. This will enable the base to keep some of its crunch, and the pizza will still taste fantastic overall.
Due to the foil’s water resistance, the pizza dough cannot be drained of any water. This indicates that the pizza cooked in foil will be the soggiest.
Several elements are at play. The amount of sogginess in the pizza will depend on the temperature of the stone, how recently a pizza was cooked on it, and how long it is being cooked.
My suggestion is to choose a different approach and stay away from this one.
On a pizza stone, how to cook pizza on parchment paper
My best pizza dough recipe should be used as a base. To properly prepare your dough before you begin, follow the recipe’s detailed instructions.
- On the rack that is 3/4 of the way up the oven, place the pizza stone and preheat it for 40 minutes at its maximum temperature.
- Cut a piece of parchment paper that can comfortably hold the pizza but doesn’t have too much extra paper to hold it while you stretch out or roll out your pizza on the work surface.
- Tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings should be added to the pizza before placing it on top of the parchment paper.
- Unlock the oven. For simple access, you can fully extend the rack holding the pizza stone. Drop the pizza and the parchment in the center of the stone after picking up the parchment by the edges.
- The pizza will be cooked through and firm after 3 minutes. To cook the other side, rotate the pizza through 180 degrees. For a crispier pizza, you can choose to remove the parchment paper and cook the pizza directly on the stone.
- Cook the pizza for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown.
Use a pizza “steel,” in my opinion, for making pizza in a home oven. I have a steel from Amazon that is much less expensive than other brands but still does an excellent job of adding intense heat from below for amazing crusts. Steel is easier to clean, doesn’t break, and conducts heat more effectively than stone.
A cordierite pizza stone is your second-best choice if the first is out of your price range. Visit my list of the essential pizza tools to see a compilation of the most crucial tools.
How to Cook Pizza on a Rack in Parchment Paper or Foil
If the bars on the rack aren’t too far apart, you can cook the pizza right there on the rack.
As a result of not receiving direct heat from the bottom, the bottom can occasionally become a little soggy and won’t be as crisp as on a pizza stone.
Start by preparing some of my best pizza dough recipe’s dough.
- The oven needs ten minutes of maximum heat.
- Cut a piece of parchment paper or foil that can comfortably hold the pizza but doesn’t have too much extra paper to accommodate stretching or rolling out your pizza on the work surface.
- Toppings, tomato sauce, and cheese should be added to the pizza before placing it on top of the parchment paper or foil.
- On the oven’s next-to-last rack, remove a rack. Place the paper and pizza on top.
- The pizza needs to firm up after 4 minutes of cooking. The pizza can now be turned over to cook the other side while the paper or foil underneath is being removed.
- Once the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling, check the pizza again 7-8 minutes later and take it out.
A pizza peel might be used
The traditional method of putting a pizza in the oven is by using a pizza peel. The lovely flavor and texture of a flour and semolina mixture added to the peel to prevent the dough from sticking is an added bonus.
Begin by rolling or stretching the pizza in the same manner, adding toppings on the peel before quickly sliding it onto the pizza stone.
A peel is now very affordable and simple to use. If you need any assistance, I wrote a post on How To Use A Peel Correctly.
If you don’t have a peel, you can use another item from your kitchen instead. A serving board or baking sheet without a rim will do. Another article I wrote was titled 7 Kitchen Items To Use As A Pizza Peel Substitute.
Conclusion
Your queries about whether pizza dough can be baked on parchment paper in the oven and whether aluminum foil or parchment paper can be used on a pizza stone have hopefully been answered.
You have a few options here, so pick the one that best suits you. The majority will still make delicious pizza. I would, however, refrain from using foil. For me, this loses the benefits of a pizza stone in terms of cooking and getting the base nicely crisped up.
The pizza steel is a different choice you might want to consider. Here, a quarter-inch piece of steel heats up more quickly and effectively transfers heat than a stone, creating the crispiest of bases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use parchment paper in a wood-fired oven?
Yes, you can! Parchment paper is safe for high temperatures and can be used in wood-fired ovens for that authentic, crispy pizza experience.
Will the parchment paper catch fire in the oven?
No, as long as you follow the recommended temperature guidelines, parchment paper is designed to withstand oven heat without catching fire.
Can I reuse parchment paper?
While it’s not recommended to reuse parchment paper due to potential cross-contamination, you can often get more than one use out of a single sheet for the same pizza-making session.
Can I use parchment paper for frozen pizzas?
Absolutely! Parchment paper works wonders for frozen pizzas, preventing them from sticking and ensuring even cooking.
Where can I buy high-quality parchment paper?
You can find parchment paper at most grocery stores, baking supply shops, and online retailers. Look for parchment paper labeled as safe for high temperatures.
