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How To Make Store-Bought Pizza Crust Crispy

How To Make Store-Bought Pizza Crust Crispy In 7 Steps

Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Shari Mason

Despite its convenience, store-bought pizza crust often disappoints with its lack of the crispy texture that is expected in a good pizza.

Fortunately, there are several ways on how to make store-bought pizza crust crispy and delicious. 

We’ll explore some simple techniques for achieving the perfect crispy crust, including pre-baking the crust, using the right toppings, and adjusting the temperature and cooking time. 

7 Steps On How To Make Store-Bought Pizza Crust Crispy 

pizza crust
  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet and pre-bake it for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove the crust from the oven and add your toppings. Use a light hand when applying sauce and cheese.
  4. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Increase the temperature of your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, if necessary, and bake the pizza for a shorter time.
  6. Consider using a pizza stone or a preheated baking sheet to help achieve a crispy crust.
  7. Use a light dusting of cornmeal or flour on the bottom of the crust to prevent sticking.
  8. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to help keep the crust crispy.

Read:

What Toppings Should You Use For A Crispy Crust?

When it comes to toppings for a crispy crust pizza, less is more. Rich toppings can weigh down the crust and make it soggy.

Instead, select a few high-quality toppings, such as thinly sliced vegetables, fresh herbs, or lightly cooked meats. 

Keep the toppings relatively light and evenly distributed to ensure the crust cooks evenly and stays crispy.

Additionally, consider using a lighter sauce or a drizzle of olive oil [1] instead of a heavy tomato sauce. 

How Can You Adjust The Temperature & Cook Time?

Increasing your oven temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or higher can help crisp the crust without overcooking the toppings. 

“There were a couple of things I needed to do while I was in New York. One was to have a pizza, one was to get a tattoo… and the other was to get a Yankees hat.”

– Ed Sheeran, Singer

Reducing the overall cook time can also help achieve a crispy crust. Keep an eye on the pizza as it cooks, and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness. 

Consider the crust’s thickness and the toppings used, as these factors can affect the overall cook time.

Should You Use A Pizza Stone Or A Baking Sheet?

pizza crust on a pan

A pizza stone can be a great way to achieve a crispy crust when making a pizza with store-bought crust. Pizza stones are designed to distribute heat evenly and absorb moisture from the crust, helping to achieve the perfect texture. 

However, a baking sheet can also be a good option if you don’t have a pizza stone.

To use a baking sheet, preheat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes before adding the pizza crust. This will help to crisp up the crust and prevent it from becoming soggy. 

Be sure to use a light dusting of cornmeal or flour [2] on the bottom of the crust to prevent sticking, and place the pizza on the top rack of the oven for maximum heat exposure. 

Tips For Making Store-Bought Pizza Crust Crispy

  1. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to help keep the crust crispy.
  2. Use a light hand when applying sauce and cheese to avoid weighing down the crust.
  3. Use a perforated pizza pan or screen to allow air to circulate the crust and prevent sogginess.
  4. Preheat your oven for at least 15-20 minutes to ensure it is fully heated before adding the pizza.
  5. Place the pizza on the top rack of the oven to maximize heat exposure and achieve a crispier crust.
  6. Brush the edges of the crust with olive oil or melted butter before baking to add extra flavor and crispiness.
  7. Consider using high heat and broil settings at the end of the cooking time to help crisp up the crust even more.
  8. Avoid too many toppings, which can weigh down the crust and make it soggy. Opt for simple, high-quality toppings instead.
  9. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the pizza to avoid tearing the crust.
  10. Experiment with different store-bought crusts, such as thin or whole wheat, to find the perfect texture and flavor for your taste preferences.

FAQs

u003cstrongu003eShould you put olive oil on the pizza crust?u003c/strongu003e

You can put olive oil on your pizza crust to help achieve a crispy texture and add flavor. Brushing the edges of the crust with olive oil before baking can help to create a crispy, golden-brown crust. 

u003cstrongu003eDoes baking soda make the crust crispy?u003c/strongu003e

No, baking soda does not make the crust crispy. Baking soda is a leavening agent often used in recipes to help baked goods rise and become fluffy. While it may be used in some pizza dough recipes, it is not typically explicitly used to achieve a crispy crust. 

Key Takeaways

Making store-bought pizza crust crispy is easy with a few simple tips and tricks.

Pre-baking the crust, using light toppings, adjusting the temperature and cooking time, and using a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet can help achieve a crispy texture. 

Additionally, using a light dusting of cornmeal or flour on the bottom of the crust, brushing the edges with olive oil, and letting the pizza cool before slicing can enhance the flavor and texture of the crust. 

By experimenting with different techniques and ingredients, you can find the perfect balance for achieving a crispy and delicious pizza crust every time.

References:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-olive-oil
  2. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/baking-guide/flour-101-guide-to-different-types-and-uses
Shari Mason

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