Papa Murphy’s pizza is a take-and-bake pizza chain that provides customers with fresh, customizable pizzas to bake at home. One common question that arises is whether or not it’s possible to cook two Papa Murphy’s pizzas at once in the oven.
The answer is yes, but there are several factors to consider when attempting this task. In this article, we will discuss these factors and provide techniques for ensuring your pizzas cook evenly and thoroughly.
Factors to Consider when Baking Two Pizzas
Size and Shape of the Oven
One of the main factors to consider when baking two pizzas at once is the size and shape of your oven. Most standard ovens have enough room for only one large pizza (such as a Papa Murphy’s Family size) or two small pizzas. Attempting to fit multiple large pizzas in an oven can result in overlapping, which leads to uneven cooking.
It’s important to measure your oven before attempting a double-bake scenario. Make sure there is enough space between each shelf for airflow and equal heat distribution.
Type of Crust and Toppings
Different crusts and toppings may affect how evenly two pizzas cook in one oven. For example, deep-dish crusts may require more cooking time than thin-crust pizzas, which could result in uneven baking if both are cooked together.
When choosing crusts and toppings for a double-bake scenario, it’s important to select items that will cook at a similar pace. For example, adding extra vegetables or meats on top of one pizza may cause that pizza to take longer to bake than the other.
Techniques for Baking Two Pizzas at Once
Using a Double Decker Rack
One technique for baking two pizzas simultaneously is using a double-decker rack (also known as a “pizza stone”). This method works well if you have an oven with enough space between each layer.
To use this method, place the pizzas on each rack (making sure there is enough space between them), and bake according to the Papa Murphy’s instructions. The main advantage of this method is that both pizzas will cook at the same time and temperature.
However, one disadvantage of using a double-decker rack is that it may result in uneven cooking if your oven doesn’t heat evenly. In addition, it can be challenging to remove the bottom pizza without damaging it or dropping cheese/toppings onto the top pizza.
Creating Foil Dividers
Another technique for baking two pizzas at once is creating foil dividers between each pizza. This helps prevent overlapping and ensures even cooking.
To use this method, create two pieces of foil that are roughly the size of your oven shelf. Fold each piece in half and then fold up about an inch along each long side (to create a barrier between each pizza). Place one pizza on one side of the foil divider and the other on the opposite side.
When using this method, it’s important to monitor both pizzas closely as any leaking cheese or toppings can become stuck to the divider making cleaning more time-consuming later.
Best Practices for Baking Two Pizzas at Once
Preheating Your Oven Correctly
One best practice when baking multiple pizzas is preheating your oven correctly. To ensure successful baked results, you must preheat your oven for at least 15 minutes before placing your pizza inside.
It’s also important to allow ample time between batches when baking multiple pizzas so that each one gets heated by itself within a short period before being joined by another pie, depending on what type of crust/size you decide upon making.
Rotating Pizzas Halfway Through
This technique enables you to ensure that both sides receive equal heat distribution during your double-bake scenario with every turn rotating 180 degrees halfway through cooking time maximizes cooking efficiency since heat circulates more evenly across each pizza. It helps prevent overcooking or uneven baking if one side feels hotter than the other.
Troubleshooting Double-Bake Situations
Check Pizzas Frequently while Baking
One common issue when double-baking pizzas is overcooking or burning them, resulting in charred cheese or crusts that become too hard to chew. To avoid this, it’s important to check on your pizzas frequently during the cooking process and adjust your oven temperature as needed.
Adjusting Temperatures
Another potential issue is adjusting oven temperatures. Lower temperatures may result in undercooked pizzas, whereas higher temperatures could cause cheese to burn, making it difficult to remove from the oven and cleaning up afterward unnecessarily time-consuming.
Conclusion
Baking two Papa Murphy’s pizzas at once requires careful consideration of a few essential factors such as oven size/space required for airflow and equal heating throughout its interior, crust types/topping combinations (thick & thin), efficient rotation halfway through baking time along with correct preheating practices can guarantee perfectly baked pizza pies every time straight out of your kitchen!
By following the techniques outlined in this article alongside monitoring temperature levels accordingly while baking an excellent side-of-salad meal alongside your favorite beverage never gets easier!
Q&A
- Question: Can I bake two Papa Murphy’s pizzas simultaneously?
Answer: Yes, you can bake two Papa Murphy’s pizzas at the same time. However, it is important to note that you would need to adjust your cooking time and temperature accordingly.
- Question: How should I adjust my oven settings when baking two Papa Murphy’s pizzas at the same time?
Answer: It is recommended to preheat your oven to 425°F and then reduce the temperature slightly to 400°F. For multiple pizzas, increase the cook time by a few minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Question: Is it better to bake one pizza first before adding another one in the oven?
Answer: No, it is not necessary to bake one pizza first before adding another pizza in the oven. You can place both pizzas on separate racks and bake them together using the recommended cooking instructions.
- Question: Can I use a pizza stone or an air fryer when baking two Papa Murphy’s pizzas at once?
Answer: Yes, you can use a pizza stone or an air fryer when baking two Papa Murphy’s pizzas at once. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on your chosen method of cooking and number of pizzas being baked together.
