Reasons to Consider Ordering Your Pizza Well-Done
When it comes to pizza, requesting it well done almost ensures that your pie will be elevated in both taste and texture. Whether you’re getting delivery from a major chain, grabbing a quick meal while shopping at Costco, or picking up a pie from a local pizzeria, this simple request adds a wealth of flavor while only extending the wait time slightly. The reason the additional heat from the oven makes such an impact lies in the science of pizza.
A well-done pizza allows ample time for caramelization and the Maillard reaction to occur. Caramelization involves the breakdown of sugar molecules in the tomato sauce and vegetables, leading to rich, complex flavors. The extra heat also evaporates the water content in the sauce and vegetables such as onions and peppers, creating more intense flavors. Concurrently, the amino acids in the cheese, crust, and pepperoni react with sugar molecules. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, results in a golden-brown crust, crispy toppings, and beautifully blistered cheese.
Here’s how to prepare your pizza well-done at home: utilize a high-temperature oven, preheat it, and bake for a longer duration for crispy results.
If you forget to specify that your pizza should be cooked well done, or if your delivery or takeout pizza arrived soggy, don’t worry. You can finish baking your pizza in the oven to achieve the crispy perfection you desire. A dedicated pizza oven can soar to temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit—though most typically operate around 750 degrees Fahrenheit—so be sure to set your oven to the highest temperature. For the best results, use a pizza stone, which helps even out oven heat by distributing and retaining warmth at the bottom of your crust. If you’re employing a pizza stone, place it in your cold oven and preheat for 15 minutes before introducing your pizza.
Whether you’re using a pizza stone, an oven rack, or a baking sheet, monitor your pizza every couple of minutes to ensure it crisps up just right without burning. You can also prepare a frozen pizza to a well-done state by beginning with a defrosted pie, then cooking it for a few additional minutes at high heat. Thawing beforehand not only accelerates the cooking process but allows you to enhance your frozen pizza by rearranging the toppings.
