Discover the Secret Temperature for the Perfect Pizza Bake!


what temperature to bake pizza

The correct temperature to bake a pizza is 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit or 250-260 degrees Celsius. But it may vary depending on the oven and pizza type. Such as, commercially built pizza ovens reach somewhere between 800-900°F. 

So, there are several facts that you must know prior to understand the right temperature for a perfect pizza. In this guide, we will talk about the different types of pizza to bake in different temperatures and other temperature facts that will help you to make the most mouthwatering pizzas at home. 

Best Temperature to Cook Pizza

For a homemade pizza, the right oven temperature is 250 degrees Celsius. On a Fahrenheit scale that is close to 500 degrees. Although in restaurants, pizza ovens can achieve an absurdly high temperature of 550 degrees Celsius(900°F).

So, does that mean homemade pizza won’t taste as good? 

Absolutely not. The temperature of your home ovens is enough to bake a great pizza. But it’s also true that a higher temperature is always better while cooking a pizza.

I tried it in my convection oven, and the temperature was 500°F(260°C). And in a blind test, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between my version of homemade pizza and the one from your favorite pizza place.

While making a pizza, make sure you preheat the oven first. It will ensure an evenly distributed heat so the pizza can cook all the way through with a crispy crust and bottom.

The Right Temperature And Time Combination to Bake Different Pizzas

See, temperature and time are the most crucial variables in baking a great pizza. These two vary from oven and pizza type. We already have a standard idea of the target temperature. So the next question you may ask yourself is, how long should I cook my homemade pizza?

Lucky you! I’ve accumulated all the data after outstretched research. However, it only requires 6-10 minutes to bake a pizza in a regular oven.

Here is the best oven temperature depending on the pizza type: 

Pizza StyleTempTime (Min)
New York-style600°F12-15
Detroit-style550°F15
Chicago425°F20-30
Digiorno 400°F20-30
Boneless400°F15
Hawaiian440°F10-13
Costco420°F20
Margherita450°F16-20
Napoletana900°F2
Mini500°F6-10
Sicilian450°F20

Last but not least, this data is meant to give you a general idea about the required time to bake a pizza. But honestly, cooking time can still change depending on some factors, like-

  • Peak oven temperature
  • Presence of fans in the oven
  • Pizza size and thickness
  • Pizza placement in the oven. (top, bottom, or middle)
  • Availability of a cooking stone

Considering the factors, cooking time can vary greatly. So, you must go on a trial-and-error basis to find the sweet spot for your beloved pizza.

How Hot Should You Preheat a Pizza Oven?

Ever wondered why preheating the oven is mandatory before you cook your pizza or other confectionary items? Let me tell you why.

See, when you start using the oven from a neutral state, the ambiance inside is cool. So if you put the pizza on the tray and start cooking right away, it will not cook properly in time. Because first, the inside of the oven will heat up, then the heat will start affecting the pizza. As a result of more work, there will be more time spent.

Even if you try to compensate with additional time, it won’t ensure a great pizza. The possibilities of a dull, unevenly cooked pizza are way high.

Therefore you must preheat the oven to its maximum temperature minimum of 20 minutes. And that’s with the baking tray or stone in. 

What Is the Best Temperature to Keep Your Pizza Warm?

Assuming you have already made a pizza and it has gone cold. Who would want to eat that soggy piece of pizza?

For parties or other social affairs, you may need pizzas that are still hot when you serve. And the best way to achieve that is to try to keep it warm. 

But how would you do that? You may follow the following tips. 

  • Wrap your pizza with aluminum foil. 
  • Preheat the oven.
  • Heat the pizza for 6-8 minutes at 170-200°C.

Once you are done, keep it as is. Now it will stay hot and fresh for at least 3 hours.

Why Is Pizza Cooked at a High Temperature?

Pizzas are traditionally cooked at a very high temperature. But why is that? Why can’t you bake it at a lower temperature?

Cooking Pizza at a High Temperature

Pizza can incorporate many diverse ingredients such as meat, sausages, etc. And with a temperature, they may not cook perfectly. And guess what? It’s not the only reason. 

  • High temperature ensures a crispy base and crust.
  • It elevates the flavor of the pizza.
  • Cheese is melted and spread evenly.

The high temperature while baking a pizza ensures fast cooking. And it helps to obtain a crispy crust and is soft in the middle. 

On the contrary, using a low temp requires more time, and you’ll get a soggy pizza. Cooked but with a muddy texture.

FAQs

What is the Required Time and Temperature to Bake a Pizza in an Electric Oven?

To bake a pizza in an electric oven, you will need to achieve 250 degrees Celsius. And set the time to 10 minutes.

How Long to Cook Homemade Pizza at 350?

A homemade pizza will take 30-35 minutes to be cooked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If the pizza is in a frozen state, then add 10 minutes to the total cooking time.

What Temperature to Cook Pizza in a Conventional Oven?

In a preheated conventional oven, 450-500F, equal to 250-260degrees Celsius, is required to cook a pizza. Bake it for 10 minutes tops.

Ending Remarks

Pizza baking and nailing perfection may be overpowering for an amateur cook. But with a little practice and experience, the quality improves greatly.

Hope this article helped you to sort out the best temperature for baking a homemade pizza. Follow this guide, and you’ll have the perfect pizza to serve your beloved ones. Happy Cooking!

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