When it comes to pizza, asking for it to be well done is nearly a sure way to enhance both flavor and texture. Whether you’re getting delivery from a popular chain, grabbing a quick bite before shopping at Costco, or picking up a pizza from your favorite local place, this simple request significantly boosts depth and flavor while only extending your wait by a few minutes. The reason for the improvement from extra heat in the pizza oven lies in the science behind the slice.
A well done pizza allows for ample caramelization and the Maillard reaction to occur. Caramelization happens when sugar molecules in the tomato sauce and vegetables break down chemically, leading to rich, complex flavors. The additional heat helps to evaporate water from the sauce and vegetables like onions and peppers, resulting in more concentrated tastes. At the same time, amino acids in the cheese, crust, and pepperoni react with the sugar molecules, producing the Maillard reaction which results in a golden-brown crust, crispy toppings, and wonderfully blistered cheese.
Tips for baking a well-done pizza at home: use high heat, preheat oven, and bake until crust is crispy.
If you forget to request a well-done pizza, or if your delivery or takeout pizza became soggy during the journey home, don’t fret. You can crisp up your pizza to perfection in your oven. A dedicated pizza oven can reach temperatures up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, although most average around 750 degrees Fahrenheit — so be sure to turn up the heat as high as possible. For best results, use a pizza stone, which can help even out heat distribution by maintaining and directing heat to the base of your crust. If utilizing a pizza stone, remember to place it in your cold oven and preheat it for 15 minutes before adding the pizza.
Regardless of whether you use a pizza stone, an oven rack, or a baking sheet, be sure to monitor your pizza closely every few minutes to ensure it crisps up perfectly without burning. Similarly, you can also cook a frozen pizza to well-done by starting with a defrosted pizza and cooking it for just a few minutes at high heat. Thawing it first not only accelerates cooking but also allows you to enhance your frozen pizza by rearranging the toppings.