How Do You Cook A Papa Murphy’s Pizza

ByLily

Papa Murphy’s pizzas are sold unbaked, so the real work happens in your own oven at home. If you are wondering how do you cook a papa murphy’s pizza, the short answer is simple: you bake it on a sheet pan or directly on the rack at a high temp until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles. The rest comes down to a few small details that make a big difference.

This guide walks you through temps, times, and tricks for a better bake every single time.

What Makes Papa Murphy’s Pizza Different

Papa Murphy’s is a take-and-bake chain. You pick your pizza at the store, they build it fresh, and you carry it home cold. Nothing is cooked before it leaves the shop.

That means your oven does all the work. There is no par-baking, no flash freezing, and no reheating. You are baking a raw pizza from scratch, just like a pizzeria would.

Because of that, the standard box instructions matter. Most Papa Murphy’s pizzas come with a baking guide printed right on the label. Always read it first, since thin crust and stuffed crust need different treatment.

How Do You Cook A Papa Murphy’s Pizza

Here is the basic method that works for almost every variety they sell.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Properly

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Let it preheat for at least 15 to 20 minutes. A fully heated oven gives you a crisp crust instead of a soggy one.

If you have a pizza stone, put it on the middle rack while the oven heats. If not, no problem. A baking sheet works fine.

Step 2: Prep Your Pan Or Stone

  • Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.
  • If you use a pizza stone, dust it with a little cornmeal or flour.
  • For a crisper bottom, you can bake the pizza directly on the oven rack. Just slide it off the tray carefully.

Step 3: Place The Pizza

Take the pizza out of the fridge right before baking. Do not let it sit on the counter for a long time, since the dough can get warm and sticky.

Remove all plastic wrap and the cardboard disc under the crust. Set the pizza on your prepared pan or stone.

Step 4: Bake At The Right Temperature

Most Papa Murphy’s pizzas bake at 425°F. Here are general time ranges:

  • Thin crust: 12 to 15 minutes
  • Original crust: 15 to 18 minutes
  • Pan crust: 18 to 22 minutes
  • Stuffed crust: 20 to 25 minutes

These are starting points, not strict rules. Every oven runs a little hot or cold, so check early and often.

Step 5: Check For Doneness

Your pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling. If the top looks done but the center crust feels soft, give it a few more minutes.

You can also lift an edge with a spatula. If the bottom is browned, it is done.

Step 6: Rest Before Slicing

Let the pizza cool for 2 to 3 minutes on a cutting board. This helps the cheese set so it does not slide off when you cut it.

Then slice and serve.

Tips For A Better Bake

Use The Middle Rack

The middle rack gives the most even heat. Avoid the bottom rack unless you want a very dark bottom crust.

Do Not Overload Toppings

If you add your own ingredients at home, keep it light. Too many wet toppings make the crust soggy in the center.

Watch The Cheese

If the cheese starts browning too fast, tent the pizza with foil. This slows the top while the crust finishes.

Try A Pizza Stone

A stone pulls moisture out of the dough and gives you a crispier bite. It is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Baking a cold pizza in a cold oven
  • Using a oven that was not fully preheated
  • Leaving the cardboard disc under the crust
  • Cranking the heat too high to save time
  • Slicing right away and losing the cheese

How Long Does It Take To Cook A Papa Murphy’s Pizza

Plan on 15 to 25 minutes of bake time, plus 15 to 20 minutes of preheating. From fridge to plate, most pizzas take about 35 to 45 minutes total.

Stuffed crust and thick pan pizzas sit at the longer end. Thin crust is the fastest.

Storing And Reheating Leftovers

Keep leftover slices in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat or a toaster oven. A microwave works, but the crust will get soft.

For the best result, reheat in a 375°F oven for 6 to 8 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Cooking a Papa Murphy’s pizza is not hard. Preheat well, pick the right temp, and keep an eye on it near the end. Follow the label on the box when in doubt, and adjust based on how your oven behaves.

Once you bake a few, you will know exactly how your oven handles each crust style. That is when your results get consistent and your pizza comes out right every time.

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