How To Cook Papa Murphy’s Pizza

ByLily

Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake pizzas require specific oven temperatures and timing to match the quality of their in-store baking. If you want to know how to cook Papa Murphy’s pizza at home, the good news is that it’s simple once you understand a few key rules. The pizza comes uncooked, so your oven does the final work. Get the temperature right, use the right pan, and you’ll get a crispy crust with melted cheese every time.

This guide covers oven temps, bake times, and tips for both fresh and frozen pizzas. You’ll also learn how to handle different crust types and sizes.

How To Cook Papa Murphy’s Pizza

Papa Murphy’s pizzas are assembled fresh but sold cold. That means you control the bake. The instructions below apply to most standard pizzas, but always check the label on your specific pizza for exact temps and times.

What You Need Before You Start

  • Your Papa Murphy’s pizza (keep it refrigerated until ready to bake)
  • A baking sheet or pizza stone
  • Parchment paper or non-stick spray
  • An oven thermometer (optional but helpful)
  • A pizza cutter or sharp knife

If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. A cold stone can crack. If you’re using a baking sheet, no preheating of the pan is needed.

Step-By-Step Baking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is the standard temperature for most Papa Murphy’s pizzas.
  2. Remove the pizza from its packaging. Take off the plastic wrap and the cardboard base if there is one.
  3. Place the pizza on a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone. If using a sheet, you can lightly grease it or use parchment paper.
  4. Bake on the center rack for 12 to 18 minutes. Start checking at 12 minutes.
  5. The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  6. Let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes cutting easier.

Oven temperatures vary. Yours might run hot or cold. Use the times above as a guide, but rely on visual cues. If the crust looks pale, give it a few more minutes. If the cheese starts to brown too fast, move the pizza to a lower rack.

Adjusting For Different Crust Types

Not all Papa Murphy’s pizzas bake the same. Here’s how to handle the most common crusts.

Original Crust

This is the standard crust. Bake at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes. It’s the most forgiving crust and works well on a baking sheet.

Thin Crust

Thin crust bakes faster. Use 425°F but check it at 10 minutes. It can go from perfect to burnt quickly. A pizza stone helps here because it crisps the bottom without drying out the top.

Pan Crust

Pan crust is thicker and needs a bit more time. Bake at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Use a dark metal pan if you have one. It conducts heat better and gives you a crispier edge.

Stuffed Crust

Stuffed crust pizzas have cheese inside the edge. They need a slightly lower temperature so the inside cooks without burning the outside. Try 400°F for 18 to 22 minutes. Check the center to make sure the dough is cooked through.

Cooking A Frozen Papa Murphy’s Pizza

If you froze your pizza before baking, you can still cook it. Do not thaw it first. A thawed pizza that was frozen can get soggy.

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Place the frozen pizza on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
  4. Check at 20 minutes. The crust should be golden and the cheese melted.

Frozen pizzas take longer because the dough is solid. If the top browns before the middle is done, cover it loosely with foil.

Tips For A Better Bake

  • Don’t overload toppings. Too many wet toppings can make the crust soggy. If you add extra veggies, pat them dry first.
  • Use the middle rack. It gives the most even heat.
  • Rotate the pizza halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
  • Let the pizza cool on a wire rack for a minute before cutting. This keeps the bottom crisp.
  • If you like a darker crust, bake it 2 minutes longer. Just watch it closely.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Baking a take-and-bake pizza seems easy, but a few mistakes can ruin it.

  • Baking at the wrong temperature. Too high and the crust burns before the middle cooks. Too low and the crust gets dry and tough.
  • Using a cold pizza stone. Always preheat the stone with the oven.
  • Not checking the pizza near the end of the bake time. Every oven is different.
  • Cutting the pizza right away. Give it a couple minutes to set.

How To Store Leftovers

If you have leftover pizza, let it cool completely. Then wrap it in foil or put it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet on the stove over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy. The microwave works in a pinch, but it makes the crust soft.

Final Thoughts

Cooking Papa Murphy’s pizza at home is mostly about temperature and timing. Set your oven to 425°F for most pizzas, check at 12 minutes, and look for a golden crust and bubbly cheese. Adjust for thin, pan, or stuffed crusts as needed. With a little attention, you can get a pizza that tastes just as good as the one from the store. Now you know how to cook Papa Murphy’s pizza with confidence.

Similar Posts