Have you just picked up a take and bake pizza from a place like Papa Murphy’s or Aldi and decided you are going to eat it later. Maybe you want to freeze it?
Can you freeze take and bake pizza?
Yes, you can freeze take and bake pizza. If you want to make sure that the pizza is not ruined by freezing it, there are some things you should do.
First, make sure the temperature in the room is less than 0 degrees C (32 degrees F) or at least colder than where the pizza was stored. Next, wrap it well in aluminum foil then place it in a large ziploc bag to store it in your freezer.
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What’s The Best Way To Freeze Pizza?
If you want your frozen pizza to be as good as new when you thaw it out, you will need to make sure it is wrapped properly. If you do not, parts of the pizza may get freezer burn and not taste as good as they should.
Take a look at our how to on freezing homemade pizza or can you freeze Pizza Hut pizza articles here for some more ideas.
What Is Freezer Burn?
Freezer burn is a loss of moisture in the food, due to the lower temperatures in your freezer. It may also affect color or texture. It can usually be found on beef, fish or poultry products.
How To Prevent Freezer Burn
If you want to make sure that your pizza does not have freezer burn, here are some tips you can follow.
First, be sure to wrap it in aluminum foil before placing it in a ziplock bag. This will help prevent the air from reaching the cheese and toppings on the pizza. It will also help fight off any insects and pests that may try to eat your pizza later.
Second, be sure to keep your freezer as cold as possible. You should have it set no lower than -18 degrees C (-0 degrees F). If you have a newer freezer, it is usually more energy efficient and will keep the temperature more stable.
Third, make sure you are storing the pizza away from any other food that might be stored in your freezer. This may help prevent freezer burn on other foods as well.
Is It Better To Freeze Pizza Cooked Or Uncooked?
Freezing your pizza while it is cooked is not necessarily any better than freezing it while it is uncooked. It really depends on what you are trying to do.
If you are looking to create pizza pies that can last for many days, then freezing them cooked may be the best option. This will allow you to quickly thaw them out in the microwave or in an oven set to 350 degrees F.
It may also be the best option if you are trying to store leftovers from a pizza dinner or party.
If you are looking to freeze pizza that has already been cooked, you will be disappointed if you do it both ways. The dough will tend to dry out and not taste as good when heated. It may also get freezer burn.
Freezing pizza while it is uncooked is the best option if you are not planning to use it for a long time. The crust will not dry out and taste stale when you reheat it in the microwave. It will also not get freezer burn.
How Do You Defrost Frozen Pizza?
If you have frozen a pizza, you will want to defrost it before you cook it. It would be a waste if the crust got all hard or freezer burnt before you got a chance to eat it.
If the pizza is still in foil after being frozen, just place it in your refrigerator and let it thaw slowly over night.
If the pizza has been taken out of foil and put in a freezer bag, you will need to let the defrosting process begin.
How Do You Cook Pizza That Has Been Frozen?
If you have cooked a pizza at home before, you already know how to cook it from frozen. It is just a little different.
First, be sure to preheat your oven to 400 degrees F before you put the frozen pizza in it. If you do not, the crust will get overdone and hard before the toppings have a chance to cook all the way through.
You will also want to make sure the frozen pizza is not wrapped too tightly in foil or a freezer bag. This will increase the amount of time it takes for it to cook through. You may even want to take it out of the foil/bag before putting it in the oven.
If you have a pizza stone, you can put it on a rack below your baking steel and let your crust get golden brown while cooking.
Why Are You Not Supposed To Thaw Frozen Pizza Before Cooking?
It is not a good idea to thaw out frozen pizza before cooking for a few reasons.
First, the crust will start to get too hard. This will affect the way your pizza tastes when you cook it. It may also take longer for it to cook all the way through.
Second, if you have forgotten that you have frozen cooked pizza in the refrigerator, there is a chance that it just cooked enough to get infected with bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Can You Re-freeze Cooked Pizza?
Yes, you can re-freeze cooked pizza that you have previously frozen at home. If it has been in a freezer bag or foil wrapper, just be sure to put it back in one again after cooking and cooling down.
How Long Will A Frozen Pizza Last In The Refrigerator?
If you have a good air-tight container or ziploc bag that has been freezing in your freezer, you can expect a frozen pizza to stay fresh for at least a few weeks.
If the pizza is not well sealed, it will begin to get freezer burn sooner. You could also start tasting a hint of its smell before it ever reaches its expiration date.
Can You Cook Pizza That Is Already Frozen?
There are many benefits to cooking pizza when it is still frozen. It is the easiest way to make sure your toppings are not going to get soggy or freezer burnt.
First, you will want to let your pizza thaw in the refrigerator. This can take a couple of days, depending on how big it is and how thick the crust is. You can also make it a little softer faster by letting some steam from the fridge touch it.
Afterwards, you will want to bake it as soon as possible. This will allow a little more time for the cheese and toppings to melt together. It may still not be as good as fresh pizza, but this is a way that many people enjoy frozen pizza.
Also check out – Will eating pizza ruin my diet? – Is pizza fast food? – Pizza from the fridge safety tips.
Conclusion
Freezing pizza is a great way to store food for your family. While it is not the best option if you are trying to cook pizza that tastes fresh, it can be okay depending on what you are using it for.
If you want to get the most out of your frozen pizza, be sure to keep it cool in your home. If you want to eat it after cooking, try not to put too many toppings on the pizza before cooking them.
