If you love homemade pizza, you probably know what a pizza peel is and its purpose in pizza preparation. For you to end up with a well-crusted pizza bottom, you should have a pizza stone. And for you to place the pizza onto the stone, you will need a pizza peel.
But what if you don’t have a peel in your space? You will probably order some pizza if you have no knowledge of other options to slide that pizza into the oven. But did you know that you can go ahead and make your pizza even though you don’t have a peel?
There are several pizza peel options that you probably never thought about in the first place. Let us understand more about the available options you can incorporate to get that pizza into the oven or out of it.
Pizza peel substitutes
The tools we are going to look at here can easily be found in your space. All you have to keep in mind is that the object should be flat to properly hold the pizza.
- Parchment paper
Baking your pizza on parchment paper is one of the most delicate methods to use. Why? Because the pizza is baked on the parchment paper! Once you have prepared your pizza dough and shaped it, place it on the parchment paper, pour your sauce, cheese, and other toppings.
Place the pizza-loaded parchment onto the pizza stone for baking to begin. The oven’s high temperatures will not burn the parchment paper but be warned that it may turn brittle. A brittle parchment paper breaks apart when touched, so use a pair of tongs to retrieve the pizza from the oven.
Be keen when choosing the parchment paper that is not waxed since the oven’s heat will melt the wax. You do not want to end up with a waxed pizza.
- Cardboard
A stiff piece of cardboard can be a good substitute for a peel. It may sound odd, yes, but you are craving some homemade pizza, right? So get that pizza box, cut it, slide it between the pizza and the pizza stone to quickly retrieve the pizza.
- Rimless cookie sheet
You will find a rimless sheet in almost every household. Cookie sheets can be used in the oven when preparing pizza. They help prevent oil and grease spills during the baking process.
- Serving platter
Serving platters are round in shape and can easily slide between your pizza stone and the pizza, making it perfect for retrieving the pizza.
- Cutting board
Cutting boards are large in a way like the pizza peels are. Their large size makes them perfect for getting pizzas out of the oven. Remember that these cutting boards come in different sizes, so ensure that the pizza is smaller than the board you will be using.
Skip the pizza stone and fry the pizza
Did you know you can skip using the pizza stone altogether? You can fry the pizza on your stovetop and still end up with a crispy pizza bottom. Here is how to fry the pizza.
- Preheat your frying pan and broiler (oven grill).
- Place your pizza dough onto the preheated pan and do not oil it whatsoever.
- Cook the pizza until it browns at the bottom.
- Add your sauce and toppings.
- Take the pizza into the broiler in your oven and cook till t turns golden.
Frequently asked questions(FAQS) about pizza stones
How long should I cook pizza on a pizza stone?
Cooking pizza on a properly preheated stone should take 10-12 minutes. Rotate your pizza halfway through the cooking, so it cooks evenly.
Thicker pizzas also take longer to cook, ensure that the heat is lower and the time longer.
Can I cut pizza on the stone?
No!
You don’t want to do injustice to your stone by causing damage to it. Pizza stones are made with porous and fragile materials.
How do I prevent my pizza from sticking onto the pizza stone?
You can spread or sprinkle some cornmeal or semolina flour onto the stone before placing the pizza on it.
What are the correct temperatures to cook pizza on a pizza stone?
The pizza stone should be really hot before placing the pizza on it. The maximum heat of 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit is suitable. However, remember that the thinner the pizza, the higher the temperatures. On the other hand, if the pizza is thick, the temperatures should be lower to give the dough enough time to cook.
How do I clean my pizza stone?
You can use a stone brush and hot water to clean your stone. You should not soak the stone into the water. You can also use a small water stream to scrub off the stone. Go ahead, and air dry the stone. Do not attempt to dry the stone by baking it as there could be a risk of cracking.
Conclusion
You no longer have to order that pizza just because you have no pizza peel. Prepare it and use the options above to slide the pizza into the oven. You will end up with a crusty mouth-watering pizza.
Jennifer D. Simon has spent the last 26 years studying and practicing nutrition science. She has used a larger part of this time in improving people’s livelihoods. She has done so by coming up with unquestionable ideas on how to tackle food problems in her community. Read More
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