Carolina Gazal, a native New Yorker and pizza enthusiast, embarked on a culinary experiment to determine the best method for cooking frozen pizza at home. With a selection of Caulipower cheese and margherita pizzas in hand, Carolina tested four different appliances: oven, stovetop, microwave, and grill, to uncover the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor.
Preparation and Oven-Baking
Carolina started by preheating her oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, following the instructions on the pizza box. Placing the pizza directly on a pan, she baked it until the cheese turned golden brown and the crust became crispy. The oven-baked pizza boasted a cracker-like crust and perfectly melted cheese, making it a delightful treat.
Stovetop Pan-Frying: Gooey and Flavorful
Next, Carolina opted for pan-frying a slice of frozen pizza, a method she had never tried before. With a lid on the pan to melt the cheese, she cooked the pizza until it turned gooey and warm. Although some parts of the crust ended up burnt, the pan-fried pizza surprised Carolina with its melty cheese and rich flavor.
Microwave: Quick but Soggy
Microwaving the pizza proved to be the quickest method, but it resulted in a soggy slice with unmelted cheese. Despite microwaving the pizza for four minutes, the crust remained undercooked, and the cheese failed to melt evenly. While convenient for a quick fix, the microwaved pizza lacked the desired texture and flavor.
Grilling: Smoky and Perfectly Toasted
Grilling the frozen pizza on a circular aluminum pan over medium heat for 10 minutes yielded outstanding results. The grilled pizza exuded a smoky aroma and featured charred cheese bits that added a robust flavor. The crust was toasted to perfection, with grill marks reminiscent of brick oven-baked pizza, making it an instant favorite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grilling emerged as the winning method for cooking frozen pizza, delivering a smoky flavor and perfectly toasted crust. While the oven-baked pizza offered a classic and crispy texture, the stovetop pan-frying method provided a gooey and flavorful alternative. Despite its convenience, microwaving resulted in a soggy slice with unevenly melted cheese. Carolina and her family were impressed by the elevated taste of grilled frozen pizza and plan to experiment further by adding toppings like peppers, onions, and sausage slices during their next grilling session.
