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Pizza 101

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If you haven't made pizza before, these tips will get you started.

Pizza Tips:

Thaw the frozen pizza dough

Let the dough defrost in the refrigerator overnight, or let it stand at room temperature for 3 to 5 hours. To defrost in a microwave oven, heat for 1-minute intervals at 20-percent power until the dough is soft, 4 to 5 minutes total. If the dough feels hot, turn down the setting.

Preheat a pizza stone

Set a stone directly on the oven floor or on the lowest oven rack. Allow at least 30 minutes for the stone to fully preheat.

Work the dough

If the dough pulls back after you roll or stretch it, let it relax, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, then try again. Check that the dough isn't sticking to the pizza peel before you add the toppings. Gently shake the peel or baking sheet back and forth. If the dough sticks, lift it up and sprinkle a bit more flour underneath.

Bake the pizza

Allow up to 10 minutes of extra baking time for pizza cooked on a baking sheet instead of a pizza stone. Reheat cold or soggy pizza directly on the rack of a preheated 350° oven until the top is bubbling and the crust is crisp.