How To Cook Pequod’s Pizza At Home

 

  • Frozen pizza is a convenient way to enjoy everyone’s favorite meal without hopping in the car. We think every pizza experience should be top-notch, so we’ve put together a helpful guide to cooking the perfect frozen pizza. Whether you’re enjoying a pie from the freezer aisle at the grocery store or from us at Pequod’s through Goldbelly, here are some tips to make the most of it.

Frozen pizzas are a freezer staple for many singles, couples, and families. They’re fast, inexpensive, and they’re pretty satisfying. But it couldn’t hurt to make your next frozen pizza a little more rewarding, right? We’re pizza experts here at Pequod’s, so we’re letting you in on our secrets for making your frozen pizzas taste like the real deal.

Prepare the Crust

The underappreciated hero of a great pizza, the crust, quite literally supports everything else, so it’s important to give it the attention it deserves. And here in Chicago, we know a thing or two about great pizza crust, right? Below are our tips.

  • Puncture the wrapping: We know it sounds a little counterintuitive, but while your pizza is still wrapped in its plastic seal, turn it over and poke some holes in the wrapper to let steam escape and ensure your crust gets crispy instead of soggy. You can then discard the packaging.
  • Place it in the oven: If you have a pizza stone, which is a thick sheet of stone or metal that a frozen pizza sits on so that it cooks evenly, place the pizza in the oven on the preheated stone. If you don’t own one, no worries—you can use a hot cast iron skillet or just put your pizza directly onto the center rack, which is the best spot for heat distribution.
  • Treat the crust: To give the crust a little extra punch, take the pizza out of the oven a few minutes before your timer goes off. Drizzle some melted butter or oil around the edges, and maybe add some seasoning like garlic, black pepper, Italian herbs, or even some Parmesan cheese. Then return the pizza to the oven and finish baking it.

Get Cheesy

If you’re a sucker for an extra cheesy pizza (and who isn’t?), it’s your time to shine. Before your pizza goes into the oven, you can supplement the cheese with your own picks. Here’s how to add extra cheese the right way:

  • Pick the right variety: Not all cheese is created equal, and we recommend going with a high-quality blend of shredded Italian cheeses, like Parmesan and mozzarella. You could also add variety with fresh mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese.
  • Stay away from extra salt: Cheeses like Romano or Parmesan typically add a slightly salty flavor to your pizza, so you probably don’t want to put any additional salt on top. It’s better for you to limit your salt intake, too, since pre-packaged pizzas can really go heavy on the sodium. 
  • Save a little for the end: We know it’s hard to say “when” when it comes to cheese but hold back a little after you finish baking the pizza so you can top it off with an extra fresh, melty layer on top of the baked cheese. This might be especially yummy if you’re using a soft cheese like feta.

Top It Off Right

Many frozen pizzas come with toppings, but it never hurts to customize. Add your own twist and freshen things up with some high-quality veggies, meats, dressings, and herbs. Here are some of your options.

  • Add fresh produce: You could opt for tried-and-true pizza favorites like tomatoes, spinach, olives, and mushrooms. But unexpected toppings like broccoli, artichokes, or pineapple can give your pizza a new spin and add some extra nutrients.
  • Make your own “meat lovers” pie: If you’ve got leftover chicken, bacon, or sausage, give it a second life on your frozen pizza. Deli meat like pepperoni, salami, or even turkey could add additional flavor.
  • Get saucy: An extra layer of sauce never hurt anybody. Drizzle some pesto, barbecue sauce, or alfredo on top if that’s what you like.
  • Try inspired combinations: There’s nothing wrong with experimenting with whatever’s in the fridge, but you could model some of your favorite restaurant combinations. For a Greek pizza, try feta, olives, and onions, or go for a chicken-bacon-ranch-inspired pie.

Bake It to Perfection

Now it’s time for the main event. Place your pizza in the oven and let it get nice and melty. There are some strategies you can use to help you get the crispiest, most delicious frozen pizza possible. Take it from us.

  • Crank the heat: Commercial pizza ovens often cook at 700 or 800 degrees Fahrenheit, which probably isn’t safe or possible at home, but you can replicate it. Pre-heat your oven to about 425 degrees.
  • Use the broiler: If you want to brown your cheese a little like you might see at the pizzeria, the secret involves your oven’s broiler. Once your timer goes off, use the broiler for an additional 30 seconds or so to crisp up your pizza.
  • Wear protective gear: No matter how delicious your pizza may be, it’s not worth burning your hands. Remember to put on oven mitts or use potholders when pulling your hot food out of the oven.

Whether you find yourself re-heating leftovers or preparing one of our par-baked or frozen pizzas, we have found the best results by following the instructions below:

Re-Heating Pequod’s Leftovers & Par-Baked Pizza:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
  2. Place pizza on oven-safe pan
  3. Heat for approximately 15 minutes

 

Pequod’s Frozen Pizza – Thawed:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
  2. Remove Lid, Leave Pizza In Tin, Place On Middle Shelf In Oven
  3. Heat for approximately 15 minutes

 

Pequod’s Frozen Pizza – Frozen:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
  2. Remove Lid, Leave Pizza In Tin, Place On Middle Shelf In Oven
  3. Heat for approximately 35-45 minutes
  • Please Note: Cooking times may vary, internal temperature should reach 165 degrees

Choose a Side and a Beverage

A great pizza can stand alone, but why not pair it with a delicious, nutritious side and a crisp beverage? For adults, we recommend a pinot noir or a pale ale to pair with cheese pizza and a dark beer or red wine with a meatier slice. For kids, you can’t go wrong with lemonade, seltzer water, or a bubbly glass of pop. To help your family squeeze in a few more veggies, consider preparing a quick Caesar salad or spinach salad with feta, fruit, and nuts as a side.

Order Frozen Pequod’s Pizzas Through Goldbelly

Our national shipping partner, Goldbelly, makes it easier than ever to get our famous Chicago-style pizza even if you’re outside of the Windy City. You can order up to four pizzas at a time, and you can add on some Pequod’s swag like hats, shirts, and bottle openers. Shipping is always free.

That concludes Pequod’s guide to spicing up a frozen pizza. If you know any great tips for making the most of your at-home pie, send us a message! And if you’re craving a slice of our beloved deep-dish pizza, place an order today and follow these tips at home.