How to Achieve Even Cooking on Both Sides of Your Pizza

For a perfectly cooked pizza, you need to ensure even heat distribution across both the base and the top. Proper oven temperature management, pizza stone handling, and rotating the pizza during baking are crucial steps. Follow this guide to get flawless results every time.

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1️⃣ Properly Preheat the Oven

✅ Ideal Temperature:

• Preheat the oven between 370°C and 430°C (700°F-800°F) for optimal baking.
• Too low a temperature makes the pizza soft, while too high a temperature can burn it.
• Use an infrared thermometer to check the pizza stone temperature before baking.

🔥 Heat Distribution:

• Wood-fired ovens: Position the fire on one side to create a controlled heat gradient.
• Gas ovens: Adjust the burner to ensure even heat distribution across the stone.

⏳ Temperature Stabilization:

• Let the oven preheat for at least 30 minutes before baking the first pizza.
• The pizza stone must be fully heated to ensure even base cooking.

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2️⃣ Stretch the Dough Evenly

🫓 Consistent Thickness:

• Stretch the dough by hand to keep a uniform thickness, avoiding thin spots that could burn.

💡 Slightly Thicker Cornicione (Crust):

• Leave the crust slightly thicker (~2 cm) to prevent it from cooking too quickly compared to the center.

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3️⃣ Position the Pizza Correctly in the Oven

📍 Ideal Spot on the Pizza Stone:

• Place the pizza in a hot zone but not directly under the flame to avoid burning the top before the base is fully cooked.

🎯 Using a Pizza Peel:

• Gently place the dough on the pizza stone using a peel, ensuring it maintains its shape.

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4️⃣ Rotate the Pizza During Baking

🔄 Frequent Rotations:

• Turn the pizza every 20-30 seconds to ensure even browning on all sides.

👀 Visual Check:

• If one side is cooking faster, rotate or move the pizza slightly to prevent burning.

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5️⃣ Manage Heat Distribution on the Pizza Stone

🌡 Heat Retention Strategy:

• If baking multiple pizzas in succession, allow a few seconds between each pizza to maintain even heat.

🧹 Keep the Pizza Stone Clean:

• Remove burnt flour or toppings with a pizza brush to avoid unwanted flavors.

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6️⃣ Adjust Cooking Time Properly

⏳ Optimal Cooking Time:

• 60-90 seconds at 400°C (750°F) ensures a crispy yet soft pizza.
• If baking at lower temperatures, extend cooking time slightly while monitoring doneness.

✅ Check the Base:

• Lift the pizza slightly using a peel to inspect the bottom for a golden-brown, crispy finish.

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7️⃣ Optional: Elevate the Pizza Near the Flame for a Perfect Cornicione

🔥 For the Perfect Crust:

• In the last 10-20 seconds, lift the pizza closer to the top heat or flame to enhance crust caramelization.

⚠ Watch the Base:

• Make sure the base is fully cooked before lifting to avoid burning.

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8️⃣ Practical Tips for Even Cooking

🔹 Minimize Flour on the Base:

• Use a small amount of flour or semolina for stretching the dough—too much can burn and create bitter flavors.

🧀 Avoid Overloading with Toppings:

• Excess cheese or wet ingredients can weigh down the pizza and affect even cooking.

🔄 Sync with Oven Preheating:

• Bake when the oven is at peak heat for quick, effective cooking.