Can You Freeze Papa Murphy's Pizza And Cook It Later

Can You Freeze Papa Murphy's Pizza and Cook It Later? A Comprehensive Guide

Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake pizzas offer convenience and the delicious taste of freshly baked pizza without the fuss of prepping from scratch. But what happens when you have more pizza than you can eat in one sitting? Can you freeze Papa Murphy's pizza and still enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality pie later? The short answer is: Yes, you absolutely can! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best practices for freezing your Papa Murphy's pizza, ensuring it retains its quality and flavor when you're ready to enjoy it.

Understanding Papa Murphy's Pizza and Freezing

Before diving into the freezing process, let's understand why Papa Murphy's is particularly well-suited for freezing. Unlike pre-baked frozen pizzas, Papa Murphy's pizzas are unbaked, meaning they haven't undergone the high heat that can significantly alter the texture and taste during freezing and reheating. This raw state allows for better preservation of the pizza's original quality.

However, understanding the ingredients is crucial. The pizza dough, sauce, and toppings all react differently to freezing. The goal is to freeze the pizza in a way that minimizes freezer burn and maintains the integrity of each component.

Preparing Your Papa Murphy's Pizza for Freezing: A Step-by-Step Guide

The success of freezing your Papa Murphy's pizza hinges on proper preparation. Follow these steps for optimal results:

1. Cool Completely:

Before freezing, allow the pizza to cool completely. This is vital to prevent condensation buildup during freezing, which can lead to soggy pizza. Leave it uncovered at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pizza.

2. Wrap Tightly:

Proper wrapping is essential for preventing freezer burn and maintaining the pizza's freshness. The best approach involves a double-wrapping method:

• First Layer: Wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there's no air trapped inside. This step creates a tight seal to protect against moisture loss and freezer burn.
• Second Layer: Place the plastic-wrapped pizza inside a heavy-duty freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. This added layer of protection further safeguards against freezer burn and extends the shelf life of your pizza.

3. Label and Date:

Clearly label the freezer bag with the date and contents ("Papa Murphy's Pizza – [Date]"). This will help you easily identify and rotate your frozen pizzas, ensuring you eat the oldest ones first.

4. Freezing Recommendations:

For optimal freshness, freeze your pizza as soon as possible after purchasing or preparing it. Place the wrapped pizza flat on a baking sheet or tray in your freezer for a few hours to prevent it from sticking to other items in the freezer. Once solid, you can stack the frozen pizzas.

How Long Can You Freeze Papa Murphy's Pizza?

While Papa Murphy's pizzas can technically be frozen for up to 3 months, the quality will be best if consumed within 1-2 months. Beyond 2 months, you may start to notice a slight decrease in the overall flavor and texture. Always prioritize using the oldest frozen pizzas first to ensure maximum freshness.

Thawing and Baking Your Frozen Papa Murphy's Pizza

Once you're ready to enjoy your frozen pizza, here are the steps to follow for optimal thawing and baking:

1. Thawing (Optional):

While not strictly necessary, thawing your Papa Murphy's pizza before baking can improve the baking process and potentially result in a crispier crust. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Baking from Frozen:

For convenience, you can bake your Papa Murphy's pizza directly from frozen. However, this will require slightly longer baking time. To determine the exact baking time, refer to the instructions provided on the pizza box, and then add approximately 5-10 minutes depending on your oven and pizza thickness. Closely monitor your pizza to prevent overcooking.

3. Baking from Thawed:

If you've thawed the pizza, you can proceed with baking as you normally would with a fresh pizza. Start with the baking time suggested on the box, but closely monitor it, as ovens vary.

4. Achieving Optimal Crust:

To achieve a crispier crust when baking from frozen, consider preheating your pizza stone or baking sheet for 15-20 minutes before placing the pizza on it. This allows for even heat distribution and helps the crust to crisp up nicely.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

Soggy Crust:

A soggy crust is the most common problem when baking frozen pizza. This is often caused by insufficient baking time or too much moisture. Ensure your oven is preheated adequately and consider using a pizza stone for better heat distribution and a crispier crust.

Uneven Cooking:

If the pizza cooks unevenly, it may be due to inconsistent oven temperature. Rotating the pizza halfway through baking can help achieve even cooking. Consider using a pizza stone or baking steel for more even heat distribution.

Tips for Freezing Other Papa Murphy's Items:

While this guide focuses on freezing whole pizzas, you can also freeze other Papa Murphy's items such as individual toppings or even prepared dough. The key is to follow the same principles of proper wrapping and rapid freezing to maintain quality.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Frozen Papa Murphy's Pizza!

Freezing Papa Murphy's pizza is a convenient way to enjoy a delicious meal later without sacrificing quality. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully freeze your pizza, ensuring a satisfying and tasty meal whenever the craving hits. Remember to utilize proper wrapping techniques, label and date your pizzas, and utilize appropriate thawing and baking methods for optimal results. So, don't hesitate to stock your freezer with your favorite Papa Murphy's creations for a quick and easy meal anytime! Now go forth and enjoy your frozen pizza adventure!