Cooking pizza on a pizza stone or hot stone is a traditional way of cooking it. Most top pizzerias in the world use a pizza stone to make a delicious pizza. However, you can also find a pizza stone that fits your oven. This way, you can enjoy a delicious pizza baked the traditional way.

Not everyone owns a pizza stone. So, if you are among such people, don’t worry! You can still bake a perfect pizza in the oven without using a pizza stone. If you are wondering how to bake pizza in an oven without a pizza stone? We have a few easy ways. Read ahead to find out!

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What is a pizza stone?

Those who have detailed information on baking pizzas will know everything about a pizza stone. However, if you don’t have much information about baking or cooking in general, you might ask what exactly a pizza stone is and if it is necessary.

Well, a pizza stone or sometimes called a baking stone, is made either from a stone or ceramic. It is usually circular and portable. You can preheat it by placing it in the oven and then place the uncooked pizza over the stone. Because it mimics the environment of a professional pizzeria by retaining heat for a long time period, it gives you a perfectly cooked crispy crust.

Can you bake a pizza in the oven without a pizza stone?

Of course! Although a pizza stone mimics the pizzeria’s environment and cooking technique, it is not an absolutely crucial thing to bake a great pizza. Since the pizza needs a standard temperature to cook, a stone isn’t necessary. You can use any other equipment, like a pan or a baking tray to bake the pizza. In short, if you are baking pizza in an oven for the first time, you won’t need a pizza stone to bake the perfect pizza. You can make a perfectly cooked pizza without it as well.

How to bake pizza in the oven without a pizza stone

There are several pieces of equipment you can use to bake a fresh or frozen pizza in an oven without a pizza stone. These are:

Baking tray: A baking tray is a widely used baking tool, and therefore, you can use it for baking a pizza as well. Because the baking tray is rectangular in shape, the only drawback is that you have to adjust the size of the pizza according to the width of the baking pan. Other than that, it works as a good pizza stone substitute.
The baking sheet over an inverted baking pan: The baking pan is another essential cooking tool. Because it is a bit in-depth, you don’t have to place the pizza in it. In fact, you can place the pizza over it by turning it upside down and then lining it with parchment paper. This way, you can easily handle the baked pizza, and it won’t stick to the baking pan as well. It is super convenient and doesn’t require a pizza stone.
Pizza pan: A pizza pan is specially made for baking pizza in an oven, you can easily get it from any store, and it is a good substitute for a pizza stone. It is also circular in shape and works really well in baking the perfect pizza.
Cast iron pan: If you don’t have a pizza pan, use a cast iron skillet instead. It is heavy-bottomed and therefore works just right and gives you perfectly baked pizza. It is a great substitute for a pizza stone and is available in almost every household.

Tips for baking a pizza in an oven

Poking small holes in the pizza dough makes it airy and fluffy. So don’t skip it.
You can use any type of sauce for the base. Try homemade marinara sauce, tomato sauce, or even white sauce.
When using vegetables as toppings, try to use fresh produce. Using frozen vegetables will make your pizza soggy and wet.
You can broil the pizza to get a nice golden top.
Mix your favorite type of cheese to get the flavor you like.

How to bake pizza in the oven without a pizza stone

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serving: 2

Ingredients

One serving of store-bought pizza dough or homemade pizza dough
1 cup pizza sauce
Pepperoni slices, as required
½ cup bell pepper, sliced
½ cup onion, sliced
¼ cup jalapeno, sliced
½ cup mushrooms, sliced
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

Place the premade pizza dough on a floured surface.
Using a rolling pin, roll the pizza dough until it reaches ¼ inch thickness.
Place the rolled pizza dough on parchment paper.
Using a fork, pierce holes in the pizza dough.
Place the parchment paper over an upside-down baking pan.
Place it carefully in a preheated oven at 450 degrees F for about 5 minutes or until it is partially done.
Remove the crust, and spread the pizza sauce over the surface of the pizza dough.
Top with sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, pepperoni, and jalapeno.
Spread shredded mozzarella cheese generously.
Place it in the preheated oven again and let it cook until the pizza crust cooks to perfection and the cheese gets a brown color and is bubbling.
Take the pizza out of the oven carefully and serve.