Can You Freeze Papa Murphy Pizza?
Papa Murphy’s Pizza is a popular chain of take-and-bake pizzerias that allows customers to create their own custom pizza using fresh ingredients and bake it at home. However, what do you do if you can’t finish the whole pizza or want to stock up for future meals? Can you freeze a Papa Murphy’s Pizza, and if so, how do you go about it?
These are common questions that pizza lovers often ask, and in this blog post, we aim to answer them. Whether you’re looking to save leftovers or stock up for a busy week, we’ll explore the factors to consider before freezing, the steps for freezing, and how to reheat the frozen pizza to ensure that it tastes just as delicious as when you first brought it home. So let’s dive in and explore whether or not you can freeze a Papa Murphy’s Pizza.
Can You Freeze A Papa Murphy’s Pizza?
As the saying goes, “We love being fresh and never frozen,” but what if you have leftover pizza or want to stock up for future meals? Can you freeze a Papa Murphy’s Pizza? According to Papa Murphy’s website, the answer is yes! But however, we’ll discuss how you can freeze a Papa Murphy’s Pizza and still enjoy it later.
Double-Wrapping
To freeze a Papa Murphy’s Pizza, it’s important to double-wrap it. You can request double-wrapping in-store, which will help prevent freezer burn and keep the pizza as fresh as possible. Freezer burn occurs when food is exposed to air and moisture, causing the pizza to become dry and develop an off-flavor.
Thawing the Pizza
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pizza, remove it from the freezer the day before you plan to bake it. Place the wrapped pizza in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for 24 hours. This slow thawing process will help preserve the pizza’s flavor and texture.
Baking the Pizza
After thawing, the pizza is ready to bake. Preheat your oven to 425°F and remove the plastic wrap from the pizza. Bake the pizza directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for 12-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust and the toppings.
However, you can freeze a Papa Murphy’s Pizza and still enjoy it later. To ensure the best quality, double-wrap the pizza before freezing and thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking. While Papa Murphy’s Pizza prides itself on being fresh, freezing is a great option for those who want to save leftovers or stock up for future meals. So go ahead and enjoy your Papa Murphy’s Pizza whenever you want!
Steps for Freezing Papa Murphy’s Pizza
If you have decided to freeze your Papa Murphy’s Pizza, follow these simple steps to ensure the pizza stays fresh and delicious:
- Allow the Pizza to Cool: It is essential to allow the pizza to cool down completely before freezing it. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the packaging and ensure the pizza retains its texture and taste.
- Wrap the Pizza: Wrap the pizza in plastic wrap or aluminum foil tightly. Make sure to cover it completely, leaving no space for air or moisture to get in.
- Use Freezer Bags: After wrapping the pizza, place it in a freezer bag. Remove any excess air from the bag and seal it tightly. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the pizza fresh.
- Label the Pizza: Label the freezer bag with the date of freezing and the type of pizza. This will help you keep track of how long the pizza has been in the freezer and what type of pizza it is.
- Store the Pizza: Place the labeled pizza in the freezer and ensure that it is not stacked on top of any other frozen items. This will help the pizza freeze evenly and prevent any crushing or damage.
Tips for Storing the Pizza
- Store the pizza in the freezer for up to two months for the best results.
- Use a permanent marker to label the freezer bag to ensure that the label does not fade or rub off.
- Store the pizza in the coldest part of the freezer to prevent freezer burn and ensure freshness.
How to Reheat a Frozen Papa Murphy’s Pizza
When it’s time to enjoy your frozen Papa Murphy’s Pizza, follow these tips for reheating:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Remove the Pizza from the Freezer: Remove the pizza from the freezer and allow it to thaw for 15-20 minutes before reheating.
- Choose a Reheating Method: There are two primary methods for reheating pizza: oven and microwave. The oven method produces a crispier crust, while the microwave method is quicker.
- Reheat the Pizza: To reheat the pizza in the oven, place it directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted, and the crust is crispy. To reheat in the microwave, place the pizza on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is heated through.
Pros and Cons of Each Method
The oven method produces a crispier crust and is ideal for larger pizzas. However, it takes longer to reheat and requires preheating the oven. The microwave method is quicker and easier, but the crust may not be as crispy, and the cheese may not melt as evenly.
Tips for Maximizing the Quality of the Reheated Pizza
- If reheating in the oven, place the pizza directly on the oven rack to allow the crust to crisp up evenly.
- If reheating in the microwave, place a cup of water in the microwave with the pizza to prevent the crust from becoming chewy.
- Avoid using a microwave to reheat a pizza with delicate toppings such as fresh vegetables or fruits, as they may become soggy.
Factors to Consider Before Freezing
While freezing a Papa Murphy’s Pizza can be a great way to save leftovers or stock up for future meals, there are several factors to consider before sticking it in the freezer. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Toppings: Some toppings freeze better than others. For example, vegetables and meats like sausage and pepperoni tend to freeze well, while ingredients like fresh tomatoes and delicate herbs may not hold up as well in the freezer. If possible, consider removing any delicate toppings before freezing your pizza to prevent them from becoming soggy or wilted.
- Crust: The crust is arguably the most important part of any pizza, and it can also be the most affected by freezing. While a frozen crust may still taste good, it’s likely to become softer and less crispy than a freshly baked pizza. Keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to freeze your Papa Murphy’s Pizza, and consider reheating it in a way that will help crisp up the crust.
- Size: The size of your Papa Murphy’s Pizza can also affect how well it freezes. Smaller pizzas will generally freeze faster and more evenly than larger ones, which can take longer to freeze and may have varying degrees of thawing when reheated.
Tips for Maximizing the Quality of a Frozen Pizza
To help ensure that your frozen Papa Murphy’s Pizza tastes as good as possible when reheated, here are a few tips to follow:
- Wrap it tightly: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to wrap your pizza tightly before freezing. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the pizza fresh.
- Avoid certain toppings: As mentioned earlier, some toppings don’t freeze as well as others. Avoid adding toppings like fresh tomatoes, delicate herbs, or anything that may release excess moisture during freezing.
- Use a freezer bag: If possible, use a freezer bag instead of a regular plastic bag or container. Freezer bags are designed to be more airtight, which will help prevent freezer burn and keep your pizza fresh.
- Label your pizza: Be sure to label your pizza with the date you froze it and any relevant information about toppings or reheating instructions. This will make it easier to identify and reheat your pizza later on.
By taking these factors into consideration and following these tips, you can help ensure that your frozen Papa Murphy’s Pizza tastes as good as possible when reheated.
FAQs About Freezing Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Why People Might Want to Freeze Papa Murphy’s Pizza
There are several reasons why someone might want to freeze a Papa Murphy’s Pizza. Here are a few possible scenarios:
- Having leftovers: If you can’t finish your pizza in one sitting, freezing it can be a great way to save it for later.
- Wanting to stock up: Maybe you’re a big fan of Papa Murphy’s Pizza and want to stock up on your favorite varieties so that you always have them on hand.
- Taking advantage of deals: Papa Murphy’s often offers great deals on their pizzas, so buying a few and freezing them for later can be a good way to save money.
Can I freeze a take and bake pizza?
Yes, you can freeze a take-and-bake pizza! In fact, many people do so regularly. Whether you freeze a whole pizza or a portion of an unbaked pizza, the key is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in heavy foil. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the pizza fresh. Papa Murphy’s prices are already great, and freezing a pizza can help you save even more money.
How long can you keep an uncooked Papa Murphy’s pizza in the refrigerator?
While freezing a Papa Murphy’s Pizza can be a great way to extend its shelf life, you may also be wondering how long an uncooked pizza can be kept in the refrigerator. For best results, it’s recommended that you always bake and eat your Papa Murphy’s pizza within 24 hours of purchase. This will help ensure that the pizza is as fresh and delicious as possible.
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