Frozen pizza lovers have been missing a simple trick to achieve a crispy base, according to culinary experts. The secret lies in turning up the oven temperature far higher than most packaging suggests.
Simply Recipes explains that standard instructions—typically 200°C to 220°C for 10–15 minutes—result in a limp, soggy crust. The heat is insufficient to create a crunchy exterior while cooking toppings before they release moisture.
The solution is to preheat the oven to its maximum setting, usually 260°C to 280°C. Place the oven rack in the lower third and preheat the baking tray or pizza stone. Transfer the frozen pizza quickly to avoid heat loss, and check after four to five minutes.
This high-heat method mimics commercial pizza ovens, producing a light, chewy base with melted cheese. However, experts caution that deep-dish and vegan pizzas may not respond well, so sticking to pack instructions is advised for those varieties.
