Costco Detroit-Style Pizza: Cooking Instructions for Pizza Perfection
Costco’s Detroit-style pizza offers a convenient way to enjoy this rectangular, deep-dish pizza at home. Getting the cooking time and temperature right is crucial to achieving a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. Follow these instructions for a delicious, oven-baked experience.
Preparing Your Costco Detroit-Style Pizza
Before you even preheat your oven, take a moment to prep your pizza for baking. This will ensure even cooking and maximum flavor.
Unboxing: Carefully remove the pizza from its packaging. Make sure you have enough space in your oven for the pizza to rotate if needed.
Thawing (Optional): While you can bake the pizza frozen, letting it thaw slightly (about 30-60 minutes at room temperature) can help it cook more evenly. However, do not let it thaw completely, as this can make the crust soggy.
Oven Temperature and Baking Time
The key to a great Detroit-style pizza is a hot oven. This ensures the crust gets crispy while the toppings melt and bubble.
Preheating: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the pizza inside. An underheated oven will result in a doughy crust.
Baking: Place the pizza directly on the center rack of the preheated oven. Baking time will vary depending on your oven, but typically it takes between 22-27 minutes. Check for doneness at the 22-minute mark. The crust should be golden brown and the cheese should be fully melted and bubbly.
Checking for Doneness: Use a spatula to gently lift a corner of the pizza to check the bottom crust. It should be crispy and golden brown, not pale or doughy. The internal temperature of the pizza should reach 165°F (74°C).
Tips for a Crispier Crust
Want to take your Costco Detroit-style pizza to the next level? Here are a few tips for achieving that perfect crispy crust:
Baking Stone/Steel: If you have a baking stone or steel, preheat it in the oven along with the oven itself. Placing the pizza on a preheated stone or steel will help the crust cook even faster and more evenly.
Rotating: Halfway through the baking time, rotate the pizza 180 degrees. This will help ensure even browning.
Broiling (Optional): For the last minute or two of baking, you can broil the pizza on low to get the cheese extra bubbly and slightly browned. Watch it carefully, as it can burn quickly. Check more information about Pizza on Wikipedia.
FAQs About Costco Detroit-Style Pizza
What is Detroit-style pizza?
Detroit-style pizza is a rectangular pizza with a thick, airy crust, crispy edges, and cheese that extends to the edges of the pan.
Can I cook the pizza in a cast iron skillet?
While the Costco pizza isn’t specifically designed for cast iron, you could experiment with it. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly and preheat the skillet beforehand.
How do I store leftover Costco Detroit-style pizza?
Wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
Can I add extra toppings to the pizza before baking?
Yes, you can! Add extra cheese, vegetables, or meats to customize your pizza. Just be mindful of adding too many wet toppings, as this can make the crust soggy.
What if my pizza is burning on the bottom but the cheese isn’t melted?
Lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also try placing a baking sheet on the rack below the pizza to deflect some of the heat.
Summary
Cooking Costco’s Detroit-style pizza is simple and rewarding. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), bake for 22-27 minutes, and follow the tips for a crispier crust. Enjoy your delicious, homemade-tasting Detroit-style pizza!
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