Ah, the classic frozen pizza. It’s a lifesaver, but it’s also a liar. The box says 12-15 minutes at 400°F.
That’s a bold-faced lie, my friend. In reality, you’re looking at 15 to 20 minutes, minimum. Why? Because home ovens are weak compared to the fiery hell-machines pizzerias use.
Your oven loses heat every time you open the door. That box timer doesn’t account for your peeking. Expect 18 minutes for a crispy bottom and melted cheese.
The “Almost There” Trap
You pull it out at 15 minutes, right? The cheese is bubbly, but the crust is pale and sad. That’s the trap.
You need to wait until the edges are golden brown, not just “lightly toasted.” If you’re impatient, use the broiler for the last 60 seconds—but watch it like a hawk.
Burnt pizza is a tragedy. Under-cooked pizza is a betrayal. Aim for the sweet spot at 18 minutes.
