How do I bake with a pizza stone?
The pizza stone has been purchased and is ready for use, yet the question arises: How does one bake with it? Essentially, the process is not at all difficult—you just need to mind a few small details to whip up a crispy pizza just like the ones from an Italian pizzeria in no time.
But not only that, because other dishes can also be prepared on the pizza stone. What these are, and above all how to bake on the pizza stone, we will look at in detail here.
In the Oven or on the Grill? Not a Trivial Question
A pizza stone offers the flexibility to be used both in the oven and on the grill to create delicious pizzas – to your liking!
When baking in the oven, it is important to set it to “top and bottom heat” and place the pizza stone on the lowest rack. On the other hand, baking on a BBQ requires a grill with a lid. Here, the pizza stone should be positioned directly above the heat source, while the closed lid ensures even circulation of the heat.
5 Tips for the Proper Use of a Pizza Stone
We would like to clear up all questions and uncertainties about the optimal use of the pizza stone with our 5 tips. After this pizza stone masterclass, nothing stands in the way of your pizza enjoyment!
What can be baked on the pizza stone
A pizza stone made of fireclay or cordierite is not only suitable for preparing pizzas, but also offers a variety of other ways to create delicious dishes. What exactly is cordierite?
Of course, it’s perfect for preparing traditional pizzas with crispy bottoms and juicy toppings. The pizza stone can also be used for baking bread and rolls. It also makes it possible to prepare flatbreads such as naan or pita, to which it gives a crispy texture and authentic taste.
Flammkuchen and focaccia develop wonderful aromas on the pizza stone while remaining juicy. The pizza stone is also ideal for sweet treats: fruit tartlets or even cookies can be baked on it, gaining a unique flavor.
Baking on the pizza stone – instructions in 7 steps
Depending on what your baking task is, you will need to adjust details such as temperature or baking time. For example, shortbread takes significantly less heat than a crispy pizza. Basically, however, the following 7 steps will help you achieve optimal baking results with your pizza stone:
1. Preheat the pizza stone
Before you begin baking, preheat your pizza stone in the oven or on the grill. It’s crucial to start heating the stone from the beginning to avoid any sudden temperature changes. Depending on the brand, the heating time for the pizza stone can range from 30 to 45 minutes. For instance, the Tyrolit Life pizza stone is ready to use in approximately 30 minutes because its waffle structure on the underside allows it to heat up especially quickly.
Prepare the dough
While the pizza stone is preheating, prepare the baked goods. This can include topping the pizza dough or preparing the bread loaf. Make sure you have everything at hand at the crucial moment.
3. Put baked goods on the pizza stone
Once the pizza stone has reached the correct temperature, place the prepared baked goods on top. Here, the grip on a pizza shovel helps to get a pizza on the pizza stone, for example. Many pizza stones – including those from Tyrolit Life – come with such a pizza shovel.
4. Bake according to recipe and remove from the stone
Follow the recipe and the instructions for the baking time and temperature. Once the baked goods are done, remove them from the pizza stone and place them on a rack or a base. It’s important to note that using a pizza stone on the grill or in the oven can result in the pizza baking much faster than when using a baking sheet.
5. Finalize and enjoy
After the baked goods have cooled down, you can finalize them as you wish, e.g. sprinkle with fresh herbs or spices. Then enjoy your freshly baked delicacy – whether pizza, focaccia or fruit tart!
6. Allow the stone to cool and clean
Allow the pizza stone to cool completely in the oven or on the grill before cleaning it according to manufacturer’s instructions. Coarse contaminants can generally be removed with a brush or very carefully with a ceramic hob scraper. For lighter stains, you can use a cloth or, if necessary, a damp rag.
7. Caution
When cleaning a pizza stone, avoid bringing it into contact with water or detergents, as this may damage the stone. Instead, store it dry and safe from shocks so that you can count on a ready-to-use pizza stone for the next baking task. Why we at Tyrolit Life
FAQs
Can you put parchment paper on the pizza stone?
Where does the pizza stone go in the oven?
How long does a pizza stone take in the oven?
Cordierite pizza stone – All details about the material
In this article, we delve into the world of pizza baking, with an emphasis on the traditional pizza stone that forms the basis for crispy, delicious pizzas. You will also learn about the benefits of cordierite.