Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake pizzas are popular for those wanting a homemade-tasting pizza with less work. But often, one large pizza is simply too much for a small household to finish before it goes bad.
That’s why many customers wonder can you freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza? This guide will provide the answer to that question, exploring Papa Murphy’s recommendations for proper freezing and reheating of their pizzas.
Pizza lovers will learn the best packaging and storage methods to maintain quality if a pizza needs to be saved for later.
What Is a Papa Murphy’s Pizza?
Papa Murphy’s Pizza is a highly-regarded take-and-bake pizza company based in the United States.
As a distinctive brand in the fast-food industry, it offers a unique concept where pizzas are made fresh to order, but are baked at home by the customers, providing the ultimate convenience and freshness.
Papa Murphy’s has over 1,300 outlets in both the US and Canada, demonstrating its widespread appeal and customer satisfaction.
Significantly, the brand has received numerous awards and recognitions, solidifying its status in the industry. It was crowned the “#1 Rated Pizza Chain” for many successive years by several consumer surveys.
In addition to this, Papa Murphy’s has also been awarded the “Best Pizza Chain in America” by Restaurants and Institutions Magazine multiple times. Such accolades attest to Papa Murphy’s commitment to quality, customer service, and innovation.
Can You Freeze a Papa Murphy’s Pizza?
It’s time to deal with our main concern. If you are wondering whether you can freeze a pizza from Papa Murphy’s or not, the answer is possible, but certain factors can impact its quality and taste after being frozen. The type of crust, whether it’s original, thin, or stuffed, can affect how well it holds up in the freezer.
Pizzas with a higher moisture content, such as those with lots of veggies or a sauce-heavy topping, may become soggy when thawed.
Additionally, the length of time the pizza is frozen and the freezing method used can also play a role. Proper wrapping and storage techniques are crucial to maintain the pizza’s texture and prevent freezer burn.
While freezing a Papa Murphy’s pizza is convenient, it’s important to consider these factors to ensure the best possible outcome when it’s time to bake and enjoy it.
Note: For more detailed information, please visit Papa Murphy’s official website (FAQ – Baking – Can I freeze my pizza?).
Is It Possible To Freeze a Baked Papa Murphy’s Pizza?
If you have leftover slices from a Papa Murphy’s pizza and don’t want to throw them out, freezing is a good option to preserve them for later even though the taste and texture might not be as exceptional as when the pizza is freshly baked. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Cooling the Pizza: If you have leftovers from your baked pizza, allow them to cool to room temperature before preparing them for freezing.
2. Packaging the Pizza: Slice the pizza into manageable pieces, then individually wrap each slice in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This step is essential to preserve the flavor and prevent freezer burn.
3. Freezing: Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, then seal the bag. Don’t forget to label the bag with the date.
A few tips to remember: don’t refreeze the pizza after it’s been thawed, as this might lead to food safety concerns.
In addition, freezing the pizza is best suited for short-term storage of up to 1 or 2 months. The quality of the pizza may degrade with longer storage times.
The Best Way To Freeze an Entire Raw Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Given that the question of whether can you freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza has been affirmatively addressed, it’s essential to understand the optimal method for freezing an entire raw Papa Murphy’s pizza.
Freezing an entire raw pizza follows a similar process to that of freezing baked pizza, but there are a few critical additional points to consider to ensure the best outcome.
– Step 1: Preparing the Pizza for Freezing: Unlike a baked pizza, a raw pizza requires sufficient preparation before freezing. The pizza must be assembled but not cooked. Begin by placing the pizza on a flat surface like a baking sheet to maintain its shape through the initial freezing.
– Step 2: Initial Freezing: Before wrapping the pizza, you should pre-freeze it for about an hour. This helps to solidify the toppings and prevents them from sliding off or getting crushed during the wrapping and storing stages.
– Step 3: Wrapping the Pizza: Once the pizza is semi-frozen, carefully wrap it in plastic wrap or cling film. Verify that all areas of the pizza, including the perimeter, are fully covered to shield it from the damaging effects of freezer burn.
The three next steps are similar to the freezing process of a baked Papa Murphy’s pizza, which is transferring the warped pizza into a freezer bag and sealing it. Remember to label the date of freezing to keep track of storage time.
Finally, you can lay the sealed pizza flat in the freezer to maintain its shape. Avoid placing heavy items atop the pizza to prevent it from getting squashed.
A few tips: Before baking, thaw the pizza in the refrigerator for several hours to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. Remember, never refreeze a pizza that has been thawed once, as this can compromise quality and potentially raise food safety concerns.
When you’re ready to eat the pizza, remember to thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This ensures that the pizza heats evenly and the crust becomes crispy.
Watch Out For These Things When Freezing Papa Murphy’s Pizzas
However, there exist many things you need to know and consider carefully when freezing this kind of pizza.
Make sure to notice the toppings on your pizza. Not every topping freezes and reheats with the same quality. Vegetables with high water content, like tomatoes and mushrooms, can become soggy once thawed and reheated.
Similarly, pizzas with a lot of cheese can become oily upon reheating. It’s recommended to add these types of toppings fresh when you’re ready to bake the pizza.
Lastly, never refreeze a pizza that has been thawed. This can significantly degrade the quality and may also pose food safety concerns.
The Signs Showed That a Papa Murphy Pizza Was Spoiled Despite Being Stored In The Freezer
As we all know, the process of freezing food is great for preserving its taste and texture. However, even with proper storage techniques, there are times when a frozen pizza may become spoiled.
Here are some signs to look out for when checking if a Papa Murphy’s pizza has gone bad despite being stored in the freezer:
1. Frost or ice crystals: If you notice large amounts of frost or ice crystals on the pizza, this could be a sign that it has been in the freezer for too long.
2. Mold: If you see mold on your pizza, it means that bacteria have grown on it, and it is no longer safe to consume.
3. Changes in texture or appearance: If your pizza has changed in color, become soggy, or has an unusual smell, it’s best to discard it.
If you’re unsure about the quality of your frozen pizza, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and throw it away. Remember to always label and date your pizzas before storing them in the freezer to help keep track of their storage time.
Overall, freezing a Papa Murphy’s pizza can be a convenient way to preserve its flavor and enjoy it at a later time. Just remember to follow proper storage techniques and consume within recommended timeframes for optimal taste and safety.
Conclusion
In general, the answer to the question can you freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza is certainly yes. As we have detailed in the sections above, both raw and baked Papa Murphy’s pizzas can be frozen for future use. The key is in the preparation and storage.
By properly wrapping, packaging, and freezing your pizza, you can retain its flavor and texture for up to 1 or 2 months. Just remember, the pizza should be thawed in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking or reheating to ensure even heat distribution and a crispy crust.