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12 must-try pizza hacks for fast food lovers
Pizza is a beloved food enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Whether you prefer a thin-crust pizza or a deep-dish delight, there is a style to satisfy every pizza lover’s cravings. In the United States alone, there are over 75,000 pizza restaurants employing nearly 900,000 people (via Statista). Frozen pizza is also incredibly popular, with more than half of the U.S. population being fans of this convenient option. In 2021, pizza restaurants will generate over $45.5 billion in sales, while the frozen pizza market will reach over $6 billion (via Statista).
If you’re a fast food lover who can’t resist the temptation of pizza, you’re in luck! We’ve rounded up 12 must-try pizza hacks that will take your pizza experience to the next level. From reheating cold pizza to creating carb-free alternatives, these hacks will satisfy your pizza cravings and inspire your culinary creativity.
Reheat Cold Pizza
There’s something undeniably delicious about cold pizza. The flavors seem to intensify, allowing you to savor every topping. But if your cold pizza slice has become too tough to eat or doesn’t taste as appetizing as it used to, there’s a simple hack to revive it. Instead of throwing it in the microwave or oven, try this TikTok hack. Heat a pan on the stove without adding any oil, place your cold pizza slice in the pan, and open a can of light beer. Pour a small amount of beer into the hot pan, put the lid on, and let it sit for 5 minutes. The cheese will melt, the slice will soften, and the base will crisp up. If you prefer not to use beer, you can add a slice and some water to the hot, dry pan instead (via TikTok).
Order an unsliced pizza
When ordering pizza, you might think it’s easier to get it pre-sliced. However, following the Italian tradition of not pre-cutting your pizza can have its advantages. Slicing a pizza before serving it can cause the toppings to slide off and make the ends of the slices soggy. By ordering an unsliced pizza, you can maintain the integrity of the toppings and enjoy a visually impressive whole pie. Plus, if you’re not planning on sharing, there’s no need to slice!
Bake homemade pizza before adding toppings
When making homemade pizza, you typically add all of your toppings before baking. However, there is a TikTok hack that suggests partially baking the dough before adding the toppings. Preheat your oven to its highest temperature for 45 minutes. Once you’ve rolled out your dough and added the tomato sauce, place the pizza in the oven for a few minutes. This will allow the crust to rise and brown around the edges, resulting in a crisper pizza. After the first bake, add your desired toppings, such as basil leaves, grated cheese, and mozzarella cubes. Return the pizza to the oven for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt. For an even bake, you can rotate the pizza in the oven and leave it on the top a little longer for a browner, crispier finish.
Make Pizza Naan
If you’re short on time or don’t want to make your own pizza dough, there’s a handy TikTok hack that lets you enjoy a fresh pizza with a naan bread base. Simply place a round naan in your air fryer and spread pizza sauce on top. Add your favorite toppings, such as sliced red onion and grated mozzarella, and bake for a few minutes. The result is a quick and delicious homemade pizza with an Indian twist. You can also experiment with different naan flavors, like garlic naan, and try different toppings to suit your taste (via YouTube).
Fit two pizzas in the oven
Sharing a pizza with friends or family is always fun, but cooking multiple pizzas in the oven can be a challenge. To make sure both pizzas are ready at the same time without sacrificing quality, try this simple TikTok hack. Instead of trying to fit two round pizzas on separate racks in the oven, cut each pizza in half and arrange them so that the cut edges align with the four sides of the cooking surface. By changing their shape to crescents, you can easily fit both pizzas on one baking sheet or tray without compromising taste or texture.
Make a carb-free pizza
If you love the taste of pizza but want to reduce your carb intake, there are keto-friendly alternatives that allow you to enjoy the essence of pizza without the dough. One option is to use a mini waffle maker to make a crust from a mixture of shredded cheese and egg. Simply spread the cheese and egg mixture on the waffle maker, close the lid, and cook until the crust is crispy. Then add your favorite pizza toppings, such as marinara sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, and bake in the oven until the cheese melts and the toppings are heated through. This low-carb pizza hack is a great way to satisfy your pizza cravings while sticking to your diet (via TikTok).
Frozen Pizza Upgrade
Frozen pizza can be a convenient option for a quick meal, but you can take it to the next level with a few simple hacks. One idea is to enhance the flavor of your frozen pizza by adding extra toppings. Sprinkle some grated cheese, sliced olives, or fresh basil on top before baking. You can also brush the crust with garlic butter or sprinkle it with a mixture of garlic powder and Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Another trick is to improve the texture of the crust by brushing it with olive oil before baking. This will help it become crispy and golden. With these simple upgrades, your frozen pizza will taste like it came straight from the pizzeria.
Make pizza rolls
If you’re looking for a fun and bite-sized twist on pizza, try making pizza rolls. Start by rolling pizza dough into a thin rectangle. Spread the dough with a layer of tomato sauce and sprinkle with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into individual rolls. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and bake until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted. These pizza rolls are perfect for parties, snacks, or even as a lunchbox treat for kids.
Experiment with different cheeses
While mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza, there are many other cheese options that can take your pizza to new heights of flavor. Try using a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, provolone, and feta, to add complexity and depth to your pizza. You can also experiment with specialty cheeses like Gorgonzola, goat cheese, or smoked Gouda for unique and delicious flavor profiles. Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix and match different cheeses to find your perfect pizza combination.
Grill your pizza
If you’re looking for a smoky and charred flavor, consider grilling your pizza. Preheat your grill to medium heat and roll out your pizza dough. Brush one side of the dough with olive oil and place it directly on the grill, oiled side down. Cook for a few minutes until the dough is crisp and has grill marks. Turn the patties over and quickly add the sauce, cheese and toppings of your choice. Close the grill lid and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Grilling your pizza adds a unique flavor profile and a delicious smokiness that you can’t get from traditional oven baking.
Try different sauce variations
While tomato sauce is the most common choice for pizza, there are many delicious sauce variations you can try to give your pizza creations a twist. For a lighter and fresher option, use pesto sauce as a base. Its vibrant flavors and aromatic herbs can complement a variety of toppings. Or experiment with barbecue sauce for a tangy, slightly sweet flavor profile. Buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick, while white sauce, a combination of garlic, butter and cream, can create a rich and indulgent pizza experience. Don’t be afraid to think outside the tomato sauce box and explore different sauce options to up your pizza game.
Make Pizza Bagels
If you’re craving pizza but don’t have access to pizza dough, you can still enjoy a delicious pizza-like treat using bagels as a base. Slice a bagel in half and spread each half with tomato sauce. Add your favorite toppings, such as cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables. Place the bagel halves on a baking sheet and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This quick and easy hack allows you to satisfy your pizza cravings with minimal effort and ingredients.
Experiment with different crust flavors
While a classic pizza crust is delicious on its own, you can take your pizza experience to the next level by experimenting with different crust flavors. Add herbs and spices to your dough, such as garlic powder, oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes, to infuse the crust with extra flavor. You can also incorporate ingredients like grated Parmesan cheese or sesame seeds into the dough for added texture and flavor. These subtle changes can make a big difference in the overall pizza experience.
Create a Dessert Pizza
FAQS
Can I use any type of beer to heat up cold pizza?
Yes, you can use any light beer of your choice or replace it with water if you prefer.
How long should I preheat the oven before baking a homemade pizza?
Preheat the oven to its highest temperature for at least 45 minutes for best results.
Can I use different types of naan bread to make pizza naan?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of naan bread, such as garlic naan, to add variety to your homemade pizza.
Can I use pre-diced frozen pizza for the upgrade hacks?
Yes, you can use pre-sliced frozen pizza and still use the suggested hacks to improve its taste and texture.
How long should I grill the pizza for a smoky flavor?
Grill the pizza for a few minutes on each side until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I use other sauces on my pizza?
Absolutely! You can explore different sauces like pesto, barbecue, buffalo or white sauce to create unique and flavorful pizza combinations.