Many people love the fresh, made-to-order pizzas from Papa Murphy’s, but sometimes you just can’t finish a whole pizza in one sitting. Leftover pizza usually gets boring after a day or two in the fridge. So can you freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza to save the leftovers for later? The short answer is yes, you can absolutely freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza if you want to enjoy it at a later date.
The obvious solution is to save it for later.
Can You Freeze A Papa Murphy Pizza?
Yes, you can freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza. If you’re not ready to cook it right after purchase, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months.
Papa Murphy’s uses high-quality ingredients and does not pre-cook their pizzas, so the pizzas freeze very well. There are a few tips and tricks for properly freezing a Papa Murphy’s pizza to maintain the fresh taste and texture. This article will provide instructions on how to best freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza.
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What is a Papa Murphy pizza?
A Papa Murphy pizza is the flagship product of the take-n-bake pizza restaurant chain Papa Murphy’s.
At Papa Murphy’s, customers assemble their own favorite pizza designs from a range of crusts, sauces and more than 40 fresh and savory topping options.
The advantage of these customized pizzas is that customers bake them at home, ensuring they are always hot, fresh and ready to serve to their satisfaction.
The concept of take-n-bake pizzas pioneered by Papa Murphy’s has proven convenient for busy customers who want the quality and taste of freshly made pizza without the hassle of baking it themselves from scratch.
What is the origin of the Papa Murphy pizza?
The Papa Murphy pizza chain originated in Vancouver, Washington in 1995. The company was founded by Ken Calwell, who wanted to create a pizza shop where customers baked the pizzas at home instead of eating in the store. The concept gave customers more control over how their pizza turned out while still offering a faster alternative to making pizza from scratch.
The first Papa Murphy’s store opened in Beaverton, Oregon in 1995, offering take-n-bake pizzas and an assortment of pizza toppings for customers to choose from. The focus on fresh and customizable pizzas along with customer convenience resonated well, and Papa Murphy’s began quickly expanding throughout the Pacific Northwest and western United States.
By 2007, Papa Murphy’s had become the largest take-n-bake pizza chain in the U.S. with approximately 1,300 locations. The company continues to refine its recipes and pizza options to deliver high-quality products that taste fresh-baked even after customers reheat them at home. This dedication to product innovation and convenience, coupled with founder Ken Calwell’s vision of a new type of pizza shop experience, laid the foundation for the Papa Murphy’s pizza chain that customers enjoy today.
What is freezing Papa Murphy pizza?
Freezing Papa Murphy’s pizzas is a convenient option for customers who want to save some of their take-n-bake pizzas for later. Since Papa Murphy’s pizzas are not pre-baked before customers buy them, they can easily be frozen after assembly and then baked at home whenever desired.
The process is simple: after building your custom pizza at the store, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight freezer bag. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the dough and toppings fresh. Place the wrapped pizza flat on a baking sheet and freeze it promptly. Frozen Papa Murphy’s pizzas are best consumed within 1-2 months for optimal quality.
When ready to bake a previously frozen pizza, preheat the oven according to the pizza’s instructions – usually between 400 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Unwrap the pizza and place it directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake it for about 5 minutes longer than the recommended baking time for non-frozen pizzas. Keep a close eye on the pizza as it bakes to ensure the cheese and toppings do not burn. Once heated through and the crust is crisp, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Can you freeze a Papa Murphy pizza?
Yes, you can freeze an uncooked Papa Murphy pizza. Simply follow these steps:
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Keep the pizza in its original packaging and place it in the freezer before the “sell-by” or “use-by” date.
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To thaw the pizza, remove it from the freezer and keep it in the fridge for at least 12 hours.
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Once thawed, remove the pizza from the packaging and bake it according to the instructions provided by Papa Murphy.
Note that freezing and thawing may affect the quality of the pizza, so it’s best to consume it as soon as possible after thawing. Additionally, it’s recommended to consume frozen Papa Murphy’s pizzas within 3 months for best results.
Can you freeze part of an uncooked Papa Murphy pizza?
Yes, you can freeze part of an uncooked Papa Murphy pizza if you have leftovers or want to save some for later. Here’s how:
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Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the pizza.
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Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the pizza into slices or pieces.
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Place the leftover slices or pieces on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper or plastic wrap.
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Put the plate in the freezer and let the pizza freeze for several hours till the pieces become firm.
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After the pizza has frozen, transfer the slices/pieces to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container, putting parchment paper or plastic wrap in between each slice/piece to prevent them from sticking.
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Label the container with the date and type of the pizza and return it to the freezer.
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When you’re ready to eat, remove the desired amount of slices from the freezer, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake them following the instructions on the Papa Murphy pizza.
Can you freeze a whole uncooked Papa Murphy pizza?
Yes, you can freeze a whole uncooked Papa Murphy pizza. Here are the steps to do so:
- Keep the pizza in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure to cover the pizza completely to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped pizza in a freezer-safe plastic bag or container to further protect it from freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and type of pizza, so you can easily identify it later.
- Freeze the pizza for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to bake the frozen pizza, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the pizza’s packaging.
- Remove the pizza from the freezer and unwrap it. Do not thaw the pizza before baking.
- Place the frozen pizza directly on the center rack of the oven.
- Bake the pizza for the recommended time on the packaging, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure that the crust is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
By following these steps, you can freeze and bake a Papa Murphy pizza at your convenience.
Read more: Can You Freeze Domino’s Pizza?
How to freeze a Papa Murphy pizza – a step by step instruction?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze Papa Murphy pizza:
- Assemble the pizza, but do not add any toppings. Why cannot add any toppings when freezing a Papa Murphy pizza? Because toppings will get soggy and may spoil when frozen.
- Wrap the partially assembled pizza tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an air-tight container or freezer bag before putting it into the freezer for up to three months.
- When you are ready to eat your frozen Papa Murphy pizza, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw for a few hours before topping with your desired ingredients and baking according to instructions on the package.
- Enjoy your freshly made pizza anytime without having to go through all the prep work each time. That’s it! You have now learned how to freeze a Papa Murphy pizza and enjoy delicious homemade pizza anytime without any fuss. So go ahead, stock up on Papa Murphy pizzas and enjoy your favorite homemade pizza whenever you want.
Can you freeze Papa Murphy pizza leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Papa Murphy pizza. While it’s best to eat a freshly made Papa Murphy pizza as soon as possible, freezing any leftover slices is an easy way to save them for later.
All you need to do is wrap the individual slices in plastic wrap and place them into an air-tight container or freezer bag before storing them in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy your frozen Papa Murpy’s pizza, just take it out of the freezer and let it thaw for a few hours before popping it into the oven and reheating according to instructions on the package.
How long does pizza from Papa Murphy pizza keep in the fridge?
Papa Murphy’s take and bake pizzas are designed to be stored at refrigerator temperatures until customers bake them at home. According to the company’s recommendations, baked Papa Murphy pizzas will keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Some factors affecting shelf life include proper storage, handling and room temperature.
To keep pizza in the fridge for the maximum time:
• Place the pizza box in the back of the bottom shelf of the fridge immediately after purchase. This keeps it colder.
• Only remove the inner baking paper with the pizza from the box when ready to bake. Leaving it in the box helps maintain temperature.
• Do not let the pizza sit out at room temperature for longer than necessary. Once baked, cool completely before refrigerating any leftovers.
• Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming. Even properly stored pizza can grow bacteria after 4 to 5 days that heating can destroy.
Does a frozen Papa Murphy pizza need to be thawed?
Like most frozen pizzas, Papa Murphy’s frozen pizzas are best thawed before baking. Thawing helps the crust become crisp and ensures even cooking and proper browning. Here are the recommended methods for thawing Papa Murphy frozen pizzas:
- Refrigerator thawing: The safest method. Place the frozen pizza in its box on a tray or pan and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. The longer thawing time allows the center to thaw completely before the outer crust.
- Cold water thawing: Place the frozen pizza in its sealed box and fully submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed, about 2 hours. Do not leave the pizza in water longer to avoid sogginess.
- Counter thawing: Leave the frozen pizza on the counter in its box. Check periodically and bake when dough is still firm but thawed, around 2 hours. This method is fastest but least safe as bacteria can start to grow during the thawing time.
It’s important not to partially bake a frozen pizza. Fully thaw to room temperature before putting in a preheated oven and baking according to package directions. Underbaking a frozen pizza can leave potentially unsafe areas of raw dough.
In summary, it’s best to fully thaw a Papa Murphy’s frozen pizza using refrigerator or cold water thawing for maximum crispness, safety and taste. Properly cooked and cooled, leftover baked pizza can be refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.
What are the reasons why you would like to freeze a Papa Murphy pizza?
There are a few key reasons why customers may choose to freeze their Papa Murphy’s take and bake pizzas instead of eating them right away:
The main convenience factor – Freezing freshly purchased Papa Murphy’s pizzas allows customers to have them on hand for a future meal when they may not have time to visit the store. It essentially “future-proofs” the pizzas until the customer is ready to bake and enjoy them. This can be very convenient for busy households.
Extended freshness – Properly frozen pizzas can maintain their quality and maximum freshness for much longer than pizzas left at room temperature or refrigerated. Freezing soon after purchase helps “lock in” flavors and preserve toppings, dough and sauces.
Reduced food waste – Freezing part of a large pizza order can help avoid throwing away extra slices that become unsavory after a few days in the fridge. Portioning and freezing leftovers allows the pizza to be consumed later without sacrificing quality.
More flexibility – Freezing individual Papa Murphy’s pizzas gives customers the flexibility to bake them according to their schedule. Thawed pizzas can take 20-30 minutes in the oven instead of having to bake a fresh pizza immediately upon purchasing.
In summary, freezing Papa Murphy’s pizzas right after purchase yields the main benefits of convenience, extended shelf life, reduced waste and flexibility for customers.
What takes place when a Papa Murphy pizza is freezed?
When a Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake pizza is frozen shortly after purchase, several physical and chemical changes take place that help preserve the pizza’s quality during storage.
Physically, the water within the pizza dough, cheese, and toppings begins to change from a liquid to a solid state as ice crystals form. This immobilizes many of the chemical processes that normally cause foods to deteriorate over time, like moisture loss, enzyme activity and bacterial growth. The lower temperatures also significantly slow down these chemical reactions.
As the pizza is exposed to freezing temperatures, the water inside the dough and sauce begins to freeze and form ice crystals. However, the ice crystals that first form are small. As freezing continues and more water turns to ice, the crystals grow progressively larger. This effect is known as recrystallization.
Larger ice crystals can potentially damage the pizza’s cellular structure, especially in the dough. That’s why flash freezing the pizza at very cold temperatures helps form smaller, less disruptive ice crystals initially. Properly packaged pizzas frozen within a short time window after purchase will experience less quality degradation during storage.
In essence, when a Papa Murphy’s pizza is quickly frozen and kept at 0°F or below, several beneficial changes take place that help maintain the pizza’s appearance, texture and flavor potential virtually unchanged compared to when it was freshly made. Thawed and baked correctly, a previously frozen pizza can deliver a nearly identical experience to one consumed immediately after purchase.
How to store Papa Murphy pizza?
Here are some tips on how to store Papa Murphy’s pizza:
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Keep it in the original packaging: If you plan on eating the pizza within a day or two, it’s best to keep it in the original plastic wrap and cardboard packaging it came in. This will help maintain its freshness and flavor.
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Refrigerate if necessary: If you’re not planning on eating the pizza right away, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
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Freeze for long-term storage: If you want to store the pizza for a longer period of time, you can freeze it. Leave the pizza in the plastic wrap and put it in a resealable freezer bag or wrap it in foil before freezing. Frozen pizza will last for up to 2 months.
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Reheat properly: When you’re ready to eat the pizza, preheat your oven to 425°F. Take the pizza out of the fridge or freezer and let it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
By following these simple tips, you can store your delicious Papa Murphy’s pizza properly and keep it tasting fresh and flavorful!
How to cook a frozen Papa Murphy pizza?
Cooking a frozen Papa Murphy pizza is simple!
First, preheat your oven to the temperature described on the package. Remember to observe the temperature and cooking time for best results.
Then, take the pizza out of the freezer and let it thaw in your refrigerator for a few hours before placing it in the preheated oven to cook. Once your pizza has thawed, place it on a baking sheet or stone and cook according to instructions on the package. Make sure that you adjust the cooking time accordingly so that your pizza is heated through before eating. Also, make sure that your pizza is heated through before eating as consuming any food that is not properly cooked may cause foodborne illnesses.
Finally, check on your pizza every few minutes to make sure it is not burning and remove when done. Serve hot and enjoy.
It is also important to note that some ingredients, such as vegetables may need to be pre-cooked before adding them to your pizza. So keep these tips in mind while preparing your frozen Papa Murphy pizza.
Tips to cook a frozen Papa Murphy pizza?
Here are some tips to cook a frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the pizza’s packaging.
- Use a baking stone or preheated baking sheet: Place a baking stone or preheated baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. This will help ensure that the crust cooks evenly and gets crispy.
- Remove the pizza from the packaging: Take the pizza out of its packaging and place it on a piece of parchment paper or directly on the preheated baking stone or baking sheet.
- Bake the pizza: Bake the pizza for the recommended time on the packaging, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure that the crust is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Check the pizza frequently: Keep an eye on the pizza while it cooks and check it frequently to ensure that it doesn’t overcook or burn.
- Use a pizza cutter to serve: Once the pizza is fully cooked, use a pizza cutter to slice it into pieces and serve.
Conclusion
In summary, Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake pizzas can be safely frozen as long as certain steps are taken.
To freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza, it should be cooled completely after baking, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, the frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight. Then follow the original papa murphy’s frozen pizza cooking instructions, baking directly on the oven rack at 425°F for 12-18 minutes.
With proper storage and reheating, freezing Papa Murphy’s fresh pizzas allows you to enjoy their convenient take-and-bake pies even longer.
So the answer is yes, you can freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza as long as you thaw and reheat it properly to restore the original just-baked crisp crust and flavorful toppings.
FAQs
Does Papa Murphy’s pizza taste different after freezing?
No, Papa Murphy’s pizza tastes the same after freezing. The freezing process does not affect the taste or texture of the pizza. But since the ingredients on the pizza are frozen, it may take a few extra minutes to cook and will require some adjustment in terms of cooking time and temperature. So remember to adjust your cooking times accordingly when reheating a frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza for best results. But overall, with some adjustments you can still enjoy delicious homemade pizzas even after they have been frozen.
How long does it take to reheat a frozen Papa Murphy pizza?
It usually takes about 15 to 18 minutes for a frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza to heat through. However, this time may vary depending on the size of your pizza and the type of oven or microwave you are using. For best results, make sure that you preheat your oven or microwave before you place the pizza inside and keep an eye on it while it is cooking to avoid burning. Also, remember to adjust the cooking time according to instructions provided on the package. This will help ensure that your Papa Murphy’s pizzas taste just as good after reheating as they did when you first bought them.
How long can you keep Papa Murphy’s pizza in your freezer?
Papa Murphy’s pizzas can last up to 3 months in your freezer when stored properly. To ensure that it stays fresh, make sure you wrap the pizza in air-tight containers or wrap it in plastic wrap before storing it in your freezer. This will help prevent ice crystals from forming on the pizza and slow down the deterioration of its ingredients. With these tips and some adjustments while reheating, you can enjoy Papa Murphy’s pizzas even after they have been frozen for up to 3 months.
After 24 hours, can you bake a Papa Murphy’s pizza?
Yes, you can bake a Papa Murphy’s pizza after 24 hours of freezing. Be sure to thaw the pizza in your refrigerator for a few hours before placing it in your preheated oven to cook. Make sure that you observe the temperature and cooking time instructed on the package for best results. Also, make sure that your pizza is heated through before eating as consuming any food that is not properly cooked may cause foodborne illnesses. Finally, check on your pizza every few minutes to make sure it is not burning and remove when done.
If reheating frozen Papa Murphy’s Pizza what temperature should it be cooked at?
When reheating frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza, the ideal temperature should be 375°F (190°C). But you may need to adjust the temperature according to the instructions provided on the package. Make sure that you preheat your oven before placing the pizza inside and keep an eye on it while it is cooking to avoid burning.
Can you eat papa murphy’s pizza that is two days old if it has been refrigerated?
Yes, you can eat Papa Murphy’s pizza that is two days old if it has been properly refrigerated. However, it is best to check the expiration date of your pizza before eating as consuming any food that is not fresh may cause foodborne illnesses. If the pizza is still within the expiry date and has been properly stored in a refrigerator at 4°C (40°F) or lower, then it should be safe to eat. Make sure to heat it through before eating for best results.
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Since a young age, my love for pizza has only grown stronger. As a writer, I am dedicated my career to exploring the art behind a perfect pie. From the crisp crunch of the crust to the perfect blend of savory sauce and gooey cheese, I dedicated to captures the essence of what makes pizza so beloved. With each article, I hopes to inspire others to share in my passion for this timeless dish.