A pizza stone is your best ally in preparing delicious dishes! It not only serves as an excellent working surface but also ensures even heating and baking of your culinary creations. In this guide, we will show you how to properly use this wonderful tool.
How to Use a Pizza Stone
Step 1: Place the stone in the oven.
Position the pizza stone on the upper center rack of the oven. This is the ideal spot for baking pizzas and cookies. If you’re baking bread or rolls, it’s better to place it on the middle rack.
Step 2: Start with a cold oven.
Do not put a cold stone in a hot oven, as this can cause it to crack due to sudden temperature changes. Ensure that your stone is not subjected to such stress. For example, frozen pizzas should not be placed on a cold stone — it’s better to cook them directly on the rack.
Step 3: Preheat the oven with the stone inside if necessary.
Step 4: Use a pizza peel to place the dough on the stone.
Transfer the dough to the stone using a pizza peel without oiling it. To prevent sticking, you can sprinkle a little cornmeal on the peel.
- Getting used to working with a peel may take some time, but it is very convenient for placing the dough. There are different types of peels: wooden with short and long handles, as well as metal ones. For home use, a wooden peel with a short handle is the best choice.
- If you prefer not to use cornmeal, you can substitute it with rice flour, which also helps prevent sticking. [2] Source
Step 5: Let the stone cool in the oven.
After cooking, leave the stone in the oven until it cools completely. This helps create a brick oven effect, improving heat distribution. You can place dishes, pots, and trays directly on the stone.
How to Care for Your Pizza Stone
Step 1: Remove food residue with a metal spatula.
Use a metal spatula to scrape off any stuck food from the stone, but only after it has cooled.
Step 2: Avoid using detergents.
Do not use detergents to clean the stone. Simply rinse it with water using a clean sponge. Do not attempt to remove oils — they help preserve the stone and create a protective layer.
Step 3: Do not soak the stone in water for too long.
When washing, quickly rinse the stone with water. If it absorbs too much moisture, it may crack during the next heating.
Step 4: Don’t worry about stains.
Stains on the stone are normal and even indicate your culinary experience. They do not affect its functionality.
Step 5: Return the stone to the oven after cleaning and store it safely.
After cleaning, place the stone back in the oven, where it can remain even while cooking other dishes. For heavy meals like roasts, it’s best to move the stone down before cooking.
How to Choose a Pizza Stone
Step 1: Measure the interior space of your oven.
First, measure your oven’s dimensions to choose the right stone. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where the stone doesn’t fit.
Step 2: Look for a stone with an unglazed surface.
Choose a stone with an unglazed surface, as commercial options can be expensive. If you care more about taste than appearance, you can find stones for 200-400 rubles at stores like Home Depot or Lowe's.
- Clay or slate tiles work best. Ceramic tiles also do a great job.
Step 3: Choose unglazed quarry stone.
Avoid glazed stones, as they may contain lead, which is unsafe for cooking.
Step 4: Decide if you want one large stone or several small ones.
One large stone may look impressive, but several small ones are more versatile. They can be placed on different racks, allowing for more even heat distribution.
Step 5: Use a homemade stone just like a commercial one.
Enjoy baking pizza, bread, cookies, and other delicious treats with your pizza stone.
If Your Pizza Is Sticking
Step 1: Shape the pizza to your liking.
Step 2: Be sure to dock the dough to avoid bubbles.
Step 3: Don’t overload with toppings.
Step 4: Form only one layer of dough on the stone.
Let the dough cook for about five minutes.
Step 5: Remove the pizza using the peel.
Step 6: Add toppings to the partially cooked dough.
Load the ingredients onto the crust, which should easily go back into the oven even with the added weight.
