Cooking Homemade Pizza Without a Pizza Stone: A Time-Tested Recipe

I don't own a pizza stone, but I’ve been making homemade pizza for 41 years, and we love it! Here’s how I prepare stuffed crust pepperoni pizza, as well as my methods for sausage BBQ pork and cheeseburger pizzas, without relying on a pizza stone.

Prep Your Dough and Toppings

I butter, rather than using margarine, my 9x13 rectangular cookie sheet and spread my homemade dough into it, incorporating flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. I then form the dough into the sides of the pan so I can put some mozzarella string cheese up to the edges, creating a stuffed crust pizza. I sprinkle some garlic powder on top. For the pizza construction, I use an 8oz block of Monterey Jack cheese instead of mozzarella, as it's tastier, and avoid pre-shredded cheese since it melts and tastes funky.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza

I then layer the stuffed crust with pepperoni, followed by a heavy layer of sauce, a thin layer of Parmesan, and bake it at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. This results in a delicious three-cheese stuffed crust pepperoni pizza. We enjoy this pizza with my hubby on our Friday night date night, complete with homemade pizza, beer, and two movies or three episodes of a series. If we're not in the mood for pepperoni, I switch it up with a sausage BBQ pork pizza or a cheeseburger pizza.

Alternatives to Pizza Stones

We've managed to make pizzas for decades without a pizza stone, and here are some alternatives:

Pizza Steel and Cast Iron Skillet

If I don't have a pizza stone or a pizza steel, I use a cast iron skillet or griddle. You can use a skillet normally or upside down. Preheat your oven with one of these in it for at least 45 minutes for the best results. Alternatively, you can use a sheet pan, but the crust may suffer in quality.

Preheating Tips

Preheating the oven properly with a metal baking tray or pizza steel is crucial for replicating the hot surface of a pizza stone. This technique helps to create a crispy and delicious crust. Here is a simple tip: place your baking tray or pizza steel in the oven and preheat at the same temperature you plan to bake your pizza.

Common Misconceptions About Pizza Stones

Publicly, it’s believed that pizza stones are difficult to manage, but some people might exaggerate about their difficulty level. If you do have a stone, it's recommended that you don't eat pizza, especially ones with chourico, as a cheap brand might be too salty. Your body handles salt and salt-related issues through the intestines, bladder, and kidneys. Eating plenty of vegetables, legumes, and other nutritious foods is better for your overall health and can help avoid bladder and kidney issues.

Conclusion

With these tips and a willingness to experiment with different ingredients and techniques, you can create a fantastic homemade pizza, just like I do. Whether you're hosting a Friday night pizza party, a family gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet evening with your spouse, you can now enjoy a delicious pizza without the need for a pizza stone.