Creating Pizza without a Traditional Base

have made homemade pizza for 41 years and we love it! While many traditional pizza recipes require a pizza stone, alternatives have allowed me to continue making delicious pizzas for decades.

So, whether you're someone who has never owned a pizza stone, have lost it, or simply prefer not to use one, this article is for you. We'll explore creative ways to make pizza without a traditional base and share tips to help you achieve a great pizza without tools typically required for professional results.

My Unconventional Pizza Recipe

I butter NOT margarine a 9x13 rectangular cookie sheet and spread my homemade dough into it. I add flour, yeast, sugar, and salt, then bunch it into the sides to create sides similar to a stuffed crust pizza. I then add some mozzarella string cheese up to the edges and fold the dough over. Sprinkle some garlic powder on top for an extra kick.

Conventional pizza toppings go in a different order for me. I grate an 8oz block of Monterey Jack cheese, which I find tastier, and place it on the bottom. On top of that, I add a heavy layer of pepperoni, followed by pizza sauce and a thin layer of Parmesan. Baking it at 350°F for 30 minutes gives me a three-cheese stuffed crust pepperoni pizza.

This homemade pizza is perfect for date night with my hubby. We have a standing appointment every Friday to enjoy homemade pizza, beer, and 2 movies or 3 episodes of a chosen series from a huge pickle jar of titles. If we're not in the mood for pepperoni, I'll make a sausage, BBQ pork, or cheeseburger pizza variation. We often invite the kids, grandkids, and friends for 'Disney night' or 'game night'.

Alternatives to a Pizza Stone

Since I don't own a pizza stone, I use a metal baking tray. This allows me to make large pizzas without any specialized equipment. However, keep in mind that baking on a tray may not yield the same crust as a pizza stone.

If you have access to a pizza stone but only use it for bread, consider using a pizza steel or a cast iron skillet or griddle for your pizzas. To use a cast iron skillet effectively, preheat your oven with the skillet inside for at least 45 minutes. This process helps the pan retain heat, resulting in a crispy and delicious crust.

Alternative Methods for a Neapolitan Style

For a Neapolitan-style pizza, which is more prone to creating a crispy, charred bottom, you can skip the pizza stone and opt for a cast iron sheet or pan. Here's how to do it:

Place a layer of mozzarella in a non-stick pan and cook it on low until the bottom forms a crust and the top is still bubbly. Add a layer of pizza sauce. Top it with more mozzarella and your desired toppings. Place the pan in the oven for a few minutes, then slide it onto a plate.

This method creates a tasty, low-carb pizza alternative that still retains the flavors of a traditional Neapolitan pizza.

Conclusion

While a pizza stone can enhance the texture and flavor of your homemade pizza, it's not the only way to achieve delicious results. By using alternative methods or household items like baking trays, cast iron skillets, or even sheet pans, you can create a pizza that's both tasty and satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned pizza maker or new to the craft, these creative techniques can help you enjoy a great pizza without relying on specialized equipment.