Pizza peels are a critical tool for any pizza-making enthusiast. They allow you to easily slide the pizza onto the oven stone or pizza tray for baking. But, one of the biggest issues that pizza-makers face is that the pizza dough can often stick to the peel, making it difficult and time-consuming to slide the pizza off the peel.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best methods for preventing your pizza dough from sticking to the peel and ensuring that your pizza slides off with ease. We’ll look at different types of materials you can use to coat the peel, as well as helpful tips and tricks for keeping the dough from sticking in the first place. Whether you’re an experienced pizza maker or a beginner, you’ll learn all the essential information you need to guarantee a successful pizza every time. So, read on to discover all you need to know about preventing pizzas from sticking to the peel.
What do you put on a pizza peel so it doesn’t stick?
1. Flour
Flour is a great option for preventing pizza from sticking to a pizza peel. When using flour, you should sprinkle a generous amount onto the pizza peel. This will create a dry, slippery surface for your pizza, allowing it to slide off the peel and onto the oven’s stone. When using flour, be sure to only use non-bleached, all-purpose flour, as any other kind may affect the taste and texture of your pizza.
Additionally, make sure to shake off any excess flour before transferring the pizza to the oven, as the excess flour can burn in the oven and create an unpleasant flavor.
2. Cornmeal
Cornmeal is one of the most popular options for preventing a pizza from sticking to a pizza peel. Sprinkling a generous layer of cornmeal on the peel before laying the pizza dough down helps to create a barrier between the pizza and the peel. Not only does it help with preventing sticking, but it also adds a nice crunch to the pizza crust. Additionally, it’s relatively affordable and easy to find in most grocery stores.
3. Semolina
Semolina is a great choice for preventing pizza from sticking to the peel. It’s a coarsely ground wheat flour that is similar to durum wheat in texture. When sprinkled onto a pizza peel, it adds enough friction between the dough and the peel to stop it from sticking.
Additionally, it won’t burn or smoke like cornmeal, which can be a problem when baking pizza at high temperatures. Sprinkle on a generous layer of semolina before adding your pizza dough, and you’ll have no problem sliding it onto the baking stone or pizza oven!
4. Baking Sheet
When it comes to baking pizzas, a baking sheet is an essential tool. The baking sheet provides a flat, even surface for the pizza to rest on while baking. It is also a great way to prevent the pizza from sticking to the pizza peel.
Before you place the pizza on the baking sheet, it is important to sprinkle a thin layer of cornmeal or flour on it. This will provide a layer of insulation between the pizza and the baking sheet so that when you remove the pizza from the peel, it won’t stick to the baking sheet.
5. Oiled Parchment Paper
Oiled parchment paper is a great option for keeping your pizza from sticking to the peel. Just brush a light layer of oil onto a sheet of parchment paper and place it on the peel before adding your pizza. The oil will act as a barrier and help keep the pizza from sticking. You can also use parchment paper with a little cornmeal sprinkled on it to help prevent sticking.
6. Non-Stick Cooking Spray
To make sure your pizza slides off the peel without sticking, one of the best solutions is to use a non-stick cooking spray. This spray can help create a barrier between the peel and the pizza, making it easier for it to slide off.
It is also important to sprinkle a little bit of flour onto the peel before putting the pizza on it. The flour will help create an even more slippery surface for the pizza to slide on. Make sure to spray and sprinkle the peel with each new pizza you put on it, and your pizzas will come out of the oven looking perfect every time.
7. Vegetable Oil
If you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to ensure your pizza doesn’t stick to your pizza peel, then you should consider using vegetable oil. It’s a pantry staple, so you likely already have it on hand. Simply apply a light coating of vegetable oil to your pizza peel and it will help to create a non-stick surface.
Make sure to use a light touch when applying the oil, as the oil can cause your pizza to stick if it’s too heavy. Additionally, you may need to reapply the oil every few pizzas, depending on how much oil you use.
8. Dried Rice or Beans
The eighth item you can put on a pizza peel so it does not stick is dried rice or beans. Dried rice and beans can be used as a non-stick pizza peel surface. The grainy texture of the rice or beans creates a barrier between the pizza dough and the peel and prevents sticking.
This method is also great for pizza or focaccia doughs that are particularly wet or oily. Be sure to sprinkle a generous amount of the dried rice or beans on the peel and shake off any excess before adding the dough.
In conclusion, there are several methods to ensure that your pizza makes it safely to the pizza oven. Whether you use cornmeal, flour, or semolina, the important thing is to make sure that the pizza peel is well coated and that you handle it with care when transferring the pizza. With a bit of practice and the right materials, you can ensure that your pizza is ready to be cooked to perfection.
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