Pizza is one of those firm family favorites that many households swear by. While there are so many takeout options to choose from, there is something about homemade that just hits differently. While popping your own pie on a pan might work, it is a pizza stone that creates that authentic taste. Keep reading to learn how to use a pizza stone and make the best pie on the block.

What Is a Pizza Stone?

By nature, pizza is one of those paradoxical foods in need of a particular cooking method (high and quick heat) to strike the balance between a crispy dough base and the cooked (often moist) toppings. While a pizza oven is the ideal way to combat this and create the crunchiest slices possible, most bakers only have access to a regular oven which cannot attain the same heat. In comes the pizza stone.

These stones are usually made from ceramic – a material known for its ability to withstand high temperatures and also evenly distribute heat.
This is ideal when cooking pizza because it will ensure there are no soggy or undercooked spots but rather an even and consistent bake for the perfect pizza.

How to Use a Pizza Stone

Before you learn how to use a pizza stone, you might want to know why you should use one in the first place. Essentially, they are able to simulate the high heat that pizza ovens are known for – thus providing the ideal pizza cooking temperature. Read our guide Why Use a Pizza Stone? for an in-depth look at how they work.

While these stones are fairly straightforward to use, a surprising number of people use them incorrectly. Below is the right way.

Step 1: Place the Stone in a Cold Oven

• Do not place the stone into an oven that is already on.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat to 500°F – 550°F
• Once the oven is ready, the stone will be too.

Step 3: Prepare the Pizza

• While the oven and stove are preheating, you can set to work preparing your pizza. Read How to Make Pizzas at Home for some tips and tricks.

Step 4: Place Pizza on Stone

• Now it is time for you to slide the pizza onto the stone and into the oven.
• This is a great time to use a pizza peel. To learn more about these, read What Is a Pizza Peel?.

Step 5: Bake Pizza

• Bake until the cheese is slightly browned.
• Remove the pizza and enjoy.

How to Clean a Pizza Stone

Cleaning instructions vary from stone to stone, so make sure to read exactly how yours needs to be handled. For most stones, you simply need to scrape off excess food and only when the stone has cooled, run it under hot water while lightly scrubbing with a brush and then allow it to air dry.
It is imperative you wait until the stone has cooled because placing the hot stone under water may cause it to crack.
Make sure the stone is completely dry before reheating it to prevent cracking.
Never use steel wool or abrasive cleaners on your pizza stone.

Now you know how to use a pizza stone, you can get to work on cooking for your family.

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