Introduction
If you’ve ever bought a Papa Murphy’s pizza and wondered, “Can I freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza for later?”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re saving money, planning meals ahead, or simply can’t eat the whole pizza in one go, freezing is a smart solution. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through expert tips on how to freeze, store, and bake your Papa Murphy’s pizza so that it tastes as delicious as it did the day you bought it.
Papa Murphy’s is unique because it’s a take-and-bake pizza. You get it fresh, unbaked, and ready to pop into the oven. This freshness gives you flexibility, but also raises questions about safe storage. Let’s explore how to handle freezing properly without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Understanding Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Papa Murphy’s pizzas come freshly prepared — uncooked dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings assembled in-store. This format means they’re not designed for long storage like frozen supermarket pizzas. However, with the right technique, you can still freeze them successfully.
The key lies in freezing the pizza before it’s baked. This way, you preserve the quality of ingredients and maintain the dough’s integrity. If done incorrectly, the crust might become soggy or the toppings could lose texture.
Can I Freeze a Papa Murphy’s Pizza Before Baking?
Yes, you can — and in fact, it’s the best way to freeze Papa Murphy’s pizza. Freezing before baking locks in freshness and prevents the crust from overcooking later. Papa Murphy’s even mentions that their pizzas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but freezing extends that window up to 2-3 months if done properly.
To ensure your pizza stays perfect, follow a few expert-backed steps.
Step-by-Step: How to Freeze Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Freezing a Papa Murphy’s pizza is simple, but precision matters. Follow this guide carefully for the best results:
Keep It Unbaked:
Do not bake the pizza before freezing. It’s designed to be baked fresh from frozen or thawed.
Wrap It Well:
Remove the pizza from the paper tray and place it on a piece of parchment paper or foil. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent air exposure, then cover it again with aluminum foil. This double layer stops freezer burn and preserves texture.
Label and Date:
Use masking tape to label your pizza with the freezing date and type (for example, “Papa Murphy’s Pepperoni – Oct 2025”).
Freeze Flat:
Lay the pizza flat in your freezer. Avoid stacking items on top to prevent squishing the crust.
Once frozen, your pizza can last up to 3 months while maintaining flavor and structure.
For more detailed advice on freezing methods, visit Can I Freeze.
How to Bake a Frozen Papa Murphy’s Pizza
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pizza, you have two options: baking from frozen or thawing first. Each has its benefits.
Bake from Frozen
This is the easiest method. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the frozen pizza directly on a baking tray or preheated pizza stone. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Thaw Before Baking
If you prefer a softer crust, thaw the pizza in the refrigerator for 12–24 hours before baking. Then, cook it as you would a fresh Papa Murphy’s pizza, usually 12–18 minutes depending on your oven type.
Be sure not to thaw at room temperature — it could encourage bacterial growth, especially with meat toppings.
Freezing and Reheating Leftover Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Sometimes you bake the pizza and still have leftovers. In that case, you can freeze the cooked slices too. To do this properly:
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Let slices cool completely before wrapping.
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Wrap each slice individually in foil or plastic wrap.
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Place all wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or bag.
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Label and store for up to 2 months.
To reheat, place the frozen slice on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The crust stays crisp and the cheese melts perfectly — no soggy microwaved texture.
Expert Tips for Freezing Papa Murphy’s Pizza
To make your frozen pizza experience even better, here are some practical expert insights:
Use a Vacuum Sealer (If Available):
Vacuum sealing removes air, preventing freezer burn and extending freshness.
Avoid Moisture:
Ensure your pizza is completely dry before wrapping. Excess moisture leads to icy spots.
Flash Freeze for Toppings:
If your pizza has heavy toppings (like extra cheese or vegetables), freeze it for 30 minutes uncovered before full wrapping. This solidifies toppings and keeps them in place.
Store Flat, Not Tilted:
A tilted pizza will lose its shape. Always keep it level until solid.
You can find additional freezing and storage insights in guides like Read more on www.seriouseats.com, which also offers detailed baking science explanations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though freezing Papa Murphy’s is simple, a few mistakes can ruin the texture or taste:
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Not wrapping properly: Air exposure causes freezer burn.
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Freezing after baking without cooling: Warm pizza traps steam, leading to sogginess.
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Overbaking from frozen: Check pizza frequently after 30 minutes to avoid dryness.
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Skipping labeling: You might forget the freezing date and exceed storage limits.
By following the right storage process, you’ll always enjoy a pizza that tastes nearly identical to freshly baked.
Can I Freeze A Papa Murphy’s Thin Crust or Stuffed Pizza?
Absolutely — but you’ll need to adjust your method slightly depending on the crust type.
For Thin Crust Pizzas:
Thin crusts freeze and reheat very well. Be sure to use a solid flat surface under them (like a pizza pan) to avoid cracking.
For Stuffed or Thick Crust Pizzas:
Stuffed pizzas contain more cheese and moisture, so wrap them in an extra layer of foil. You might also need to extend the baking time by 5–10 minutes.
Learn more about variations and freezing methods at Can I Freeze A.
The Science Behind Freezing Pizza Dough
Freezing slows down yeast activity in the dough, which preserves it without killing the yeast. When baked later, the yeast reactivates, giving your crust that signature rise. The key is freezing the dough when it’s still fresh — ideally within 12 hours of purchase.
If you plan to freeze homemade Papa Murphy’s-style dough, wrap it in plastic, place it in an airtight bag, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
How Long Does a Papa Murphy’s Pizza Last in the Freezer?
If wrapped tightly and kept at 0°F (-18°C), your Papa Murphy’s pizza will stay good for about 2 to 3 months. Beyond that, while it’s still safe to eat, the quality may degrade — the cheese can become dry, and the crust may toughen.
Always inspect for Freeze a Papa Murphy’s burn before baking. If you see frost or discoloration, it’s best to discard it.
FAQs
Can you freeze Papa Murphy’s pizza after it’s been baked?
Yes, you can. Let it cool, wrap tightly, and store up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes.
Can you bake Papa Murphy’s pizza straight from the freezer?
Definitely. Bake it at 425°F for 35–40 minutes. Check after 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Is it better to thaw Papa Murphy’s pizza before baking?
Thawing gives a softer crust, while baking frozen gives a crispier crust. Both methods are safe — it’s personal preference.
Can I freeze Papa Murphy’s cheesy bread or dessert pizza?
Yes! Both freeze well. Follow the same wrapping method and bake straight from frozen.
How do I know if my frozen pizza has gone bad?
If it has ice crystals, off smells, or discoloration, it’s best to discard it.
Freezing a Papa Murphy’s pizza isn’t just possible — it’s practical. With proper wrapping, labeling, and storage, you can extend your pizza’s life without losing its mouthwatering flavor. Whether you bake from frozen or thaw overnight, your meal will still deliver that fresh, homemade taste Papa Murphy’s is known for.
So next time you find yourself with an extra pizza or want to prep meals ahead, remember these tips. The key lies in preparation and storage — and once you’ve mastered that, you’ll never waste another pizza again.
Ready to try it out? Visit Can I Freeze for even more step-by-step freezing and reheating advice, and make your next Papa Murphy’s experience truly stress-free.
