How Long Can You Keep Papa Murphy's Pizza Before Baking?

Are you a fan of Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake pizza but often find yourself wondering, “How long can you keep Papa Murphy’s pizza before baking?” It’s a common dilemma – you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, but timing is everything.

If you don’t plan to bake your Papa Murphy’s pizza within 60 minutes of purchase, it’s crucial to refrigerate it. Once refrigerated, you should remove it 60 minutes prior to baking, allowing the crust to rise properly. Always bake the pizza within 24 hours of purchase for the best quality and safety.

In my decade-long journey as a food safety consultant, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of proper food handling and storage. This blog post will delve deeper into the specifics of storing and baking Papa Murphy’s pizza, helping you achieve pizza perfection every time. You’ll learn about the optimal timeframes for refrigeration, the science behind dough rising, and tips for achieving that perfect crust. We will also cover what happens if you let it sit too long, how to tell if it’s gone bad, and explore some frequently asked questions regarding storing and baking Papa Murphy’s pizzas.

Key Facts

Papa Murphy’s pizzas are designed to be baked fresh, offering a unique take-and-bake experience that sets them apart from traditional pizzerias.

Refrigerating a Papa Murphy’s pizza extends its shelf life, allowing for baking up to 24 hours after purchase.

Allowing a refrigerated pizza to sit at room temperature for 60 minutes before baking is crucial for the crust to rise properly, ensuring optimal texture.

The “24-hour rule” for baking Papa Murphy’s pizzas is based on food safety guidelines and the company’s commitment to quality.

Papa Murphy’s has grown from a small pizza shop to a leading take-and-bake franchise with over a thousand locations, demonstrating the popularity of this unique pizza concept.

☰ Table of Contents ▼ show

How Long Can You Keep Papa Murphy’s Pizza Before Baking?

You should bake your Papa Murphy’s pizza within 24 hours of purchase. If you don’t plan on baking it within the first hour, refrigerate it immediately. Before baking, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 60 minutes to allow the crust to rise. This ensures you get that delicious, freshly baked taste and texture that Papa Murphy’s is known for.

Why is Refrigeration Important for Papa Murphy’s Pizza?

Refrigeration plays a vital role in maintaining the quality and safety of your Papa Murphy’s pizza. Since these pizzas are made with fresh, unbaked ingredients, they are more susceptible to bacterial growth than pre-cooked or frozen pizzas. Storing your pizza in the refrigerator slows down this bacterial growth, ensuring your pizza remains safe to eat. Also, refrigeration helps preserve the texture and flavor of the dough, cheese, and toppings.

What Happens If You Leave Papa Murphy’s Pizza Unrefrigerated for Too Long?

Leaving a Papa Murphy’s pizza unrefrigerated for an extended period can compromise its quality and safety. Here’s a breakdown of what might happen:

Bacterial Growth: Uncooked ingredients, especially meat and cheese, are breeding grounds for bacteria at room temperature. Consuming a pizza that has been left out for too long increases your risk of foodborne illness.
Dough Degradation: The yeast in the dough will continue to ferment at room temperature. While some fermentation is necessary for flavor development, excessive fermentation can lead to a sour taste and an overly dense crust.
Topping Spoilage: Fresh vegetables and other toppings can wilt, lose their crispness, and begin to spoil if left at room temperature for an extended time.

How to Tell If Papa Murphy’s Pizza Has Gone Bad

Knowing how to spot a spoiled pizza can save you from a potential food safety hazard. Look out for these warning signs:

Off Smell: An unusual or sour odor emanating from the pizza is a strong indicator that it’s no longer safe to eat.
Visible Mold: Any signs of mold, typically fuzzy green or white patches, mean the pizza should be discarded immediately.
Slimy Texture: If the cheese or other toppings feel slimy or sticky, it’s a sign of bacterial growth and spoilage.
Discoloration: Significant changes in the color of the dough, cheese, or toppings can indicate spoilage.

Best Practices for Storing Papa Murphy’s Pizza in the Refrigerator

Proper storage in the refrigerator is key to maintaining the quality of your Papa Murphy’s pizza. Follow these tips for optimal results:

Refrigerate Promptly: If you’re not baking the pizza within 60 minutes of purchase, put it in the refrigerator as soon as possible.
Keep it Covered: The pizza comes on a cardboard tray, and it is wrapped in plastic. Keep it in its original packaging to protect it from drying out or absorbing odors.
Monitor Temperature: Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below. This temperature range inhibits bacterial growth effectively.

Tips for Baking Papa Murphy’s Pizza After Refrigeration

Baking a refrigerated Papa Murphy’s pizza requires a slightly different approach than baking it immediately after purchase.

Allow Time for Crust to Rise: Take the pizza out of the refrigerator about 60 minutes before you plan to bake it. This allows the crust to come to room temperature and rise properly. As a helpful hint, slide your original or thin crust pizza off the tray & directly onto the oven rack 10 minutes in for a crispier crust. Check every 1-2 minutes to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Preheat Oven Thoroughly: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the baking instructions, typically 425°F (218°C). A fully preheated oven ensures even cooking.
Bake on the Provided Tray: Keep the pizza on the cardboard tray it came on. This tray is designed to help the crust bake evenly and achieve the desired texture. What happens if you forget baking powder in your recipe? It becomes dense and flat. Similarly, not allowing your pizza crust to rise properly can result in a less-than-ideal texture.

Can You Freeze Papa Murphy’s Pizza?

Yes, you can freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza for later enjoyment. Freezing allows you to extend the shelf life of the pizza beyond the 24-hour refrigeration window. It’s a great option if you want to stock up on pizzas or have leftovers.

How to Freeze and Thaw Papa Murphy’s Pizza

Freezing a Papa Murphy’s pizza is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

Wrap it Tightly: If the original plastic wrap is intact, you can freeze the pizza as is. If you’ve removed the original wrapping, wrap the entire pizza tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn.
Label and Date: Write the date of freezing on the package so you know how long it’s been stored.
Freeze Flat: Place the pizza flat in the freezer to maintain its shape.

When you’re ready to bake the frozen pizza, it is recommended to thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.

Baking a Frozen Papa Murphy’s Pizza

Once thawed, you can bake the pizza according to the standard instructions, allowing it to sit at room temperature for 60 minutes before baking. Some sources suggest you can bake it directly from frozen, but you’ll likely need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.

The Impact of Toppings on Storage Time

The type of toppings on your Papa Murphy’s pizza can slightly influence its storage time and quality. Pizzas with a lot of fresh vegetables may release more moisture during refrigeration, potentially affecting the crust’s texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing and Baking Papa Murphy’s Pizza

Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you enjoy your Papa Murphy’s pizza at its best:

Not Refrigerating Promptly: Delaying refrigeration increases the risk of bacterial growth.
Not Letting the Crust Rise: Baking a cold pizza straight from the fridge can result in an undercooked or dense crust.
Overcooking: Keep a close watch on your pizza while it’s baking, especially if you’re making adjustments for a frozen pizza.
Refreezing Thawed Pizza: Once a pizza has been thawed, it’s best not to refreeze it, as this can negatively affect its taste and texture.

Why Choose Papa Murphy’s Take-and-Bake Pizza?

Papa Murphy’s offers a unique pizza experience that sets it apart from traditional pizzerias. Here’s why many pizza lovers choose Papa Murphy’s:

Freshness: Ingredients are prepared fresh daily, and the pizzas are assembled right before your eyes.
Customization: You have complete control over your pizza, from the type of crust to the wide array of toppings. You can even customize each half differently!
Bake at Home Convenience: Enjoy a freshly baked pizza in the comfort of your own home, whenever you want it.
Quality: Papa Murphy’s commitment to quality ingredients and customer satisfaction has made them a leader in the take-and-bake pizza industry.

FAQs About How Long Can You Keep Papa Murphy’s Pizza Before Baking

Can I bake a Papa Murphy’s pizza immediately after purchase?

Yes, you can bake it immediately. Just follow the instructions provided.

How long can I keep a Papa Murphy’s pizza in the refrigerator?

You can keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Do I need to adjust baking time for a refrigerated pizza?

You don’t need to adjust the baking time, but you do need to let it sit at room temperature for 60 minutes before baking.

What temperature should I bake a Papa Murphy’s pizza?

The standard baking temperature is 425°F (218°C).

Can I freeze a Papa Murphy’s pizza?

Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

How do I thaw a frozen Papa Murphy’s pizza?

Thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

Can I bake a Papa Murphy’s pizza from frozen?

While it’s best to thaw it first, you can bake it from frozen, but you’ll need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What are the signs that a Papa Murphy’s pizza has gone bad?

Look for a bad smell, mold, a slimy texture, or discoloration.

Can I refreeze a thawed Papa Murphy’s pizza?

It’s not recommended, as it can affect the taste and texture.

Does the type of toppings affect storage time?

Pizzas with lots of fresh vegetables may release more moisture, potentially affecting the crust’s texture during refrigeration.

Summary

Knowing how long you can keep a Papa Murphy’s pizza before baking is crucial for enjoying its fresh, delicious taste and ensuring food safety. Remember, you can bake it immediately or refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, allowing it to reach room temperature before baking. Freezing is also an option, extending its shelf life even further. By following the guidelines and tips provided in this comprehensive guide, you can confidently enjoy your Papa Murphy’s pizza experience, savoring that fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness every time. Are there any other pizza storage or baking tips you swear by? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! And, if you still have questions, feel free to ask! Maybe you’re curious about how to make cinnamon chips for baking to add a unique twist to your next pizza night. Let’s continue the conversation and explore the world of pizza perfection together! Ever wonder is borax and baking soda the same thing? The answer might surprise you, just like some of these pizza tips! Finally, knowing how to store baking trays can make your pizza preparation even smoother. Let’s get baking!