No, you do not necessarily need a pizza pan to cook pizza. While a pizza pan can be helpful for achieving a crispier crust and even cooking, there are several alternative methods to cook pizza at home without one:
Pizza Stone: A pizza stone is an excellent alternative to a pizza pan. It is made of porous ceramic or stone material that absorbs and distributes heat evenly, resulting in a crispy crust. Place the pizza stone in the oven and preheat it thoroughly before sliding the pizza onto it. You can also use a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet to transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone.
Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet can be used to cook smaller-sized pizzas. Preheat the skillet in the oven and then transfer the assembled pizza to the hot skillet. Cook the pizza on the stovetop until the crust is golden, and then finish it under the broiler to melt the cheese.
Baking Sheet: If you don't have a pizza pan or stone, a regular baking sheet can work too. Preheat the baking sheet in the oven, then carefully slide the pizza onto the hot sheet. The crust may not be as crispy as with a stone, but it will still cook the pizza effectively.
Grill: You can also cook pizza on a grill, which gives the crust a delicious smoky flavor. Preheat the grill and use a pizza stone, a pizza pan, or a pizza peel to cook the pizza directly on the grates. Close the grill's lid to help melt the cheese and cook the toppings evenly.
Pre-made crusts: If you prefer not to make your own pizza dough, you can use pre-made pizza crusts, which are available in grocery stores. These crusts are usually designed to be used directly on a baking sheet or pizza pan.
Cast Iron Pizza Pan: If you have a cast iron skillet with a flat bottom, you can use it as a pizza pan as well. Preheat the skillet in the oven, transfer the pizza onto it, and cook it following the same method as with a regular pizza pan.
Remember that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the method you choose and the thickness of the pizza crust. Experiment with different techniques to find the one that works best for you and your available equipment.