Cooking time for a pizza in an oven to ensure safe temperature guidelines are met depends on several factors, including the type of oven, the thickness of the pizza, and the toppings used. However, there are some general guidelines to follow:
Preheat the oven: Always preheat your oven to the recommended temperature before baking the pizza. This ensures even cooking.
Follow the recipe: If you're using a store-bought pizza or following a recipe, it will usually provide specific cooking times and temperatures.
Check the pizza thickness: Thin-crust pizzas generally cook faster than thick-crust ones. Pay attention to the thickness of your pizza to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Use a pizza stone or pizza pan: Using a pizza stone or pan can help distribute heat evenly and cook the pizza more efficiently.
Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden: A good indicator of a cooked pizza is when the cheese is fully melted and begins to bubble and turn golden.
Check the crust: The crust should be cooked through and have a golden-brown color. It should not be doughy or undercooked.
Use a food thermometer: For added safety, you can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pizza. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that the internal temperature of cooked pizzas (including frozen pizzas) should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed.
Keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on your oven's temperature accuracy and the specific ingredients used in the pizza. Therefore, it's essential to keep a close eye on the pizza while it's baking and use visual cues to determine when it's done. If you're unsure, it's always better to cook the pizza a bit longer to ensure it reaches a safe temperature.