If you’ve ever found yourself craving a tasty, homemade pizza but are short on time or oven space, then you’re in luck! In this article, we’re going to share a simple and convenient method for making pizza in an Instant Pot. Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, our step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process of creating a delicious, piping hot pizza that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. So grab your apron and get ready to embark on a pizza-making adventure like no other!
Preparing the Dough
Choose the right dough recipe
When it comes to making pizza in an Instant Pot, the first step is to choose the right dough recipe. There are various types of pizza dough recipes available, each with its own unique flavors and textures. Whether you prefer a classic thin crust or a thick and chewy crust, it’s important to select a recipe that suits your personal taste preferences. If you’re unsure where to start, there are plenty of reliable pizza dough recipes available online or you can follow a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations.
Allow the dough to rise
Once you’ve chosen your dough recipe, it’s time to let it rise. This step is crucial as it allows the dough to develop its characteristic light and airy texture. After preparing the dough according to the recipe instructions, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm, draft-free area. The ideal temperature for rising dough is around 80°F (27°C), so you may need to adjust the location depending on the ambient temperature. Typically, the dough needs to rise for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Divide the dough into portions
After the dough has finished rising, it’s time to divide it into individual portions. This step is especially important if you plan on making multiple pizzas or if you prefer personal-sized pizzas. Using a sharp knife or a dough scraper, cut the dough into evenly-sized portions. The size of each portion will depend on the desired size of your pizzas. If you prefer larger pizzas, you can divide the dough into fewer portions. For smaller individual-sized pizzas, divide the dough into more portions.
Roll out the dough
With the portions of dough ready, it’s time to roll them out. This step is where you can get creative and shape your pizza crusts according to your preferences. You can roll the dough into traditional round shapes, oval shapes, or even square shapes. To roll out the dough, lightly flour your work surface and place one portion of dough onto it. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough from the center outward, rotating it as you go to maintain an even thickness. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4-inch (6mm) for a classic thin crust pizza or thicker if you prefer a deep-dish style crust.
Prepping the Instant Pot
Clean the Instant Pot
Before using your Instant Pot to make pizza, it’s essential to ensure that it’s clean and free from any residues or odors. This will help to prevent any unwanted flavors from transferring onto your pizza. To clean the Instant Pot, remove the inner pot and wash it thoroughly with warm soapy water. Pay attention to any crevices or hard-to-reach areas, such as the sealing ring and vents. Rinse the pot well and dry it completely before proceeding to the next step.
Preheat the Instant Pot
Once your Instant Pot is clean, it’s time to preheat it. Preheating the Instant Pot helps to ensure that the pizza cooks evenly and faster. To preheat, simply place the inner pot back into the Instant Pot base and close the lid. Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and let it heat for a few minutes until it reaches the desired temperature. You can test the temperature by sprinkling a few drops of water onto the inner pot surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates immediately, it means the Instant Pot is preheated and ready for the next step.
Prepare the pot with parchment paper
To prevent the pizza from sticking to the Instant Pot during cooking, it’s important to prepare the pot with parchment paper. Parchment paper creates a non-stick surface and makes it easier to remove the pizza once it’s cooked. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the Instant Pot, making sure it covers the entire surface. Place the parchment paper carefully onto the preheated inner pot, ensuring it lies flat and doesn’t interfere with the Instant Pot’s sealing mechanism. Now, you’re ready to assemble and cook your pizza!
Assembling the Pizza
Choose your desired toppings
Making pizza is all about personal preference, so this is the perfect opportunity to get creative and choose your favorite toppings. From classic combinations like pepperoni and mushrooms to more unique combinations like barbecue chicken and pineapple, the possibilities are endless. Remember to consider the cooking time of your selected toppings to ensure they are fully cooked once the pizza is done.
Spread sauce on the dough
Once you’ve selected your desired toppings, it’s time to spread the sauce on the dough. Tomato sauce is the traditional choice, but you can use a variety of options such as marinara sauce, pesto, or even creamy white sauce. Using a spoon or ladle, spread a thin and even layer of sauce onto the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. This will help to enhance the flavors of the toppings and keep the pizza moist during cooking.
Add cheese and toppings
After spreading the sauce, it’s time to add the cheese and toppings. Whether you prefer gooey mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or a combination of cheeses, evenly distribute them over the sauce. Then, add your chosen toppings, ensuring they are evenly distributed to ensure every bite is flavorful. Make sure not to overload the pizza with too many toppings to avoid a soggy crust. Remember, less is often more when it comes to pizza toppings.
Leave space for expansion
As you add your toppings, it’s important to leave some space around the edges of the pizza to allow for expansion during cooking. Leaving this space ensures that the toppings and cheese don’t spill over the sides and interfere with the Instant Pot’s sealing. It also helps to create a perfectly cooked crust with a slight crispiness. Be mindful not to overload the pizza with too many toppings, as they can become too heavy and cause the pizza to collapse.
Cooking the Pizza
Place the pizza in the Instant Pot
With the assembly complete, it’s time to place the pizza into the Instant Pot. Carefully lift the assembled pizza and gently transfer it onto the prepared parchment paper in the preheated inner pot. Make sure the pizza is centered and does not touch the sides of the Instant Pot. This ensures even cooking and prevents the crust from becoming soggy. Take a moment to ensure the pizza is sitting flat and is not folded or overlapped.
Add water to create steam
To create the ideal cooking environment for pizza in the Instant Pot, it’s important to add water to the pot. Adding water helps to create steam, which aids in cooking the pizza more efficiently. Pour about 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot, taking care not to pour it directly onto the pizza. The water will create steam as it heats up, which helps to cook the pizza evenly and keeps the crust moist and tender.
Close the lid and set the cooking time
Once the pizza is in the Instant Pot and the water has been added, it’s time to close the lid and set the cooking time. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring it is securely locked into place. Depending on the thickness and size of the pizza, as well as your desired level of doneness, set the cooking time accordingly. A general guideline for cooking pizza in the Instant Pot is around 10 to 15 minutes on the manual or pressure cook setting. The exact cooking time may vary, so it’s essential to monitor the pizza closely and adjust as needed.
Allow the Instant Pot to natural release
After the cooking time has elapsed, it’s important to allow the Instant Pot to natural release. Natural release refers to letting the pressure inside the Instant Pot decrease naturally without manually releasing it. This process allows the pizza to continue cooking in residual heat and helps to prevent the toppings from spilling over or the crust from collapsing. Depending on the Instant Pot model and the thickness of the pizza, natural release can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.
Removing and Serving the Pizza
Carefully remove the pizza from the Instant Pot
Once the natural release is complete, it’s time to carefully remove the pizza from the Instant Pot. Open the lid of the Instant Pot and use oven mitts or silicone gloves to handle the hot inner pot. Slowly and gently lift the pizza out of the pot using a large spatula or pizza peel, ensuring the crust remains intact. Be cautious as the pizza and Instant Pot will still be hot. Place the pizza onto a cutting board or pizza stone to allow it to cool slightly before slicing.
Let it cool for a few minutes
Before diving into your freshly cooked pizza, it’s important to let it cool for a few minutes. This cooling period allows the cheese to set and prevents the toppings from sliding off. Additionally, it gives the crust a chance to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Use this time to gather your favorite pizza condiments and prepare for the delicious moment of sinking your teeth into the mouthwatering creation you’ve just made.
Slice and serve
Once the pizza has cooled slightly, it’s time to slice and serve. Use a sharp pizza knife or pizza cutter to slice the pizza into desired portions. Whether you prefer traditional triangular slices or square slices, this step is where you can get creative. Carefully transfer the slices onto serving plates or a large pizza paddle, ensuring they maintain their shape. Get ready to enjoy the homemade goodness of your Instant Pot pizza, savoring each bite and sharing the joy with those around you.
