Buzz
The term 'naked pizza' might seem a bit puzzling or even daring at first. After all, the joy of pizza often comes from loading it up with toppings. So, why go without them? A naked pizza is more than just a bare crust—it's a base for all sorts of creative, alternative toppings. The method is simple, but ice cubes are essential.
Why You Should Try Making a Naked Pizza
At its core, a naked pizza is simply dough baked without any toppings—bare, unadorned, and nude. Toppings are usually added after baking, ranging from something light like a drizzle of garlic and olive oil to more elaborate additions like fresh pesto, shaved parmesan, and a pile of arugula salad with orange slices. This style of pizza is perfect for those who prefer a lighter, less cheesy option, or those avoiding the usual sauce-heavy slice.
It’s the perfect pizza for adding delicate toppings. Any ingredients that might struggle with the high heat of a 400°F oven can be added after the dough is baked. Think delicate cured meats like prosciutto, or thin slices of mortadella, along with fresh herbs or fruit that might burn in a blazing hot oven.
Why Ice Cubes Are Effective
The issue with baking pizza dough without toppings is that it lacks protection. Normally, the sauce and cheese create a moist barrier that helps keep the dough soft and pliable on top while allowing the bottom to crisp up. Without that protective layer, the dough’s surface dries out and becomes too crisp. While this won’t make it inedible, the texture won’t be right for any pizza, naked or not. Ice cubes protect the dough and add moisture without altering its flavor.
The ice cubes melt, creating a thin layer of water over the crust. This process offers a few benefits. As the water evaporates, it adds moisture to the oven, preventing a hard skin from forming before the dough has fully expanded. This promotes maximum 'oven spring,' the final rise of the dough in the oven. The crust remains moist on top, while the bottom crisps up. By the time the ice cubes have melted and the water has evaporated, the bottom of the pizza is fully cooked and the top stays tender.
How to Make a Naked Pizza
Prepare your pizza dough, whether homemade or store-bought. If you're using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions before stretching it into the shape you want.
Stretch the Dough
Carefully stretch the dough to your desired size, using the backs of your hands to avoid tearing it. Place the dough on a pizza peel dusted with flour, cornmeal, parchment paper, or even crushed potato chips to prevent sticking. You can also use a sheet pan, but keep in mind that thin metal pans can warp at high heat, whereas pizza stones or baking steels create a superior crust. If you don’t have either, a cast iron skillet works great as a backup.
Launch the pizza into the oven
Place three or four ice cubes in a bowl near the oven. You’ll want them ready so you can quickly top the pizza and seal the oven to keep the heat in. If you're using a pizza peel, slide the pizza onto the baking surface in the oven. Use an oven mitt to pull the rack out slightly, so you don’t need to reach too far into the oven.
Top the pizza with ice cubes
Spread the ice cubes evenly across the pizza, placing them a couple of inches from the edges. Gently press them into the dough to prevent them from sliding to the center. Push the rack back into the oven, close the door, and bake for about 12 minutes at 450°F, until the crust has risen and the edges have browned. The areas where the ice cubes were placed should be dry but not yet browned.
Carefully remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel, or by hand with a cutting board, and let it cool on a wire rack. Now it’s time to dress your naked pizza in something special. Try a salad pizza, a spread of cream cheese topped with lox and capers, or scatter some sliced persimmons and a ball of creamy burrata over the top.
