I’ll be honest with you – a pizza stone is going to be your number one option for baking pizza. So, if you’re planning to make pizzas regularly, don’t hesitate to splurge on a pizza stone. But what if you don’t have one and you need to make a pizza now? Are you out of luck?
The good news is, there are many substitutes for pizza stones. The number one is a baking sheet since almost everyone has a baking sheet in their kitchen’s arsenal. You can also use cast iron skillets, pizza steels, dutch ovens, and cake tins to get the job done.
Hey, there! My name is Michelle and while I love using my pizza stone, I wasn’t always the proud owner of this handy tool. That said, I have worked with several of these methods and they work like a charm.
Let’s discuss the best substitutes for pizza stones!
7 Best Pizza Stone Alternatives
As I mentioned above, I highly recommend buying a pizza stone. Pizza stones are specifically designed to create a beautiful, lightweight, and crispy crust as you’d find in a professional pizza joint. In the meantime, you can use one of these fab substitutes.
1. Pizza Steel
Pizza steel is immensely similar to a pizza stone but with a few added benefits. For one, pizza steel (also known as baking steel) isn’t prone to cracking or shattering like a pizza stone. It’s also noticeably easier to clean.
2. Baking Sheet
Another top-notch substitute is a baking sheet. I’ve never met anyone that didn’t own a baking sheet, making it a cheap and handy alternative to pizza stones.
Baking sheets can be used for just about anything, whether you’re baking cookies or roasting vegetables. Well, it can be made to bake pizza, too.
All you need to do is flip your baking sheet upside down and stick it on the lower rack while the oven heats up. Then, slide your pizza right on top as you would a pizza stone or pizza steel. The end result is spectacular.
3. Cast Iron Skillet
Another item most people own is a cast-iron skillet. While we tend to use this handy object for cooking omelets or pan-frying fish filets, it can also be a viable substitute for pizza stones.
When using a cast-iron skillet, you can cook the pizza right on the stove or place it inside the oven. Just make sure that the cast iron skillet is oven-safe before doing so.
Keep in mind that a pizza made in a cast-iron skillet is going to be smaller than those baked in a pizza stone, pizza steel, baking sheet, etc. But who doesn’t love personal pan pizzas? Make several for the whole family to enjoy!
4. Dutch Oven
A bit larger than your cast iron skillet but still a viable option is a Dutch oven. Dutch ovens are known for their ability to conduct heat impressively, which means you will get some nice, crispy crust in the end.
Keep in mind that Dutch ovens tend to be big and fairly bulky, though. This can make it a bit more challenging to place your pizza dough inside and take the Dutch oven in and out of the oven.
5. Cake Tin
If you don’t own a cake tin by now, you should – especially if you’re planning to regularly visit our baking blog! Cake tins are really cheap, so they won’t put a dent in your budget. Not only that, but they’re great for baking all types of cakes.
But let’s get back to the subject of baking pizza and not cake. Your cake tin can come in handy when you don’t have a pizza stone to use. All you need to do is flip the cake tin upside down to maximize your surface area and have an easier time sliding the pizza on and off.
The cool thing about cake tins is that they are surprisingly similar to pizza pans, which are a great alternative to pizza stones, too. Turned upside down, a cake tin will look and function like a pizza pan. Why not get both?
6. Grill
Not everyone has a wood fire pizza oven in their backyard. (And if you do, we are insanely jealous). If you don’t have one of these beautiful tools, I highly recommend saving up for one. They can create pizza you’ve never tasted before.
In the meantime, you can simply use your trusty grill. You won’t achieve the same smoky goodness, but there is something about a perfectly charred crust that will leave you swooning. Give it a try instead of using a pizza stone and the oven.
7. DIY Pizza Stone
Now, I will be honest and say that I am not very crafty; especially when it comes to making something like this. But if you’re someone who loves to DIY, why not consider making your own pizza stone? Most are made using unglazed quarry tiles and a little hard work.
FAQs
Pizza stones work like magic, but they’re not essential. You can still make some of the best pizzas of your life without them using a top-notch alternative. If you still have some questions about the best substitutes for a pizza stone, keep reading these FAQs.
What is better than a pizza stone?
Really, it depends on who you ask. Some people are lovers of pizza stones while others will say that pizza steels are the top dog. My take is that pizza stones are the best. However, it comes down to personal preference. Why not try both to see which one you think is the best?
Can I use a tile instead of a pizza stone?
Yes, you can use tile instead of a pizza stone to bake your pizzas. I have never done this before, though, so I can’t give a review on how well it works. If you’re looking to try it out, here is a great blog that can show you how to get it done. You can also make a pizza stone using tile.
What is the best material for a pizza stone?
Pizza stones can be made of various materials including clay, cast iron, ceramic, and cordierite. I say that clay, cast iron, and cordierite are the best materials as they are less prone to cracking. Ceramic tends to crack the most, so I wouldn’t recommend it.
Can I use granite as a pizza stone?
Yes, you can use granite as a pizza stone! Granite is fairly affordable and resistant to heat, making it a great option whether you’re baking pizzas in your oven or outside on your grill. A big bonus is that granite doesn’t rust and all you need to do is add some oil to it before baking.
Final Words
A pizza stone can be very handy, but it’s not necessary for baking pizzas. There are many substitutes for pizza stones, including pizza steels, baking sheets, cast iron skillets, dutch ovens, cake tins, grills, and even homemade pizza stones. All work like a charm!
Have you ever had to use a substitute for a pizza stone? Which one of these is your favorite? Did you use something else not listed? Share in the comment section below!
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