If your pizza appears cooked on the outside but is still raw on the inside, it could be due to a few reasons:
Temperature and cooking time: The oven temperature and cooking time might not have been sufficient to cook the pizza thoroughly. It's possible that the oven temperature was too low or the cooking time was too short, resulting in an unevenly cooked pizza.
Pizza thickness: The thickness of the pizza can affect the cooking time. If the crust is thick or if there are multiple layers of toppings, it may take longer for the heat to reach the center of the pizza, resulting in an undercooked interior.
Oven calibration: Ovens can sometimes be inconsistent in their temperature distribution. It's possible that your oven has hot spots or uneven heat distribution, causing the outer layer of the pizza to cook faster than the inside.
To ensure your pizza is cooked properly, here are a few tips:
Preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is preheated to the recommended temperature before placing the pizza inside. This helps to ensure even cooking.
Adjust cooking time: If you're using a homemade or thicker pizza, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Follow the recipe or packaging instructions, but if necessary, extend the cooking time to ensure the center is cooked through.
Use a pizza stone or baking sheet: Using a pizza stone or baking sheet can help distribute the heat more evenly and result in a better-cooked pizza. Preheat the stone or sheet before placing the pizza on it.
Monitor the cooking process: Keep an eye on the pizza while it's cooking. If you notice that the crust is browning too quickly while the center is still raw, you can cover the top of the pizza with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while allowing the center to cook.
Remember, cooking times and temperatures can vary depending on the type of pizza and the oven you're using, so it may take a bit of trial and error to achieve the desired results.