Yes, you can cook a pizza in the oven without a pan. It's possible to bake a pizza directly on the oven rack or using a pizza stone to achieve a crispy crust. Here's how you can do it:
Preheat your oven: Set your oven to the desired temperature for baking the pizza. Typically, this would be around 450°F (230°C) to 500°F (260°C).
Prepare the pizza: Assemble your pizza on a pizza peel, a large cutting board, or a flat, sturdy surface. You can use a store-bought or homemade pizza dough and add your preferred sauce, cheese, and toppings.
Use parchment paper or cornmeal (optional): To help prevent the pizza from sticking to the oven rack or stone, you can place the pizza on parchment paper or sprinkle some cornmeal on the surface where you'll slide the pizza into the oven.
Slide the pizza into the oven: If using parchment paper or cornmeal, carefully slide the pizza onto the oven rack or preheated pizza stone. If you don't have a pizza stone, you can bake it directly on the oven rack. Be cautious when handling the hot oven rack or stone.
Bake the pizza: Allow the pizza to bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 to 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Remove and let it cool: Once the pizza is done, use a pizza peel or oven mitts to carefully remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.
Baking a pizza directly on the oven rack or a pizza stone can result in a crispier crust compared to using a pan. Just be cautious when transferring the pizza to and from the oven to avoid burns or mishaps.
Remember that oven temperatures and cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on your pizza to avoid overcooking or burning. Additionally, be mindful of any toppings that may drip through the oven rack and cause a mess, so it's a good idea to place a baking sheet or aluminum foil on the rack below to catch any spills.