Yes, you can cook a pizza in the oven without a pan! While using a pizza pan or stone is a common way to cook pizza, it is not the only method. Here's how you can do it without a pan:
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to the temperature recommended on the pizza packaging or in your recipe. This is usually around 450-500°F (230-260°C).
Prepare the pizza dough: If you're using store-bought pizza dough, follow the instructions on the packaging to shape and stretch it into your desired pizza size. Alternatively, you can make your own pizza dough at home.
Prepare the pizza toppings: Arrange your desired toppings on the stretched pizza dough. Add tomato sauce, cheese, vegetables, meats, or any other ingredients you like.
Transfer to the oven: Since you don't have a pan, you'll place the pizza directly on the oven rack. Be sure to put a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil on the oven rack to prevent the dough from sticking or dripping through the gaps.
Bake the pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the oven rack with the parchment paper or foil underneath. Bake the pizza according to the recommended time and temperature for your specific pizza recipe, usually around 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Monitor the cooking process: Keep an eye on the pizza while it cooks to avoid burning or overcooking. You might want to rotate the pizza halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Remove and let it cool: Once the pizza is done, use oven mitts to carefully remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Remember, without a pan or stone, the bottom of the pizza may not get as crispy as it would with a pan, but it should still turn out delicious. Be cautious when transferring the pizza in and out of the oven to avoid burns, and use oven mitts to handle the hot baking sheet or parchment paper.