Papa Murphy’s is known for selling uncooked, take-and-bake pizzas that customers can conveniently finish cooking at home. This differentiates them from traditional pizza chains like Pizza Hut or Domino’s that deliver hot, fully cooked pizzas to your door. So a common question many people have is: Does Papa Murphy’s actually cook the pizza for you if you want, or do you have to bake it yourself no matter what?
The Short Answer
No, Papa Murphy’s does not cook or bake pizzas for customers under any circumstances. All of their pizzas are sold raw and uncooked. The customer is responsible for cooking the pizza at home before eating it. This take-and-bake model is central to their business.
The Long Answer
Here are some key reasons why Papa Murphy’s does not offer any in-store cooking or baking options for their pizzas:
- It allows for faster service and ordering. Since there is no cooking involved, customers can get in and out of the store quickly.
- The take-and-bake model reduces labor costs. They don’t need ovens or cooks in the store.
- It enhances the convenience factor. Customers can bake the pizza whenever they want at the desired temperature and doneness.
- The lack of in-store cooking allows them to open up smaller footprint locations compared to other pizza chains.
- Take-and-bake pizzas have a longer shelf life and stay fresher longer since they are uncooked.
- The model gives customers more flexibility and control over customizing their pizza.
The take-and-bake concept has been core to Papa Murphy’s identity since they first opened in 1981. Their original and still official company name is actually “Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza.” So they have built their entire brand and reputation around this model.
What Does Papa Murphy’s Offer Instead?
Even though Papa Murphy’s does not do any in-store baking, they still aim to provide a convenient, customized pizza experience through the following:
- Fresh dough made daily. All Papa Murphy’s locations make fresh original dough in-store every day.
- Raw ingredients. The pizzas are assembled with fresh raw ingredients like raw meats, shredded cheese, and chopped vegetables.
- Quick assembly. Employees will promptly assemble your customized pizza with your choice of sauces, meats, cheeses, and toppings.
- Take-and-bake packaging. The uncooked pizzas are packaged in take-and-bake boxes for transporting home.
- Baking instructions. The package includes instructions on how to perfectly cook the pizza at home.
- Oven hotline. You can call their baking hotline anytime for free advice on cooking temperatures and timing.
So in summary, while Papa Murphy’s won’t actually bake the pizza for you, they still aim to provide a quick, convenient, customized pizza experience through their take-and-bake model.
Tips for Cooking a Papa Murphy’s Pizza
Here are some top tips to follow when cooking a pizza from Papa Murphy’s at home:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F before baking.
- Cook the pizza directly on the oven rack if possible. The crispy bottom will have the best texture.
- Put foil or a baking sheet on a lower rack to catch any cheese or sauce drips while cooking.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes for a crispy crust. Check periodically to avoid burning.
- Let the pizza sit for 1-2 minutes out of the oven before cutting and serving.
- Add any extra fresh toppings right before serving once cooked.
- Use a pizza stone or cast iron pizza pan for an extra crispy crust.
- Try convection baking for faster, more even cooking.
Following the included instructions closely and using the right baking temps will result in a hot, fresh-tasting pizza with Papa Murphy’s signature flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t Papa Murphy’s cook their pizzas?
Papa Murphy’s entire business model centers around their take-and-bake concept. Cooking the pizzas in-store would go against their brand identity and no longer provide the same level of convenience, customization, and quality.
Can you ask them to bake it for you?
No, there is no option to have Papa Murphy’s employees bake a pizza for you. All pizzas must leave the store raw and uncooked.
Do you have to bake it at home?
Yes, you (the customer) are fully responsible for cooking the pizza at home in your own oven before eating it. The pizzas from Papa Murphy’s are not pre-cooked at all.
What if I don’t have an oven at home?
Since access to a full oven is required, Papa Murphy’s may not be the best option if you don’t have an oven at home. Some alternatives would be getting a pre-cooked pizza delivered or buying a ready-to-eat pizza from a grocery store deli.
Can I microwave a Papa Murphy’s pizza?
Microwaving is not recommended. While you can technically microwave it, the crust and texture will become rubbery and soft. Baking in a traditional oven is best to make the crust crispy.
How long does an uncooked Papa Murphy’s pizza last?
An uncooked pizza from Papa Murphy’s will typically last 5-7 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. The expiry date is printed on the box.
Nutrition Information
Here is some nutrition information on Papa Murphy’s pizzas:
| Pizza | Calories (1 Slice) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese | 220 | 23 | 10 |
| Pepperoni | 240 | 24 | 11 |
| Veggie | 210 | 26 | 8 |
| Hawaiian | 230 | 25 | 10 |
As you can see, a single slice of Papa Murphy’s pizza ranges from about 210 to 240 calories. The number of carbs and protein varies slightly depending on the toppings. In general, their pizzas provide a tasty dose of protein, carbs, calcium, and antioxidants from the fresh vegetables.
Prices
Papa Murphy’s offers affordable take-and-bake pizza prices. Here is an overview of their pricing:
- Cheese pizzas start around $7 for a mini, $10 for a small, $13 for a medium, and $16 for a large.
- Specialty pizzas with more toppings are 1-3 dollars more per size.
- They run frequent special offers like 25% off, 2-for-1 deals, and family packs.
- Sides like chicken strips and cinnamon wheels cost around $5 each.
- Salads start at $4 for a mini and $8 for a large.
Overall, their take-and-bake pizzas provide excellent value compared to delivery chains. You can easily feed a family with a couple large pizzas for under $30.
Conclusion
Papa Murphy’s sticks to their unique take-and-bake concept and does not offer any in-store baking for customers. When you buy a pizza there, it will always come raw and uncooked. While this requires an extra baking step at home, it also provides maximum freshness, flexibility, and customization. Their convenient, affordable pizzas make it worth the extra few minutes in your own oven. Just be sure to follow their instructions closely for pizza baked just the way you like it.