Can You Bake Pizza on Silpat? Yes, You Can! Here’s What You Need to Know

Good news!

You can use plenty of methods to get the best pizza results from the comfort of your home.

But what about silicone baking mats? Can you bake pizza on Silpat? And is it worth it?

Silicone baking mats are among the best and cheapest ways to recreate wood-fired pizzas in your kitchen without investing in a new oven.

Who doesn’t like a crunchy pizza?

Of those that come out of the oven crispy on the outside but soft on the inside? 

If you have tried different techniques, including using parchment paper, and none satisfied you, you may enjoy this essential guide on baking pizza on a Silpat.

Let’s get started!

What is a Silpat?

A Silpat is a non-stick baking mat made from a combination of fiberglass mesh and food-grade silicone. The silicone material provides a non-stick surface, while the fiberglass mesh helps evenly distribute heat across the mat, ensuring uniform cooking or baking. Silpats are typically used as a reusable and eco-friendly alternative to parchment paper or aluminum foil in various baking and cooking applications.

Silpat mats can withstand high temperatures, usually up to 480°F (250°C), making them suitable for baking a wide range of items, such as cookies, pastries, pizza, bread, and more. They can also be used for tasks like rolling out dough or working with sticky materials like caramel and sugar.

A French baker named Guy Demarle invented the Silpat over 50 years ago during his journey to bake the perfect baguette. 

A Silpat is a flexible non-stick baking mat consisting of a food grade silicone and fiberglass mesh mixture. 

This non-stick baking liner comes in different shapes and sizes and is placed on a baking sheet to create a non-stick surface for anything you bake in the oven.  

Can You Bake Pizza on a Silpat?

Yes, you can bake pizza on a Silpat, which is a non-stick silicone baking mat. Silpats are designed to withstand high temperatures and are often used for baking various items, including pizza. They provide a non-stick surface that helps prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the baking tray or stone.

To bake pizza on a Silpat:

1. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for your pizza recipe, usually between 450-480°F (232-250°C).
2. Roll out your pizza dough to the desired thickness and shape it into a circle or rectangle, depending on the size and shape of your Silpat and baking tray.
3. Transfer the shaped dough onto the Silpat, which should be placed on a baking tray or a pizza stone for even heat distribution.
4. Add your desired toppings to the pizza dough.
5. Place the baking tray or pizza stone with the Silpat and the pizza into the preheated oven.
6. Bake the pizza for the recommended time in your recipe, usually 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remember that baking times may vary depending on the thickness of your pizza crust and the specific recipe you are using. Always monitor your pizza as it bakes to prevent overcooking or burning.

There are several methods you can use to make great pizza at home.

Some work better than others.

A Silpat can be a life savior if you like to bake and don’t want to invest in a pizza stone or more expensive equipment.  Pizza mats can also be a more environment-friendly alternative to parchment paper.

The Perfect Pizza Silpat is a silicone mat for baking pizza in your home oven. And no, don’t worry, they won’t melt.

Perfect Pizza by Silpat

The Silpat is perforated to allow airflow under the pizza during baking, ensuring even cooking, consistent heat distribution, and maximum heat circulation.

Because of its food-grade silicone material, nothing gets stuck to the Silpat, meaning you won’t need to grease it with any butter or expensive olive oil, making it more calories-friendly. 

Plus, it is super easy to clean (more on that later). Plus, silicone baking mats contribute to creating the delicious pizza crust we all love.

Are Silicone Mats Better than Parchment Paper?

Silicone mats and parchment paper have advantages and disadvantages, and which one is better depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the task at hand. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Silicone Mats (Silpat):

• Reusable: Silicone mats can be used multiple times, making them an eco-friendly option compared to single-use parchment paper.
• Non-stick surface: Silicone mats have an excellent non-stick surface that can reduce the need for greasing or additional oil.
• Even heat distribution: The fiberglass mesh in silicone mats provides even heat distribution, which can result in more consistent baking.
• Durable: High-quality silicone mats are built to last and can withstand various temperatures.

However, silicone mats are more expensive than parchment paper and can be bulkier to store.

Parchment Paper:

• Disposable: Parchment paper is designed for single use, which can be more convenient for certain applications, such as when you need to dispose of the paper and any residue or mess.
• Versatility: Parchment paper can be used for various purposes, such as lining baking sheets, wrapping food, and even cooking en papillote (a cooking method in which food is placed inside a folded pouch and then baked).
• Easy storage: Parchment paper is usually sold in rolls or pre-cut sheets, making it easy to store in a drawer or cupboard.
• Lower cost: Parchment paper is generally less expensive than silicone mats.

However, parchment paper is not as eco-friendly as silicone mats since it is single-use and doesn’t provide the same heat distribution.

Silicone mats are generally better for repeated use, even heat distribution, and eco-friendliness, while parchment paper is more convenient for disposable, versatile, and budget-friendly applications. Choose the one that best fits your specific needs and preferences.

What Is the Maximum Temperature You Can Use A Silpat?

Silpats are heat resistant and can withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 450F. Their food-grade silicone makes them safe and non-toxic for pizza making, so don’t worry if you have children. 

They are a suitable baking surface for any baked goods.

Remember not to put the pizza mat directly on the grill racks, as they might get too hot or make the food drip over the edges.

Can You Bake Pizza on Silpat?

Silicone baking mats facilitate your life when it comes to baking.

So, to give you a simple answer, yes, it is possible to bake pizza on Silpat. 

Not only is it a more environmentally friendly alternative to parchment paper, but its nonstick surface will also contribute to helping you bake crispy and delicious pizzas without having them stick to the baking sheet or metal pan.

Can You Use Silpat On Pizza Stone?

You can use a Silpat on a pizza stone. Heat the pizza stone as usual and slide the Silpat onto the hot stone. Place your unbaked pizza on top.

For crispier pizzas, we recommend brushing the crust with olive oil and you pull out the Silpat to allow the pizza to cook directly from the baking stone. 

Do so for the last minute of cooking (once the cheese is melted and has a golden brown crust).

However, we do know that this step might be annoying.

Generally, a Silpat should make your life easier when baking, which is why most people use them on the pizza stone to transfer the raw pizza dough to the oven without using a pizza peel.

How Does a Silpat or a Silicone Pizza Mat Compare to a Pizza Stone?

If you like a crispier crust, a pizza stone will do a much better job.

Of course, it is a slightly higher investment, meaning you may want to consider how often you will use it.

Also, remember that when using a pizza stone, you’ll probably have to buy a pizza peel.

Instead, while a silicone mat might not reach the same crispiness, it is much easier to use. Indeed, you won’t need to pre-heat it or worry about how to transfer the pizza on top.

You could assemble your pizza dough and the rest of the ingredients directly on the pizza mat and slide it into the oven on a pan. That’s how easy it is!

Of course, as with anything in life, not everything is perfect.

A considerable disadvantage of silicone baking mats is that they don’t withstand as much heat as a baking stone, meaning you won’t get the same results.

While the Silpat can cook a perfect pizza evenly (which is better than using a pan), you’ll have to set your oven to the maximum temperature for crispier results.

Typically, that means reaching around 550 to 600 F, too high for a Silpat.

Can I Use Silpat On Pizza Steel?

You can use a silicone baking mat on a pizza stone, but you could also use it on pizza steel.

However, it is not worth double investing in both tools. If you have the money and bake frequently, you should purchase a pizza stone or steel instead.

How Does a Silpat or a Silicone Pizza Mat Compare to a Pizza Steel?

While pizza steels are not as popular as pizza stones, they are excellent tools for creating crunchy homemade pizzas. They are slightly more expensive, but they are worth the price.

For frequent pizza makers, we would advise getting pizza steel. If you only bake occasionally, a silicone pizza mat will do the job (and it will do a great job!).

Here is What the PROs at Homemade Pizza Pro Use and Recommend

How To Use Silicone Pizza Pan

Using a silicone pizza mat is very simple. Preheat the oven to 400-450F and assemble your pizza directly on the silicone mat.

Once you notice the cheese is melting and the crispy crust is getting gold, take the mat out, transfer your pizza to a serving plate, and get ready to eat!

Do You Need a Silicone Pizza Mat?

Whether you need a silicone pizza mat depends on how often you intend to bake. 

As mentioned, Silpat mats are more environmentally friendly than parchment paper, more affordable than an expensive stone, and you can reuse them indefinitely.

Plus, in addition to baking pizzas, you can use them for other purposes, such as baking cookies, bread, or anything that doesn’t require very high temperatures.

However, if you are a pizza enthusiast who likes crispy pizza dough, Silpat mats might not be your best option. 

On the other hand, if you are looking for an easy-to-use tool to facilitate your life when baking pizza (without spending too much), a silicone pizza mat will be your life savior.

Can Silpat Be Used On A Cast Iron Pizza Pan?

While Silpats can withstand heat and protect your surfaces from direct burns, you should not use them directly with a heating element. 

So, if you plan to use them on a hot cast-iron pizza pan, you should avoid that. Instead, use it on a metal pan to slide into the oven rack.

Can You Use a Pizza Cutter with a Silpat?

It would be best to avoid using a pizza cutter on your silicone mate to prevent it from breaking or ruining. 

Instead, once you’ve baked your pizza, slide it onto a serving tray and do your cutting from there. As a rule, try not to use metal tools on your pizza mat.

Can you use a Silpat on a Grill for Pizza?

Again, never use a silicone pizza mat on the grill, as it won’t withstand the temperature. To grill pizza, use a pizza stone or pizza steel.

Can the Silpat Be Placed Directly On the Oven Rack?

The same applies to placing your Silpat directly on the oven rack. It will not only ruin your tool, as it shouldn’t get into contact with direct heat, but it will also cause most of your pizza’s ingredients to fall.

It is best to take a pan and place your mat on it before sliding it into the oven rack.

Can You Use a Silpat with an Ooni Oven?

It would be best not to use a Silpat with any Ooni oven. These ovens reach temperatures of over 900F, and the Silpat will not resist such temperatures, and it will melt.

How to Clean Silicone Baking Mats

How to Clean a Silpat

While relatively cheap, you must take good care of your silicone mat to make the most out of it. One of the best things about these silicone mats is that they are easy to clean and maintain. 

To ensure your Silpat will last long and give you the best pizzas, remember to:

1. Clean the silicone mat with warm water and some dish soap. Rinse it well to avoid your pizza tasting like soap.
2. Allow it to air dry, preferably overnight.
3. If the stains are hard to remove, consider rubbing some baking soda over your wet mat and let it dry for about 20 minutes before rinsing it with hot water.

Tips on Using Silicone Mats

As you might be aware, using a Silpat is no rocket science.

Remembering that you should never use it directly to a heat source might be worth reminding you.

Additionally, don’t forget to wait until your food has cooled a little before lifting it off the mat from the pad and sliding it off a cutting board.

The best part?

There will be zero residues, and you’ll have to rinse the mat as described above. Do you see how easy is to clean silicone mats?

The best recommendation we can suggest to use a Silpat for pizza is a perforated baking sheet. This will allow the oven’s direct heat to contact the Silpat baking mat.

Best Silicone Pizza Mat – Original Silpat from France

The original non-stick baking Silpat Perfect Pizza mat comes from France. If you want to ensure your silicone mat is high quality and will last long, you should consider purchasing this Silpat. 

While it might cost slightly more than other versions, you’ll be guaranteed an impeccable performance. Look for the “Made in France” marking to eliminate doubts about your purchase.

Silpat also makes other silicone bakeware, silicone molds, and rectangular mats as well.

Here is the recommended perforated baking sheet:

If the Silpat is out of your reach, you can check this affordable option from Baker Boutique.

Additional Resources on Pizza Accessories

The Last Slice

Hopefully, this essential guide helped you learn how to use a Silpat. Also, you should know the advantages and drawbacks of using a silicone pizza mat. 

Remember, this nonstick pizza mat is the perfect tool to replace parchment paper and a sheet pan and will work with any pizza recipe. 

You now know how to make the most of this convenient mat. If you are new to the world of making homemade pizza, consider getting one to start your journey to become a fantastic pizza maker and be the master of the pizza night.

Don’t despair if your pizza doesn’t appear perfect on the first try. Remember that practice makes the master!

Enjoy!

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