Cooking a Tombstone pizza the right way makes a huge difference in taste, crispiness, and cheese melt. Tombstone pizzas are designed to cook fast and evenly, but oven type, temperature accuracy, and toppings can all change the final timing. This full guide explains exact baking times, oven settings, crispiness levels, air fryer instructions, toaster oven differences, common mistakes, and tips to get the best texture every single time.
Whether you like your pizza soft, crispy, extra cheesy, or golden brown, this guide covers everything.
⭐ Quick Answer: How Long to Cook a Tombstone Pizza
➡️ Bake Tombstone pizza at 400°F for 18–21 minutes.
| Pizza Type | Oven Temp | Bake Time |
|---|---|---|
| Original Tombstone Pizza | 400°F | 18–21 minutes |
| Tombstone Thin Crust | 400°F | 15–18 minutes |
| Tombstone Garlic Bread Crust | 400°F | 17–20 minutes |
| Tombstone Loaded / 5 Cheese | 400°F | 18–22 minutes |
When is it done?
- Cheese fully melted
- Crust golden brown
- Center hot and bubbling
- Bottom crisp not soft
🍕 Tombstone Pizza Box Instructions (Standard)
All Tombstone pizzas follow the same basic cooking steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) — don’t skip this.
- Remove pizza from all packaging.
- Place pizza directly on the center oven rack.
- Bake 18–21 minutes.
- Remove when cheese is melted and edges are crisp.
- Rest 2–3 minutes before slicing.
Putting the pizza directly on the rack is the key to a crisp crust.
🔥 Why Tombstone Pizza Cooks at 400°F
400°F is high enough to:
- Crisp the crust
- Melt cheese evenly
- Prevent soggy centers
- Cook the pizza fast
Lower temperatures make the crust soft. Higher temperatures may burn the edges before the center is hot.
🍽️ How to Make Tombstone Pizza Crispy
If you want a crispier pizza, try these tips:
✔ Bake directly on the oven rack
No pan. No baking sheet.
✔ Extend baking time by 1–3 minutes
Don’t go past 23 minutes.
✔ Use a pizza stone or steel
Preheat stone for 20 minutes → perfect crisp bottom.
✔ Avoid adding too many toppings
Heavy toppings slow cooking.
✔ Rotate the pizza halfway
Even browning.
🧀 How to Make It Soft and Chewy Instead
Some people prefer a softer Tombstone pizza.
✔ Bake on a baking sheet
It blocks direct heat.
✔ Reduce bake time slightly
16–18 minutes.
✔ Tent loosely with foil (last 5 minutes)
Keeps cheese melty and crust softer.
🥖 Cooking Tombstone Pizza in a Toaster Oven
Toaster ovens cook faster and hotter.
Bake at: 400°F for 15–18 minutes
Use a tray, not the rack, to prevent accidents.
Check for doneness early to avoid burnt edges.
🍳 How to Cook Tombstone Pizza in an Air Fryer
Air fryers cook faster and give a crispy finish.
Air Fry at: 370°F for 9–12 minutes
Steps:
- Preheat air fryer for 3 minutes.
- Cook pizza directly in basket (cut in half if needed).
- Check at 8 minutes.
Perfect for small air fryers and faster meals.
🔥 Cooking Tombstone Pizza on a Grill
Grilling adds a smoky, crisp flavor.
Gas Grill: 450°F for 12–15 minutes
Charcoal Grill: 450–500°F, 10–14 minutes
Place pizza directly on grill grates or on a pizza stone.
Rotate every 4–5 minutes to prevent burning.
🍕 Internal Temperature for Perfectly Cooked Pizza
Fully cooked pizza should reach:
165°F (74°C) in the center
This ensures:
- Cheese fully melted
- Crust fully baked
- Toppings warmed through
Use a quick-read thermometer if you want total accuracy.
📏 Cooking Time by Oven Type
| Oven Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Gas Oven | 400°F | 18–21 mins |
| Standard Electric Oven | 400°F | 18–21 mins |
| Convection Oven | 375°F | 15–18 mins |
| Toaster Oven | 400°F | 15–18 mins |
| Air Fryer | 370°F | 9–12 mins |
| Grill (Gas) | 450°F | 12–15 mins |
Convection ovens cook faster because the fan circulates hot air.
🍕 Tips for the Best Tombstone Pizza
✔ Always preheat your oven
Cold ovens make soggy pizza.
✔ Don’t thaw the pizza
Cook straight from frozen.
✔ Let it rest 2–3 minutes after baking
Keeps cheese in place.
✔ Don’t overload with toppings
Too much moisture = soggy crust.
✔ Bake in the center rack
Best heat distribution.
✔ Use parchment paper only for the FIRST 10 minutes
Otherwise it can burn.
✔ If edges brown too fast, cover loosely with foil
Prevent burning without softening the whole pizza.
🍽️ What to Serve With Tombstone Pizza
Add-ons that elevate the meal:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Ranch dip
- Hot honey drizzle
- Parmesan and chili flakes
- Mozzarella sticks
- French fries
- A simple green salad
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Fridge:
Store slices for 3–4 days in airtight container.
Freeze leftovers:
Yes — freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat options:
Oven: 375°F for 8–10 min
Air Fryer: 350°F for 3–4 min
Skillet: Medium heat, 5–6 min with lid
Microwave: 40–60 sec (soft crust)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cook Tombstone pizza at 425°F?
Yes, but reduce cook time to 14–17 minutes.
2. Can I put a Tombstone pizza on a pizza stone?
Yes. Preheat stone first for a super crispy bottom.
3. Why is the cheese browning too fast?
Oven too hot or too close to top heating element.
4. Can I cook it on aluminum foil?
Yes, but foil reduces crispiness.
5. Why is my pizza soggy in the middle?
- Oven not preheated
- Too many toppings
- Pizza baked on a pan instead of rack
6. Should I flip the pizza?
Never. It will ruin the toppings.
7. Can I add fresh toppings before baking?
Yes — but pat them dry to avoid extra moisture.
8. Should I rotate the pizza?
Yes, halfway through for even browning.
⭐ Final Clear Answer
Cook a Tombstone pizza at 400°F for 18–21 minutes.
Place it directly on the center oven rack, bake until cheese melts and crust is golden, and rest 2–3 minutes before slicing. Adjust time slightly depending on oven type and desired crispiness.
