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What does a Pizza Cook do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A pizza cook is responsible for the preparation and cooking of pizzas in a restaurant. They may also be responsible for other menu items, such as salads and appetizers.

Pizza Cook job duties include:

  • Prepare all ingredients for pizza toppings and dough according to recipes
  • Preheat ovens and cook pizzas according to instructions
  • Check pizzas regularly to ensure they are cooking evenly
  • Remove pizzas from ovens when done and slice them into pieces
  • Place pizza slices on plates or in boxes for customers
  • Keep work area clean and sanitary at all times
  • Wash dishes and utensils used in pizza preparation
  • May be responsible for making some or all of the pizzas, depending on the size of the restaurant
  • May also be responsible for preparing other menu items such as salads, breadsticks, or chicken wings

Pizza Cook Job Requirements

Pizza cooks typically need at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and must complete a brief period of on-the-job training. Some states have certification programs for pizza cooks. Experience is not typically required.

Pizza Cook Skills

  • Pizza
  • Cooking
  • Chef
  • Pizza dough
  • Toppings
  • Sauce
  • Oven
  • Baking
  • Cooking time
  • Temperature
  • Cutting

Related: Top Pizza Cook Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Pizza Cook

Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world, and it’s no wonder why. A pizza is the perfect combination of doughy bread, savory sauce, and cheesy goodness, all topped off with your favorite toppings. Whether you like your pizza loaded with toppings or keep it simple with just cheese and pepperoni, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a slice (or two… or three).

If you love pizza as much as we do, then you might be interested in learning how to become a pizza cook. While it might seem like a daunting task, making pizza is actually quite simple – once you know the basics. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a pizza cook, from mixing the dough to topping the pie. So grab your apron and let’s get started!

The first step to becoming a pizza cook is to mix the dough. This is where a lot of people make their first mistake – they over-mix the dough, which results in a tough crust. To avoid this, only mix the dough until it comes together – there should be no dry flour remaining. Once the dough is mixed, place it on a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. Then, shape it into a ball and place it in a bowl that has been lightly coated with olive oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour.

Once the dough has doubled in size, it’s time to start prepping your toppings. If you’re using fresh ingredients like vegetables or meats, make sure to cook them before adding them to the pizza. Once everything is prepped, it’s time to start assembling your pies.

Start by stretching out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Then add your sauce and toppings – but don’t go overboard! Too many toppings will make your pizza difficult to eat and could cause it to collapse under its own weight. Once you’ve added your desired toppings, transfer the pizza to a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Bake your pizzas at a high temperature – around 500 degrees Fahrenheit – for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and bubbly. And that’s it! You’ve now officially mastered how to make pizza at home. Bon appetit!

Related: Pizza Cook Resume Example

Related: Pizza Cook Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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