Pizza is one of the most loved meals in the world. And for a good reason. It’s delicious, easy to make, and ideal for large or small gatherings.
There are, however, times when cutting pizza crust becomes difficult. This is due to its thickness and softness. That’s why it’s crucial to have pizza cutters at all times. They’re essential kitchen tools that come in handy when cutting pizza crusts.
But cutting pizza without a cutter can be tricky, especially if you’re a beginner chef. So before starting a pizza baking journey, let’s understand the best pizza-cutting tools you can use to slice pizza crusts easily.
Chef’s Knife
The chef’s knife is an excellent choice for cutting pizza. As it gives you control over your cuts and is less likely to damage the pizza plate or board, it’s a perfect choice for those looking to make perfect slices of pizza.
To use a chef’s knife, score the crust to mark out slices, then slice from one notch to the other.
If a chef’s knife is unavailable, other options include a Swiss Army Knife, Exacto Blade, Paint Scraper or Spatula, Paper Trimmer, Circular Saw, Fabric Wheel Cutter, or even a Paring Knife can be used.
The best way to avoid damaging the pizza crust is to use a sharp blade for precise cuts. Cleaning your blade correctly after every use is vital to keep it sharp.
An excellent way to clean a chef’s knife is by wiping it with oil after each use and storing it in a dry place when not in use.
Scissors
Scissors are an excellent alternative for cutting pizza as they provide much control and are less likely to damage the pizza plate, pan, or board.
Use scissors to cut pizza, use a pair of kitchen shears to grip the pizza crust, and provide height. Cut through the crust on one side of the pizza, then carefully fold it to resemble a semicircle.
Use scissors to cut the crust down the middle in equal halves, ensuring even slices. Hold down the edge of the crust with one hand while cutting with the other for even slices.
This method works well with any pizza crust but is exceptionally efficient when using a crust with a diameter larger than 5 inches (12.7 centimeters).
Cut through the crust on one side of the pizza to ensure even slices, then carefully fold it to resemble a semicircle.
Butcher’s Knife
A butcher’s knife is an excellent alternative to scissors for cutting pizza into smaller pieces. This tool is designed for cutting meat, so it’s heavy and durable enough to handle the added force of cutting pizza. The blade is sharp and curved, making it ideal for cutting pizza without damaging the dough or toppings.
Another benefit of a butcher’s knife is that it’s easier to use than pizza scissors in most situations.
After all, thicker pizza slices require more effort to cut with scissors, whereas a sharp chef’s knife is easy to control. You can use the knife in one chop to quickly slice the pizza into halves or smaller pieces.
Paring Knife
A paring knife is the best bet when cutting pizza with a knife. This small knife can cut the pizza in a pinch and gives you precise control over the slices. You can use scissors, too, but they don’t provide the same precision. Instead, use scissors to trim pizza edges or cut out a design.
In addition, a paring knife is perfect for cutting pizza into manageable sizes for topping. Plus, it’s easy to clean, so you can reuse it repeatedly.
One final note: Always use caution when cutting pizza. Fat and grease can fly out of the pizza while slicing, which can be dangerous. Wear gloves or protective eyewear when handling pizza dough or toppings to avoid injury.
Meat Cleaver
A meat cleaver is an essential kitchen tool for cutting pizza. The wide, sharp blade of the cleaver offers control and precision when cutting pizza crust, making it a versatile choice for efficiently handling even the thickest slices of pizza.
Besides using the cleaver to cut pizza, you can spin the pizza in your oven and serve the slices afterward.
Depending on the weight and size of the cleaver, you can choose one that best suits your needs. A heavy-duty cleaver may be helpful if you’re chopping large chunks of food frequently, while a lightweight one may be more convenient for cooking small items.
A meat cleaver is available in different weights and sizes, allowing you to find one that suits your needs no matter your work.
The wide blade of a heavy-duty cleaver allows you to easily remove the outer peel of garlic cloves, which makes it an excellent tool for easily slicing vegetables.
Mezzaluna
A mezzaluna is a traditional Italian tool for cutting pizza, pastries, and other large, flat foods with a crispy crust. This device has a curved blade, allowing you to rock it back and forth for an even slice.
In addition, the pointed end of the mezzaluna can be used to make deep cuts into pizza crusts.
A mezzaluna is available in both kitchen and professional-grade models, so you can find one that best suits your needs. Professional-grade mezzalunas are usually heavier-duty and have longer blades, making them more versatile for cutting more challenging foods.
Alaskan Ulu
A mezzaluna or Alaskan ulu is an excellent tool for slicing pizza without a pizza cutter. The curved blade can be used to slice pizza evenly and quickly. However, it’s important to note that the Alaskan ulu cannot be used to cut pizza crusts.
Furthermore, this tool is not recommended for cutting vegetables. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent choice for slicing pizza if you don’t have a pizza cutter or want to avoid using one.
A straight-bladed knife can also be used to slice pizza without a pizza cutter, but it won’t give you the even slices that a mezzaluna or Alaskan ulu will. Instead, it’ll result in uneven slices that might not look appetizing.
Kitchen Shears
While kitchen shears can easily cut pizza crusts, they are a valuable tool for cutting pizza slices. They provide a clean, precise cut of pizza that is less prone to toppings getting stuck and sliding around.
This makes them the perfect choice for cutting pizza without the hassle of using a knife or pizza slicer.
The sharpness and sturdiness of kitchen shears make them ideal for cutting through crust without shifting toppings. Plus, they’re easy to use and clean, making them a must-have accessory in every kitchen.
So if you want to save time and effort cutting pizza, kitchen shears should be your go-to tool.
Bench Scraper
A bench scraper is a kitchen tool used to cut pizza. It’s a long, flat tool with a sharp edge and handles designed for cutting through the pizza crust without damaging toppings.
The bench scraper is traditionally used for pastry and bread dough but can also cut pizza.
To get perfect slices of pizza using the bench scraper, you’ll need to practice and get familiar with its use. However, it’s a practical and versatile kitchen tool that can help you cut pizza quickly and efficiently.
Dough cutter
When cutting pizza without a pizza cutter, several options can be used. Dough cutters are the most popular option, allowing for precise and consistent cuts every time.
As long as the dough cutter is sharp, it should work to cut pizza crusts.
There are a few different types of dough cutters on the market, so it’s essential to find one that best suits your needs. Some models have serrated blades that help make cutting through the pizza crust easier and less messy; other models have straight blades that are more precise but can be harder to use.
The downside of using a dough cutter is that it can be bulky and take up extra kitchen space. They’re also not as easy to clean as pizza scissors or kitchen shears, so care must be taken
What’s the best way to cut a pizza without a pizza cutter?
There are a few ways to cut a pizza without a pizza cutter. One way is to use an oven mitt or cutting board to break the crust into smaller pieces. Another way is to use kitchen shears, a chef’s knife, or any other option mentioned in the article above.
Should I cut pizza right out of the oven?
No, cutting pizza right out of the oven is unnecessary. But if you want to try it, use an oven mitt or cutting board and break the pizza into smaller pieces before slicing. Doing so will ensure that your slices are evenly cut and won’t end up with jagged edges.
What should you cut pizza on?
When cutting pizza, you should use a large cutting board or plate for more control and stability. Alternatively, pizza can be cut flat, like a cutting board or plate. A pizza wheel or rocker can also cut pizza when it is hot.
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