How to Launch a Pizza

Key points

• Use a pizza peel dusted with semolina flour — it acts like tiny ball bearings.
• Build your pizza on the peel, not on the counter.
• Work quickly once the dough is on the peel — it can stick if left too long.
• Shake the peel gently before launching to confirm the pizza slides freely.
• Position the peel at the back of the oven, angled slightly downward.
• Use a quick forward-and-back jerk motion to slide the pizza off.
• Don't hesitate — a confident launch prevents sticking.
• If it sticks, lift the edge and toss more semolina underneath.

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