450°F = 232°C
🔥
VERY HOT
Max home oven
🍕
Pizza Stone
8-10 minutes
🥖
Artisan Crust
First 15 min
⚡
210°C Fan
Gas Mark 8
Why 450°F (232°C) is Critical for Serious Baking
🎯 What 450°F Achieves
-
✓
Leopard Spotting: Creates authentic pizza char in 8-10 min
-
✓
Oven Spring: Maximum rise for artisan breads
-
✓
Crispy Bottom: No more soggy pizza or bread bases
-
✓
Professional Results: Restaurant-quality at home
⚠️ 450°F Requirements
- • Preheat 45+ min for pizza stone
- • Light-colored pans only (dark = burning)
- • Watch constantly after 5 minutes
- • Good ventilation (expect some smoke)
What to Cook at 450°F (232°C)
| Food | Time | Key Technique | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neapolitan Pizza | 8-10 min | Stone preheated 45 min | Leopard spots, puffy crust |
| Artisan Bread | 15 min, then 425°F | Steam for first 15 min | Crackling crust, open crumb |
| Whole Fish | 15-20 min | High heat, don't flip | Crispy skin, moist flesh |
| Bone-in Chicken | 35-40 min | Start at 450°F for crisp | Golden skin, juicy meat |
| Brussels Sprouts | 20-25 min | Cut side down, don't stir | Caramelized, crispy leaves |
Professional 450°F Techniques
🍕 Pizza Perfection
- • Use 00 flour for authentic texture
- • Dough at room temp 30 min
- • Minimal toppings (less is more)
- • Turn pizza halfway through
🥖 Bread Success
- • Dutch oven = pro results
- • Ice cubes for steam
- • Score deep for expansion
- • Cool 1 hour before cutting
🔥 Safety First
- • Never use glass at 450°F+
- • Silicone max 428°F/220°C
- • Keep oven clean (prevents smoke)
- • Use timer religiously
450°F vs Other Temperatures
When to Use 450°F Instead:
425°F: Good for most things
→ 450°F for pizza/bread
400°F: Standard roasting
→ 450°F for crispy skin
375°F: General baking
→ 450°F for pro results
When NOT to Use 450°F:
- ❌ Delicate pastries (will burn)
- ❌ Cakes (too hot, uneven)
- ❌ Cookies (except 5 min burst)
- ❌ Casseroles (top burns)
450°F Questions Answered
Can my oven actually reach 450°F?
Most home ovens max out at 500-550°F, so 450°F is safe. However, many ovens struggle to maintain it. Use an oven thermometer to verify. If your oven can't hold 450°F, try 425°F with longer cooking time.
450°F in a fan/convection oven?
Reduce to 425°F (or even 400°F) in fan ovens. The circulating air makes fan ovens cook 25-50°F hotter. For pizza, many pros keep it at 450°F even with fan for maximum crisp.
Is 450°F the same as broil?
No. Broiling is typically 500-550°F with direct top heat. 450°F uses surrounding heat. Broil chars the top quickly; 450°F cooks evenly while developing crust.