How to Cut a Pizza without a Pizza Cutter


If you just bought or made a pizza and find you don’t have a pizza wheel, don’t lost heart.  You can use a myriad of things that will work just as well, if not better, than a typical cutter. It’s not difficult, but you may have to get resourceful and creative about it. Of course, what you have on hand will be a determining factor. So how to cut a pizza without a pizza cutter?

 These will include several kinds of knives and various types of scissors along with other sharp implements. But, we’ll also talk about some bladeless options as well.

Whatever you choose to use, make sure it’s clean and sanitary while also ensuring it’s strong enough to cut through the crust. What’s more, it should be able to slice in one fell swoop.

How to Cut a Pizza without a Pizza Cutter

Meat Cleaver

You may very well already have a meat cleaver, which makes a perfect cutter for pizza. It’s sharp, large and offers many other bonuses. For instance, you can use it to spin the pie around in the oven and, after you cut it, use it as an alternative spatula for serving.

Chef’s Knife

A chef’s knife can also make a great pizza cutter, but you have to ensure it’s long and wide enough to cover your whole pizza. Even if it is subpar, you should be able to cut the pizza. This means you’ll have to create initial notches around the crust to mark out the pieces, then slice from one notch to its opposing end.

Paring Knife

Paring knives are quite small because they’re intended for slicing rinds and skin from produce like apples, pears and oranges. However, it will do for pizza in a pinch. As with a chef’s knife, make directly opposing notches into the crust. Then, press down firmly from one notch to the other to create slices.

Mezzaluna

If you’re lucky enough to have a mezzaluna, you can ditch using a traditional pizza wheel altogether. These originally come from Italy and their purpose is for cooked pastries, pizzas and other large, flat foods with a crispy crust. A curved blade allows you to rock the device back and forth, producing an even slice quickly.

Alaskan Ulu

An ulu is an Inuit tool hailing from Alaska. It’s a little smaller than a mezzaluna but the concept is very similar. It has a curved blade you rock back and forth to cut things like veggies and fruit. But, it will work on pizza. You’ll just have to work in sections from one end of the pizza to the other.

Kitchen Shears

It may seem strange to use kitchen shears in how to cut a pizza without a pizza cutter, but it’s honestly the best way to do it. You simply start cutting from one end to the other until you’ve created all the slices. It cuts cleanly without shifting the toppings. However, it should have adequate sharpness and sturdiness or it will mash and tear the pie.

Regular Scissors

If you don’t have a kitchen shears handy, you can always go with a regular scissors. As with all other methods mentioned, it should be sharp, sturdy and large enough to handle the pizza. Therefore, don’t use something like a manicure scissors or one meant for cutting hair, these will not be sufficient.

Bench Scraper

A bench scraper is usually for pastry and bread dough but, it will work on a pizza since these are quite heavy and the edge is rather sharp. However, you’ll have to use a lot of pressure to ensure you cut through the crust. The results are very satisfying, though. It cuts directly through the pizza and doesn’t misplace the pizza’s toppings.

Other Cutter Options

If none of the above are available to cut your delectable pizza, there are some other things you can try. But, these are going to produce iffy results and you’ll be attempting these at your own risk. Some suggestions are:

  • Swiss Army Knife
  • Exacto Blade
  • Paint Scraper or Spatula
  • Small Saw
  • Paper Trimmer
  • Circular Saw
  • Fabric Wheel Cutter

What to Consider before Using Other Cutters

In the event none of the above are at your disposal, you are free to use any other sharp tool that’s available. But, before you go with an alternative, ensure the implement is clean and sterile. This means washing it in hot, soapy water followed by a spray or two of 91% isopropyl alcohol. Yet, make sure you consider the following things before you begin using it:

  • Size of the Blade: The length of your device should be able to cover the entire diameter of the pizza while creating a clean, smooth slice.
  • Use Foresight: Before you begin cutting, configure the logistics of how you’re going to do it. Try to anticipate any problems or issues that may arise and think of ways to work around those eventualities.
  • Ensure Safety: Always exercise the safest methods for cutting your pizza so you don’t chop off fingers or slice into your arms. If there’s any risk of danger with the implement you have, find another alternative.
  • Cutting Method: Also, devise a plan of action for cutting. Remember, a single and straight down cut is much better than a sawing motion. This is because it will reduce clumping cheese and toppings together while ensuring a clean cut.

Bladeless Cutting Alternatives

In the event you have no sharp objects available, you can try bladeless options. Although none of these will ensure a clean cut or prevent clumped toppings, they’ll at least be somewhat effective. Ensure you take the same precautions as discussed above.

  • Spatula: It should be strong and sturdy, taking care to observe whether it will bend or break in the process. Therefore, metal or wood will be the best materials. Don’t use plastic, silicone or anything flimsy as this will just create a frustrating mess.
  • Use Your Hands: Tearing off pieces of the pizza isn’t very practical, but it will work. Since this will likely be an adventure into slop and mess, keep plenty of towels, napkins and hand wipes nearby.
  • Precut the Crust: If you’re making the pizza at home, you can perforate the dough into slices before putting on the sauce, cheese and toppings. A butter knife or fork will work perfectly. Once finished baking, you can simply rip off the pieces.
  • Cookie Sheet: Using a baking or cookie sheet could work as long as it covers the entire diameter of your pizza and it’s fully flat without a lip. This means the edge should be thin enough to create an appropriate slice on the pie.
  • T-Square: Often intended for art and architectural design, you can use a T-square if you have one lying around. The edge is even and usually comprises stainless steel or aluminum.

Conclusion

If you want to know how to cut a pizza without a pizza cutter, then you must be resourceful. Look around the vicinity to see if there’s anything sharp. Failing that, anything with a thin line without bluntness should do the trick. Just make sure that it’s clean, sterile and safe enough to use.

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Sam Brett

Sam Brett is the founder and editor of Pizzachefhq, a pizza enthusiast who writes about what he's learned on the way of being a pizza creator and sharing his advice, tips, and research.

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