A baking pan system comprising a baking pan (2) and a baking pan support (1) wherein the support (1) is formed from a metal sheet or a stack of a plurality of metal sheets and is formed with an opening (10) in the central portion of the support and the pan support member is formed to support the perimeter of the baking pan. The pan support member is formed so that it provides an air gap (7), insulation or shielding around the perimeter portion of the baking pan. The baking system of this invention thereby provides full heat transfer in the central portion of the baking pan while insulating or shielding the perimeter portion of the baking pan thus resulting in more even baking. The baking system of this invention is particularly useful in pizza baking to prevent the burning or over baking of the pizza crust while providing sufficient baking for the center portion of the pizza.