There’s Something Special About Pizza Night, Isn’t There?
It’s that simple, cozy dinner solution that tastes like a treat without any hassle. Simply grab a pie from the cold clutches of the freezer, pop it into the oven, perhaps toss a quick salad together, and voilà! Dinner is happily done. It’s the perfect last-minute meal, convenient and adored by all.
But, as anyone who has ever ventured into the frozen pizza aisle is aware, this wondrous convenience can at times be accompanied by a less-than-glamorous reality. At one extreme, you have frozen pizzas so heavenly good that they can make you wonder why on earth you’d ever bother with takeout again, even having the potential to pass as something that has been conjured in an actual restaurant oven. Conversely, there are those which, let’s be frank, taste like little more than flavored cardboard with what constitutes as a bit of cheese on top.
It’s enough to make navigating this frozen landscape feel like a gastronomic gamble. To help cut through the confusion and make sure your hard-earned cash falls on something really delicious, we embarked on the tasty challenge of sampling several of the most common frozen pizza brands found right there in the local supermarket. We rounded up seven different pies and put them to the test, baking each one exactly as directed on the box. It’s a simple, straightforward approach, because that’s how most of us are going to make them, right?
And with baking, incidentally, here’s a teensy tip I learned myself just recently – and it did make a big difference: forgo the pizza tray! To get the absolute best flavor and texture, put your frozen pizza right on the oven racks. Believe me on this one; it’ll provide more airflow and a crisper crust.
So, if you’re off to the shop with ‘za on your mind, take this your go-to guide. We’ve listed these top frozen pizzas from the ones that we were left wanting more of to the downright winners, so that you can make your choice with absolute confidence and, most importantly, really enjoy your convenience dinner.
1. Digiorno Four Cheese Thin Crust
It looked every inch a classic, cheesy pizza, with a bright, very red sauce that, along with its general appearance, had a strongly mass-produced feel.
Taking a bite of this slice was instant recognition, although perhaps not the sort that you would want to have. It was ridiculously salty, with a taste that immediately reminded me of school lunch pizza. Not bad – just really salty and quite bland. It tasted like something you consume because it’s there, rather than because you particularly desire it. Next to other things, it didn’t seem to be worth the calories. It established a standard but left much room for enhancement.
2. Amy’s Cheese Pizza
Given the brand tends to go the ‘healthier’ route, I was somewhat skeptical about this one. Straight from the freezer, the cheese appeared surprisingly sparse, and the pizza was smaller than the rest.
Surprisingly, it baked up looking cheesier and fluffier than expected. However, the tasting experience didn’t quite deliver. The dough had a very airy texture, which felt more like imitation crust than the real deal. Side-by-side, the nutrition stats didn’t show a compelling benefit. So despite its different feel, it didn’t quite satisfy on flavor or substance.
3. Talia Mozzarella Pizza
At its price point and artisanal packaging, it was hoped for great things. Alas, it wasn’t up to the task in the oven. Cheese became watery, and oil separation resulted in an unpleasant appearance. The crust was gluey, and the cheese was similar. For the priciest of the group, this was a big disappointment.
4. California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken
While I normally prefer traditional toppings, this was the sole variety on hand. Even that, the toppings – chicken, onions, BBQ sauce – were enticing.
Shockingly, the taste was good. The sweet and savory combination of toppings and BBQ sauce was good. But the crust was not thick enough and was too crispy, bordering on flatbread. A flavorful choice, but rather a good-quality flatbread than a classic frozen pizza.
5. Newman’s Own Uncured Pepperoni Pizza
It’s not flashy to look at, but the abundance of pepperoni gives it a comforting feel. The pepperoni does most of the flavoring, as the crust and cheese are kept in the background. It’s good for a night in. Nothing remarkable, but it will do.
6. Rao’s Five Cheese Pizza
It seemed to have potential, with richer sauce and a slightly thicker crust. And it did not disappoint. The crust had a great crunch, and the cheese was authentic-tasting. But the real standout was the sauce bright, full-of-flavor, and better than the others. Rao’s promise of quality sauce came through.
7. Genio – The Bianca
The crust appeared to be homemade, and after baking, the crust was a dream thick and rich and perfectly textured. The cheese was fresh and had depth, and a sprinkle of basil provided a nice touch of freshness. This was not merely good for a frozen pizza; it was really good pizza.
Frozen Favorites That Changed My Weeknight Dinners (And a Few to Skip)
Frozen pizza has just become interesting.
Genio is, hands down, the most restaurant-like experience you’re ever likely to get from your supermarket freezer.
My Go-To Trader Joe’s Frozen Favorites
Here are a few frozen foods that are staples in my kitchen for a reason:
1. Mandarin Orange Chicken
Prep Tip: Air fryer the chicken while the sauce defrosts in warm water.
Why I Love It: Thick breading, crispy texture, and iconic sticky-sweet glaze.
Amazon Alternative: Aplenty Mandarin Orange Chicken, 22oz, $7.69, 4.5 (1,900+ reviews)
2. Swordfish Steaks
Pan-sear in minutes. Just butter, lemon pepper, and lemon juice fresh, mild, and not “fishy.”
3. Thai Green Curry
Microwave in 5 minutes. Bold flavor and well-balanced spice, great with…
4. Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes
Crispy and golden. Great for breakfast or paired with curry or soup.
5. Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi
Cheese and tomato sauce-filled gnocchi. Crisp on the stove, delicious with Parmesan or roasted veggies.
6. Roasted Garlic & Pesto Pizza
Crispy crust, rich cheese, no tomato sauce needed garlic lovers, rejoice.
7. Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons
Bite-sized, flavorful. Great pan-fried or in broth.
Read more about: We Tried 7 Frozen Pizzas—Here Are the Ones That Truly Delivered
A Few Frozen Misses I’d Skip
- Tempura Shrimp: Bland, candy-like sauce.
- Coconut Shrimp: Thick breading, chewy.
- Premium Salmon Burgers: Strong taste, soggy.
- Chiles Rellenos Con Queso: Salty, mushy.
- Chicken Soup Dumplings: No soup inside.
- Chicken Karaage: Looks great, tastes like nothing.
- Cha Siu Bao: Good filling, dry dough.
- Corn & Cheese Arepas: Rubbery cheese.
- Organic Foursome Vegetable Medley: Primarily filler.
- Spicy Meat Pizza: Sweet, not spicy.
Bonus: Easy Weeknight Dinners That Aren’t Frozen
- Poke or Sushi Bowls: Rice, edamame, tuna or tofu, spicy mayo.
- Hearty Burrito Bowls: Rice, beans, veggies, avocado, cheese.
- Throw-Together Stews: Lentils, veggies, broth.
- Big Salads: Add eggs, roasted sweet potatoes, nuts, and cheese.
Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes (10–30 Minutes)
Under 10 Minutes:
- Air fryer salmon
- Scrambled eggs & toast
- Risotto cups
Under 30 Minutes:
- Creamy Chicken Pasta (Instant Pot)
- Vegan Chili
- Stir fry with frozen veggies
- Foil Pack Chicken & Broccoli
- Pancetta Pasta
- Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil
- Tahini Salmon Salad
- Tortellini, Pesto & Asparagus Soup
Affordable Dinners Under $5/Serving
- Eggs + roasted potatoes
- Frozen pizza or gnocchi
- Spaghetti with marinara
- Bagged salad + rotisserie chicken
- Canned soup + toast
- Rice bowls
Stock Smart, Cook Smarter
Tasty weeknights dinners need not bring stress or expense. With the proper staples and some tried tricks, dinner can be a triumph even if it begins in the freezer.
