Frozen pizza is a go-to option for many busy individuals looking for a quick and easy meal. While it may not be the most gourmet or healthiest choice, there’s no denying its convenience factor.
However, are you wondering how to make frozen pizza better? Do you find yourself craving something more flavorful and delicious? Well, look no further!
In this blog post, we will be sharing some insider tips and tricks on how to take your frozen pizza to the next level. Get ready to learn how to make your frozen pizza taste like it came straight from a restaurant.
What Is Frozen Pizza?
Frozen pizza is a popular food that’s found in the frozen sections of supermarkets around the world. Originating as a convenience food, it provides a quick and easy meal option for those seeking the taste of a pizza without the hassle of preparing one from scratch.
Typically, a frozen pizza consists of a pre-baked crust, cheese, tomato sauce, and various toppings, all of which are preserved through freezing. The consumer can then cook it directly from frozen in a home oven, following the instructions provided on the packaging.
Despite its reputation as a fast food, many brands now offer gourmet versions, featuring high-quality ingredients and a variety of innovative flavors.
How To Make Frozen Pizza Better?
While the convenience of frozen pizza is undeniable, it doesn’t have to be a compromise on taste. With a few simple tweaks and additions, you can elevate a standard frozen pizza into a gourmet delight.
Let’s dive into some tips and tricks on how to make frozen pizza better.
1. Choose The High-Quality Frozen Pizza
Start by choosing a high-quality frozen pizza. Do not be fooled by price alone; a more expensive pizza is not necessarily a guarantee of superior taste or quality.
Instead, check the ingredient list on the back of the box. Look for pizzas with all-natural ingredients, no preservatives, and where possible, locally sourced produce. Some high-quality brands even offer organic options.
In terms of the crust, opt for a pizza with a crust that’s pleasing to your palate, be it thin and crispy, hand-tossed, or deep dish. Remember, the base of a great pizza starts with a great crust and high-quality ingredients.
2. Thaw The Frozen Pizza
Before cooking, it’s advantageous to thaw your frozen pizza. This ensures an even distribution of heat when baking and a better melding of flavors.
Extract the pizza from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes before popping it into the oven. But remember, don’t leave your pizza thawing for too long as this can lead to sogginess.
3. Season Your Veggies Before Adding To Frozen Pizza
If you’re adding extra veggies to your frozen pizza, it’s a good idea to season them before you do. Toss your chosen vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper for a basic seasoning.
For a bit more flavor, consider adding some garlic powder or your favorite dried herbs, such as basil, rosemary, or oregano. Seasoning your vegetables beforehand ensures they pack a flavor punch and don’t water down your pizza while baking.
Once seasoned, spread them evenly across the pizza, ensuring every slice will get a fair share.
Remember, less is often more, so avoid overloading the pizza with too many toppings, as this can result in a soggy crust and uneven baking.
4. Season Crust Of Frozen Pizza Before Baking
Seasoning the crust of your frozen pizza before baking can greatly enhance its flavor profile.
Start by brushing the edges of the pizza crust with a thin layer of olive oil. This will help it achieve a golden, crispy texture.
Then, sprinkle the crust with a mixture of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a touch of sea salt for an added flavor boost. You may also consider adding a dusting of parmesan cheese for a rich, savory twist.
This simple step can take a standard frozen pizza crust from ordinary to extraordinary, offering a restaurant-quality finish in the comfort of your own home.
5. Place The Frozen Pizza Perfectly
The placement of your pizza in the oven can significantly impact the outcome. To ensure a crispy bottom and well-baked toppings, place the frozen pizza directly on the center rack of your oven.
If you’re concerned about potential mess, place a baking sheet or aluminum foil on the rack beneath to catch any drips. This method allows for optimal heat circulation around the pizza, contributing to a well-cooked crust and perfectly melted cheese.
Alternatively, for a crispier crust, consider using a preheated pizza stone.
By placing the pizza onto a piping hot surface, the crust starts cooking immediately, resulting in a delightful crispy texture.
6. Adding Extra Toppings
Think beyond the box when it comes to toppings for your frozen pizza. Fresh ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, or fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and texture.
If you’re a meat lover, consider adding cooked sausage, bacon, or leftover grilled chicken for an extra protein punch.
Cheese lovers can add an extra layer of mozzarella, sprinkle some cheddar for a sharper taste, or even add dollops of soft cheeses like ricotta or feta.
But remember, too many toppings can result in a soggy pizza or uneven baking. Hence, the key is to strike a balance – aim for coverage but not overload.
7. Use a Pizza Stone
For an authentic pizzeria-style result, consider using a pizza stone.
A pizza stone is a flat baking surface made from ceramic or stone that absorbs heat from your oven and transmits it directly to your pizza. This results in an evenly baked and deliciously crispy crust.
To use a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating to allow it to reach a high temperature.
Once heated, carefully place your prepared pizza directly onto the stone. Bake according to package instructions, but keep an eye on your pizza as it may cook faster on a stone.
When done, use a pizza peel or large spatula to carefully remove the pizza from the stone. Remember to let the pizza stone cool completely before cleaning or storing it to avoid cracking.
Using a pizza stone may take a little practice, but the results are worth it.
How To Make DiGiorno Pizza Better?
If you’ve opted for a DiGiorno frozen pizza, here are some brand-specific tips to make it even better.
Firstly, don’t skip the preheating step. Preheat your oven and pizza stone (if using) for at least 10 to 15 minutes before cooking. This ensures the oven is hot enough to properly cook the pizza.
Secondly, use a pizza stone for an extra crispy crust. DiGiorno pizzas are known for their delicious and hearty crusts, but using a pizza stone can take it to the next level.
Lastly, consider adding some of your toppings before cooking. While DiGiorno pizzas come with plenty of toppings, you can always add some fresh or additional ingredients to personalize your pizza and elevate its flavor.
Remember, with a little creativity and some simple techniques, you can transform a basic frozen pizza into a delicious and satisfying meal. Experiment with different toppings, sauces, and cooking methods to find your perfect combination.
Why Should You Bake Frozen Pizza At a Higher Temperature?
If the above information tells you how to make frozen pizza better, are you curious why we should bake it at high temperatures?
First, a more elevated temperature ensures that the pizza bakes evenly throughout. It helps in achieving a crispy crust and well-melted cheese, which are hallmarks of a perfect pizza.
Second, it shortens the baking time, which can be particularly beneficial when you’re in a hurry. Third, higher temperatures can help prevent the pizza from becoming soggy, a common concern when baking frozen pizzas.
Lastly, it helps in better activation of the yeast used in the pizza dough, thereby improving the overall texture and flavor.
For optimal results, frozen pizzas typically suggest baking between 375°F (190°C) and 425°F (220°C). For a crispier crust and quicker cooking, consider raising the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) or 500°F (260°C).
How Long Does It Take To Bake Frozen Pizza With Excellent Flavor?
The exact time to bake a frozen pizza may vary depending on the brand and size of the pizza, as well as your oven’s temperature accuracy. However, most frozen pizzas take around 15 to 20 minutes to fully cook.
For an added flavor boost, you can brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle it with seasoning before baking. This will add about 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time, but it’s worth the extra wait for that deliciously crispy crust.
If you’re using a pizza stone, the baking time may be slightly shorter.
Keep an eye on your pizza and remove it when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Always follow package instructions for best results.
Why Is It Important To Let Baked Frozen Pizza Cool In a Few Minutes?
Allowing your baked frozen pizza to cool for a few minutes (about 3 to 5 minutes) before cutting into it is crucial for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, it allows the cheese to settle and prevents you from accidentally burning your mouth on hot melted cheese. It also helps in setting the toppings and sauce, making it easier to cut into slices without them sliding off.
Secondly, letting the pizza cool slightly helps retain its texture. Cutting a hot pizza straight out of the oven can cause all the steam to escape, making the crust soggy and limp.
Lastly, it allows the pizza to reach a safe eating temperature. A frozen pizza is typically at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below, which is not ideal for consuming immediately after cooking. Letting it cool slightly before cutting and serving ensures that all parts of the pizza are warm and ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding how to make frozen pizza better can significantly elevate your dining experience.
It’s not about complicated things, but about making small adjustments like adding fresh toppings, using a pizza stone for crispy crust, baking at high temperatures, and allowing the pizza to cool before serving.
These simple tweaks can turn an ordinary frozen pizza into a dish that’s as appetizing and satisfying as one from your favorite pizzeria.
Remember, the perfect pizza is all about balance – finding the right blend of crust, toppings, and heat to suit your taste buds.