Frozen Pizza and Other Slices of Heaven: The Best Recipes for Your Cravings
Frozen Pizza And Other Slices Of
Have you ever craved a piping hot pizza after a long day of work or a night out with friends? When the hunger for pizza hits you may not necessarily feel like heading to your local pizza joint or calling in for delivery. While you certainly could make a pizza from scratch, the preparation time of making a pizza isn't always in the cards. Sometimes a savory frozen pizza is precisely what the doctor ordered.
Frozen Pizza And Other Slices Of
But what is frozen pizza and why is it so popular? How did it originate and evolve over time? What are the benefits and drawbacks of frozen pizza? How can you choose the best frozen pizza for your taste buds? How can you cook it properly and store it safely? What are the best frozen pizza brands of 2022? And what are some alternatives to frozen pizza if you want to enjoy pizza at home without buying one from the freezer aisle?
In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. We will explore the world of frozen pizza and other slices of, and provide you with some tips and tricks to make the most of your pizza experience. Whether you are a frozen pizza fan or a curious newbie, you will find something interesting and useful in this article. So grab a slice and read on!
The History of Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizza is a type of pizza that is prepared in advance, frozen, and sold in supermarkets or grocery stores. It can be cooked in an oven, a microwave, or an air fryer, and it usually comes in different sizes, shapes, flavors, and toppings.
But how did frozen pizza come to be? The history of frozen pizza is closely linked to the history of pizza itself, which dates back to ancient times. The word "pizza" derives from the Latin word "pinsa", which means "flatbread". The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all had their versions of flatbread with various toppings. However, the modern pizza that we know and love today originated in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century. It was a cheap and filling food for the poor people who lived near the port. They would add tomatoes, cheese, oil, garlic, and herbs to their flatbread and bake it in wood-fired ovens.
Pizza became popular across Italy and Europe, and eventually reached America with the waves of Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first pizzeria in America was Lombardi's, which opened in New York City in 1905. Pizza soon became a staple of American cuisine, especially after World War II, when American soldiers returned from Italy with a taste for pizza.
But it was not until the 1950s that frozen pizza was invented. The credit goes to Joseph Bucci, a Chicago-based food scientist who worked for Kraft Foods. He developed a method to freeze pizza dough without compromising its quality or texture. He also created a special tray that could withstand high temperatures and prevent the pizza from sticking. He patented his invention in 1954 and sold it to Kraft Foods, which launched the first frozen pizza brand in America: Tombstone.
Since then, frozen pizza has become a huge industry, with hundreds of brands and varieties available in the market. According to Statista, the frozen pizza market in the US was worth $5.47 billion in 2020, and it is expected to grow by 3.2% annually until 2025. Frozen pizza is also popular in other countries, such as Canada, Germany, France, UK, Australia, and Japan.
The Benefits of Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizza has many benefits that make it appealing to consumers. Here are some of them:
Convenience: Frozen pizza is easy to prepare and cook. You don't need any special skills or equipment to make it. You just need to preheat your oven or microwave, follow the instructions on the package, and enjoy your pizza in minutes. You also don't need to worry about making or buying pizza dough, sauce, cheese, or toppings. Everything is ready for you in one package.
Variety: Frozen pizza comes in many different flavors and styles. You can choose from thin crust or thick crust, cheese or pepperoni, veggie or meat lovers, gluten-free or organic, and more. You can also customize your frozen pizza by adding your own toppings or sauces. You can have a different frozen pizza every day of the week if you want.
Affordability: Frozen pizza is cheaper than ordering pizza from a restaurant or making it from scratch. You can buy a frozen pizza for as low as $3 or $4, depending on the brand and size. That's much less than paying $10 or $15 for a delivery pizza or buying all the ingredients to make your own pizza.
Nutrition: Frozen pizza can be nutritious if you choose wisely. Some frozen pizzas are made with whole wheat crusts, organic ingredients, low-fat cheese, or high-protein toppings. They can also provide you with some essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin C. Of course, not all frozen pizzas are healthy, and you should always check the nutrition facts label before buying one.
The Drawbacks of Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizza also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of. Here are some of them:
is a common preservative in frozen pizza that can cause headaches, nausea, allergic reactions, and even increase the risk of cancer. Other preservatives that may be found in frozen pizza include BHA, BHT, TBHQ, and propyl gallate.
Additives: Frozen pizza may also contain additives to enhance its flavor, color, texture, or shelf life. Some of these additives may be artificial or synthetic, and they may have negative effects on your health or the environment. For example, some frozen pizzas may contain artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or MSG. These additives may cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity, headaches, or other symptoms in some people. They may also be derived from petroleum or coal tar, which are not natural sources.
Sodium: Frozen pizza is usually high in sodium, which is added to preserve the pizza and make it taste better. However, too much sodium can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day, and ideally 1,500 milligrams per day for most adults. However, some frozen pizzas can have more than 1,000 milligrams of sodium per serving, which is almost half of your daily limit.
Calories: Frozen pizza can also be high in calories, especially if you eat more than one serving. The calories in frozen pizza come mainly from the crust, cheese, and toppings. Depending on the type and size of the pizza, one serving can range from 200 to 400 calories or more. If you eat the whole pizza by yourself, you can easily consume more than 1,000 calories in one sitting. That's a lot of calories for one meal, and it can lead to weight gain and obesity if you don't balance it with physical activity and other healthy foods.
How to Choose the Best Frozen Pizza
Not all frozen pizzas are created equal. Some are healthier and tastier than others. So how can you choose the best frozen pizza for your needs? Here are some tips to help you out:
Read the labels: The first thing you should do when buying a frozen pizza is to read the nutrition facts label and the ingredients list. Look for the serving size, calories, fat, sodium, sugar, protein, fiber, and other nutrients per serving. Compare different brands and varieties and choose the ones that have less sodium, fat, sugar, and calories and more protein and fiber. Also look for the ingredients list and avoid pizzas that have too many preservatives, additives, artificial flavors or colors, or ingredients that you can't pronounce.
Compare brands: The second thing you should do is to compare different brands and see which ones have a good reputation and quality. You can check online reviews, ratings, or recommendations from other consumers or experts. You can also look for certifications or seals that indicate that the pizza is organic, natural, gluten-free, vegan, or meets other standards. Some of the best frozen pizza brands of 2022 are DiGiorno, Amy's, Udi's, Roberta's, California Pizza Kitchen, Newman's Own, Freschetta, Tombstone, Red Baron, Trader Joe's, and Home Run Inn.
how it looks like, how it smells like, and how it feels like in your mouth. You can also see if other people have any tips or tricks to improve the pizza, such as adding extra toppings, sauces, or seasonings. Reviews can help you decide if the pizza is worth buying or not.
How to Cook Frozen Pizza
Once you have chosen your frozen pizza, you need to cook it properly to enjoy its full flavor and texture. There are two main methods to cook frozen pizza: baking and microwaving. Here are some steps to follow for each method:
Baking
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the box, usually in the 375425 F (191218 C) range. If you have a pizza stone or a cast iron skillet, put it in the oven while it preheats. This will help create a crispier crust and a more even heat distribution.
Remove the packaging: Remove your pizza from the box and peel away the plastic wrap and cardboard base. Discard them or recycle them if possible.
Place the pizza on a baking dish: If you are using a pizza stone or a cast iron skillet, carefully take it out of the oven using oven mitts and place your pizza on it. If not, you can use a nonstick baking sheet or a regular baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. You can also place your pizza directly on the oven rack for a crispier crust.
Bake the pizza: Follow the instructions on the box to bake your pizza, usually for about 15 to 25 minutes depending on the size and type of the pizza. Check the pizza halfway through and rotate it if needed for even cooking. The pizza is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden and crisp.
Cut and serve: Carefully take out your pizza from the oven using oven mitts and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into slices. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut your pizza and a spatula or a pizza peel to serve it. Enjoy your pizza while it's hot and fresh.
Microwaving
Remove the packaging: Remove your pizza from the box and peel away the plastic wrap and cardboard base. Discard them or recycle them if possible.
Place the pizza on a heat-safe plate: Place your pizza on a microwave-safe plate that is large enough to fit your pizza. You can also use a paper towel or a napkin to absorb some of the moisture and prevent sogginess.
Microwave the pizza: Microwave your pizza on high power for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is soft. Check the pizza halfway through and rotate it if needed for even cooking.
Cut and serve: Carefully take out your pizza from the microwave using oven mitts and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into slices. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut your pizza and enjoy it while it's hot.
How to Store Frozen Pizza
If you have leftover frozen pizza or you want to buy frozen pizza in bulk, you need to store it properly to preserve its quality and safety. Here are some tips to store frozen pizza:
Freezing
Wrap it well: If you have unopened frozen pizzas, you can keep them in their original packaging in the freezer for up to 18 months. If you have opened frozen pizzas, you need to wrap them well with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and moisture loss.
the pizza on the packaging or the freezer bag. This will help you identify the pizza and know how long it has been in the freezer.
Store it properly: Store your frozen pizzas in the freezer at 0 F (-18 C) or below. Keep them away from the door or any sources of heat or light. Avoid stacking them too high or too close to each other to allow air circulation and prevent freezer burn.
Thawing
Thaw it in the refrigerator: The best way to thaw frozen pizza is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly for a few hours. This will preserve the quality and texture of the pizza and prevent bacterial growth. You can also thaw frozen pizza at room temperature for a shorter time, but make sure to cook it as soon as it is thawed.
Thaw it in the microwave: Another way to thaw frozen pizza is to use the defrost setting on your microwave. Place your frozen pizza on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it for a few minutes, checking it every 30 seconds. Be careful not to overcook or burn your pizza in the microwave.
Thaw it in the oven: You can also thaw frozen pizza in the oven, but this method is not recommended as it can dry out or overcook your pizza. If you choose this method, preheat your oven to a low temperature, such as 200 F (93 C), and place your frozen pizza on a baking sheet. Bake it for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is thawed but not cooked.
The Best Frozen Pizza Brands of 2022
If you are looking for some recommendations for the best frozen pizza brands of 2022, here are some of them based on taste tests and ratings:
BrandDescription
H3: DiGiorno Original Rising Crust Pepperoni Frozen PizzaA classic frozen pizza with fantastic dough and a decent sauce to cheese ratio
H3: Amy's Organic Frozen Margherita PizzaA crispy crust with pockets of cheesy goodness and a sweet sauce with basil
H3: Udi's Gluten-Free Three Cheese PizzaA gluten-free option with a crispy outer edge and a balanced flavor
H3: Roberta's Wood-Fired PizzaA New York-style pizza with a thin crust and fresh ingredients
H3: California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Crispy Thin Crust PizzaA barbecue-flavored pizza with chicken, cheese, onion, and cilantro
H3: Newman's Own Uncured Pepperoni Thin and Crispy PizzaA natural and organic pizza with no preservatives or artificial flavors
H3: Freschetta Brick Oven Crust Roasted Mushroom and Spinach PizzaA veggie-packed pizza with a crispy crust and a creamy sauce
H3: Tombstone Original Pepperoni PizzaA budget-friendly pizza with a crunchy crust and plenty of pepperoni
H3: Red Baron Classic Crust Four Cheese PizzaA cheesy pizza with a flaky crust and a zesty sauce
H3: Trader Joe's Cauliflower Crust Cheese PizzaA low-carb option with a cauliflower crust and mozzarella cheese
H3: Home Run Inn Classic Cheese PizzaA Chicago-style pizza with a buttery crust and a rich sauce
Frozen Pizza Alternatives
If you want to enjoy pizza at home without buying frozen pizzas, there are some alternatives that you can try. Here are some of them:
Make your own pizza dough
One way to make your own pizza at home is to make your own pizza dough from scratch or use ready-made dough. You can find many recipes online for pizza dough, or you can buy ready-made dough from the bakery section of your grocery store or from a local pizzeria. You can also use frozen bread dough as a base for your pizza. To make your own pizza dough, you will need some basic ingredients, such as flour, yeast, water, salt, sugar, and oil. You will also need some time to knead the dough and let it rise. Once you have your pizza dough ready, you can roll it out, add your sauce, cheese, and toppings, and bake it in the oven.
Use alternative crusts
Another way to make your own pizza at home is to use alternative crusts that are easy and convenient. You can use tortillas, naan bread, bagels, or English muffins as pizza bases. You can also use pre-baked crusts, such as Boboli or Mama Mary's. You can even use vegetables, such as cauliflower, zucchini, or sweet potato, to make low-carb crusts. To use alternative crusts, you just need to spread some sauce, cheese, and toppings over them and bake them in the oven or microwave.
Try different sauces and toppings
, you just need to be creative and adventurous and try new combinations that appeal to you.
Conclusion
Frozen pizza is a convenient and delicious food that can save you time and money when you don't feel like cooking or ordering pizza. However, frozen pizza also has some drawbacks, such as preservatives, additives, sodium, and calories, that can affect your health if you eat it too often or too much. Therefore, you should choose your frozen pizza wisely, read the labels, compare brands, check reviews, and cook it properly. You should also balance your frozen pizza consumption with other healthy foods and physical activity.
If you want to enjoy pizza at home without buying frozen pizzas, you can also make your own pizza from scratch or use alternative crusts, sauces, and toppings. You can also experiment with different cuisines and flavors to spice up your pizza experience. Pizza is a versatile and customizable dish that can suit any taste and occasion.
We hope this article has given you some useful information and tips about frozen pizza and other slices of. Whether you are a frozen pizza fan or a curious newbie, we hope you have learned something new and interesting. Now go ahead and enjoy your pizza!
FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about frozen pizza:
Q: Can I refreeze frozen pizza?
A: No, you should not refreeze frozen pizza once it has been thawed. Refreezing can cause loss of quality, texture, and flavor, as well as increase the risk of bacterial growth and food poisoning. If you have leftover frozen pizza that you have cooked or thawed, you should store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I cook frozen pizza on the grill?
A: Yes, you can cook frozen pizza on the grill if you want to add some smoky flavor and char to your pizza. To do this, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place your frozen pizza on a grill-safe pan or directly on the grates. Close the lid and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crisp. You may need to rotate the pizza halfway through for even cooking.
Q: Can I cook frozen pizza in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer if you have a large enough air fryer that can fit your pizza. To do this, preheat your air fryer to 375 F (191 C) and place your frozen pizza in the basket. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden. You may need to cut your pizza into smaller pieces to fit in your air fryer.
Q: Can I add extra toppings to frozen pizza?
A: Yes, you can add extra toppings to frozen pizza if you want to customize it or enhance its flavor. You can add any toppings that you like, such as cheese, meat, veggies, herbs, or spices. However, make sure to thaw your toppings first if they are frozen, and drain any excess moisture from them. Also, avoid adding too many toppings as they can weigh down the crust and make it soggy.
Q: What is the best way to reheat leftover frozen pizza?
, preheat your oven to 375 F (191 C) and use the convec