There is nothing quite like pulling a hot pizza out of your own oven on a Friday night, especially when you did not have to knead a single bit of dough. Frozen pizza has come a long way, and food writers keep putting the freezer aisle to the test. Two of those taste tests, one from The Takeout and one from Eat This, Not That, gave us plenty to talk about. Some of the winners are budget friendly, and some cost a bit more but earned their price. Here are seven frozen pizzas that came out on top, starting with the one that made a family of tasters stop and stare.
1. DiGiorno Rising Crust Pepperoni
This is the one that took first place in the Takeout ranking of ten supermarket pizzas, and it did it in style. According to the writer, the tasters were rendered speechless, and the daughter at the table wanted to know how they make it so good. The verdict was that it beats a typical delivery pizza when you eat it hot from your own oven. It also serves six, which makes it a smart pick when the grandkids or the neighbors drop by unannounced. If you have ever walked past the red and yellow box and wondered whether the hype was real, this ranking says it is. Keep it simple, bake it according to the box, and let it cool for a minute so the cheese settles. A little tip for any pizza night is to set the table with real plates and cloth napkins. It turns a simple frozen dinner into an event, and nobody will complain about the extra effort. Add a fresh salad and you are all set.
2. Red Baron Classic Crust Pepperoni
Coming in second in the Takeout ranking, this old favorite earns its spot with nostalgia and a very friendly price. The writer described a fragrant, school cafeteria style appeal, with a sauce that does not overpower the cheese. It cost just $3.99 for a big box at the time of the review, which is hard to beat when you are feeding a crowd on a budget. There is one catch worth knowing about. The same review pointed out that the whole pizza carries over 1,500 calories, so you may want to share it and add a simple salad on the side. For many of us, it tastes like the pizza nights of our own childhoods, and that is exactly the point. It is also a nice one to keep in the freezer for the days when the whole family shows up hungry and you have not planned a thing. A few slices and a glass of milk, and everyone goes home happy.
3. Urban Pie Uncured Pepperoni with Creamy Rosa Sauce
Third place in the Takeout ranking went to this bold pie, and the writer was not shy about the flavor. It was so strong that their eyes watered, and the cheese and overall punch made it taste like an amplified version of a thin crust pizza. The writer also noted that fans have called it the Holy Grail of pizzas. That is a big promise, but it tells you this is not a shy pizza. If you like your dinner with plenty of personality and a creamy rosa sauce instead of plain tomato, this one is worth a spot in your cart. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of iced tea, and you have a lovely easy supper. It is a good option for anyone who has grown tired of the same old pizza and wants a bite with some real kick to it. Keep a glass of water close by, just in case.
4. Screamin’ Sicilian Bessie’s Revenge
Fourth place in the Takeout ranking belongs to a pizza with a sense of humor. The writer called it an instant hit and said it came with a ridiculous amount of cheese, which they found impressive. They also liked the fun packaging and the bold, playful feel of the brand, calling it a good choice for parties. If you are hosting a card game, a church potluck or a family birthday where everybody wants a different thing, a cheesy pie like this one is an easy crowd pleaser. It may not be the lightest dinner you will ever eat, but sometimes a generous pile of cheese is exactly what a cozy evening calls for. Cut it into small squares and it also makes an easy appetizer for company, with plenty of napkins nearby. Your guests will certainly remember the cheese.
5. Freschetta Thin Crust Pepperoni
If you like a crisp slice that does not feel too heavy, take a look at the fifth place pick from The Takeout. The writer found a golden, crispy crust with a light and airy bite and plenty of pepperoni on top. It is not gooey, the review said, but it has a lot of flavor for a thin crust pizza. At $5.79 at the time of the review, it also stays easy on the wallet. Thin crust fans will understand the appeal. You can fold a slice in half, enjoy the crunch, and still have room for a little dessert afterward. It is a nice choice for a quiet dinner for two, with leftovers for lunch the next day. Fresh basil from the garden or a pinch of dried oregano on top makes it feel even more homemade. It bakes up fast, too, so dinner is on the table quickly.
6. Genio The Bianca
Eat This, Not That tested seven frozen pizzas, and this pizza was the best of the bunch. The writer said the crust was thick and flavorful, and described it as the closest thing to restaurant quality you can find in a grocery store. At $12.99 in that review, it is not the cheapest box in the freezer, but it is priced like a night out without the tip, the traffic or the wait for a table. If you are celebrating an anniversary at home or simply want a nicer dinner without leaving the house, this is the one that review pointed to. Serve it with a simple salad and maybe a little fruit afterward, and it feels like an occasion. It is a good reminder that you do not always have to pay for delivery to get a pizza that feels special. Light a candle, pour something nice to drink, and enjoy.
7. Rao’s Five Cheese
Rao’s is a name many of us know from the pasta sauce jar, and Eat This, Not That found the pizza to be a standout as well. The writer praised it for having more zest than your average frozen offering, with the sauce as the highlight, and said the higher price of $13.99 was worth it. In that seven pizza test, it ranked second best, just behind Genio. A five cheese pie is a comforting choice if you are not a pepperoni person, and the zesty sauce keeps it from tasting flat. Save it for a special night, or split the cost with a friend and share one at a card game. Either way, the review says the extra dollars are well spent. A drizzle of olive oil and a few red pepper flakes at the table are nice extras if you like a little heat. It is a pizza worth sitting down and enjoying slowly.
