Frozen pizza has long been a reliable go-to for quick meals and late-night cravings. With a variety of options available, it’s easy to keep a few in the freezer for convenience. However, not all frozen pizzas meet the mark, even among the more budget-friendly options. Chowhound recently conducted a taste test to determine which store-bought frozen pizza brands stand out — and which should be avoided.
Totino’s Party Pizza, a nostalgic favorite for many, including childhood sleepovers and college snacks, did not perform well in the rankings. Despite its status as a freezer aisle staple, Totino’s landed at the bottom of the list among 16 frozen pizzas.
So, what makes a frozen pizza great, and where does Totino’s go wrong? Key elements of a quality frozen pizza include a balanced crust, flavorful sauce, gooey cheese, and well-distributed toppings. The best frozen pizzas manage to hit most of these marks — unfortunately, Totino’s does not.
Why Totino’s Party Pizza Misses the Mark
Totino’s Party Pizza falls short right from the start with its crust. Instead of a satisfying base, it offers a cracker-thin, flavorless foundation that fails to provide structure. The cheese, a crucial element of any pizza, also disappoints. Rather than melting into a creamy, gooey texture, Totino’s cheese separates into individual strands that crisp up, resulting in a lackluster cheese pull with every bite.
The pepperoni topping, another hallmark of frozen pizza, is sparse, leaving much to be desired. But perhaps the most disappointing aspect is the sauce, which tastes more like poorly seasoned ketchup than a classic marinara. While Totino’s isn’t trying to rival gourmet pizzas, it struggles even against other budget-friendly brands.
For those who are still drawn to Totino’s for its nostalgic charm or its wallet-friendly price, there are ways to elevate the experience. Adding a quick brush of melted butter to the crust before baking can help improve its texture. Fresh toppings and extra cheese can also enhance the flavor, while a drizzle of hot honey or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can provide an extra kick.
Ultimately, while Totino’s might appeal to some for its kitsch factor and low cost, there are better budget-friendly frozen pizza options on the market. Totino’s simply doesn’t make the cut.
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