Frozen pizza is a quick and convenient meal, but it often lacks the fresh, flavorful qualities of pizza from a pizzeria. However, with a few simple tweaks, you can transform a basic frozen pizza into a gourmet meal. Whether you’re in a rush or just looking for a way to elevate your frozen pizza experience, there are several ways to add extra flavor, texture, and appeal to your frozen pizza. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips to help you make your frozen pizza better, from choosing the right pizza to adding fresh toppings and using creative cooking methods.
Start with the Right Frozen Pizza
Before we dive into the ways to improve your frozen pizza, it’s important to start with a good base. Not all frozen pizzas are created equal, so it’s essential to choose a high-quality pizza to begin with. Here are some tips on selecting a good frozen pizza:
Choose High-Quality Dough
The dough is the foundation of any pizza, and it can make a huge difference in the final taste and texture. Look for pizzas made with high-quality dough, ideally one that’s made from scratch or with minimal preservatives. Some premium frozen pizzas feature dough that’s been proofed and baked in the traditional style, giving it a crisp, chewy texture that’s closer to what you’d get at a pizzeria.
Pick a Flavorful Sauce
A flavorful sauce is crucial for elevating the taste of your pizza. Many frozen pizzas use a basic tomato sauce, but look for one that has a good balance of seasonings. Some pizzas come with a garlic-infused sauce or a blend of herbs that can add more depth to the flavor. If you’re not happy with the sauce, you can always add extra or switch it out for something you prefer.
Check the Toppings
Frozen pizzas often come with basic toppings, but these can be easily upgraded. When choosing a frozen pizza, look for options with fresh vegetables, quality meats, and a variety of cheeses. Some pizzas have unique toppings that you might not find in your typical frozen variety, like truffle oil or prosciutto, which can instantly elevate the flavor.
Add Extra Cheese for Richness
One of the simplest ways to improve a frozen pizza is by adding more cheese. Whether it’s extra mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or a sprinkle of parmesan, more cheese will make your pizza taste creamier and more indulgent.
Mozzarella is the classic cheese for pizza, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses to enhance the flavor. A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and fontina will give your pizza a rich, melty texture and extra depth. You can even try adding a few dollops of ricotta for creaminess or crumbled blue cheese for a tangy, bold flavor.
Tips for Adding Cheese:
Add the cheese in layers: Place some cheese under the toppings and on top of them for an extra cheesy experience.
Try blending different cheeses to find your perfect flavor combination.
Don’t be afraid to add more cheese than the instructions call for!
Upgrade with Fresh Toppings
Frozen pizzas often come with standard toppings, but you can easily make them better by adding fresh ingredients. The key is to balance the toppings with the flavors of the pizza without overpowering it.
Fresh Vegetables
Add fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance the flavor and texture of your pizza. You can also try roasted vegetables, such as tomatoes, zucchini, or eggplant, to bring in a deeper, smokier flavor. Just make sure to cook the vegetables beforehand to avoid excess moisture on the pizza.
Fresh Meats
Frozen pizzas typically come with pepperoni, sausage, or other basic meats. While these are tasty, you can switch it up with higher-quality, fresh options. Try adding cooked chicken, prosciutto, bacon, or even some Italian sausage. If you like seafood, shrimp or anchovies can add a delicious briny flavor that pairs perfectly with a crispy crust.
Fresh Herbs
Adding fresh herbs at the end of the cooking process can bring brightness and freshness to your pizza. Basil, oregano, and arugula are all great options to add after baking. Fresh basil is especially delightful on pizza, adding a fragrant, peppery finish.
How to Add Toppings
Add vegetables before baking to allow them to cook and meld with the pizza.
Add meats before baking, except for delicate ones like prosciutto, which should be added after baking.
Sprinkle fresh herbs after the pizza has finished baking to preserve their vibrant flavor.
Experiment with Sauces and Spices
While frozen pizzas come with their own sauce, you can take it to the next level by adding your own. Drizzle sauces on top or spread them under the cheese for a flavor boost.
Try Different Sauces
Instead of just using the standard tomato sauce, experiment with other sauces to add flavor. A drizzle of pesto, barbecue sauce, or even hot sauce can dramatically change the flavor profile of your pizza. If you like a creamy texture, try adding a swirl of Alfredo sauce or garlic butter. You can even spread some tangy buffalo sauce for a kick!
Spice It Up
Spices can be the key to transforming your frozen pizza. Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, or dried oregano on top before baking. For an even more intense flavor, consider adding freshly grated black pepper or a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary.
Bake with Care for the Best Texture
One of the most important steps in making your frozen pizza better is baking it properly. How you bake your pizza can affect both the texture of the crust and the way the toppings cook. Here are some tips to achieve the best results:
Use a Pizza Stone or Steel
If you want a crispy, pizzeria-style crust, consider investing in a pizza stone or steel. These materials absorb heat and distribute it evenly, helping to cook the pizza more evenly and creating a crispier crust. Simply preheat the stone or steel in the oven before placing your pizza on it.
Bake at the Right Temperature
Always follow the instructions on the frozen pizza box, but don’t be afraid to adjust the temperature for a better outcome. Increasing the heat slightly can help create a crispier crust, but be careful not to burn the pizza. Try baking at 450°F (232°C) for a golden, crispy crust, but keep a close eye on it.
Don’t Overcook
Frozen pizzas tend to cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook your pizza. Overbaking can cause the crust to become too hard, while the cheese might brown too much. Aim for a nice, golden crust with bubbling cheese, and take the pizza out of the oven as soon as it looks done.
Finish with Flavor Enhancers
Once your pizza is out of the oven, there are a few additional ingredients you can add to enhance the flavor and texture even further.
Drizzle Olive Oil
A simple drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can make your pizza taste richer and more luxurious. It also adds a glossy sheen to the crust, making it more visually appealing.
Add a Sprinkle of Salt
A pinch of sea salt or flaky salt can elevate the flavors of the pizza. Salt enhances the taste of the crust, cheese, and toppings, helping everything come together. Just be careful not to overdo it.
A Dash of Balsamic Vinegar
For a sweet and tangy finish, try drizzling a little balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze over your pizza after it’s baked. The sweetness of the vinegar contrasts nicely with savory ingredients like cheese and cured meats.
Serve Your Pizza with a Side
Make your pizza meal even better by pairing it with a delicious side. A fresh salad, garlic bread, or even a cup of soup can complement the pizza and make it feel like a full meal.
Simple Side Ideas
A fresh mixed greens salad with olive oil and lemon dressing
Garlic bread or breadsticks
A hearty vegetable soup
Conclusion
Making frozen pizza better is all about adding fresh ingredients, experimenting with flavors, and paying attention to the cooking process. With a few simple tweaks, you can turn a basic frozen pizza into a delicious, gourmet meal. Start by choosing a high-quality pizza, then add extra cheese, fresh toppings, and flavorful sauces. Bake it carefully for the best texture, and finish it off with a few enhancements. By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a frozen pizza that tastes just as good as one from your favorite pizzeria. Enjoy!
Related topic:
- The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Cheese: Types, Uses, and Tips
- How Much Oil in Pizza Dough?
- What Cheese is Good for Pizza?
