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NFT: Frozen Pizza and Pizza Hacks

gidiefor : Mod : 2/6/2023 8:38 am
A charming article in the New York Times today (linked below) in reaction to an upscale frozen pizza tasting - illustrates many reader's hacks for frozen pizza.

So how do you prepare your frozen pizza? Which types do you use? and what is your favorite Pizza hack(s)? Lay them on us..


Here's mine -- as a gluten free person -- I keep a box of "All About the Crust" Cauliflower Pizza Crust in the freezer for a fast fix (I find cauliflower crust surprisingly good). I warm up my oven on the highest temp (I use a pizza steel in the middle rack) will take a can of San Marzano tomatoes out of the pantry and puree it adding/spreading three tablespoons onto the pizza, add/distribute either some fresh mozzarella slices or pre-grated mozzarella (various), some basil if I have it, then sprinkle grated parmigiano and some ev olive oil, place it on the steel with my peel and cook for a few minutes (until the cheese very lightly browns).

One thing I want to try that a friend of mine has recommended is using a cast iron pan -- he says the preheat time is drastically reduced when you cook them that way.
Frozen Pizza and Pizza Hacks - ( New Window )
NYT Paywall  
RobCrossRiver56 : 2/6/2023 8:45 am : link
I'll pass
RE: NYT Paywall  
gidiefor : Mod : 2/6/2023 8:55 am : link
In comment 16025559 RobCrossRiver56 said:
Quote:
I'll pass


What's your pizza Hacks?
Skillet pizza  
NJBlueTuna : 2/6/2023 8:58 am : link
Leave pizza in fridge and heat on a cast iron skillet. Ridiculously crispy crust every time. Flip once quickly to warm/char the topping being careful for cheese not to stick to pan or cover for the last 45 seconds to warm the top. It’s truly amazing.
I like having a good frozen pizza from time to time  
UConn4523 : 2/6/2023 9:02 am : link
but they all need amending. I was most disappointed by Zupartis
Not sure why that got submitted  
UConn4523 : 2/6/2023 9:04 am : link
but was most disappointed by Zuppardis frozen pizza. They are mostly dough, needs to he cooked for way longer than recommended, and was very dry. Just not worth the price or the time.

Not really a hack but if you aren’t reheating pizza and a hot pan, adding a little water and then covering it for a few minutes you are doing it wrong.
Gidie  
eric2425ny : 2/6/2023 9:04 am : link
My wife and son have gluten allergies so we started using a crust we get from Whole Foods called Cappello’s. It’s made with almond flour. It’s like a thin crust pizza style, cooks up really well with a vented stainless pizza pan.
......  
CoughlinHandsonHips : 2/6/2023 9:05 am : link
Frozen pizza came screaming back into my life when we had young kids

It's all the same to them haha
I put those small, one person, Celeste pizzas in the air fryer  
Gary from The East End : Admin : 2/6/2023 9:06 am : link
It's not brilliant, but it does make a nice, crispy pizza in about five minutes. Good for a quick lunch or afternoon snack.

get a pizza steel  
Tom from LI : 2/6/2023 9:10 am : link
it's not just for pizza... leave it in your oven all the time. you can put pans right on top of it to cook.

you have to heat the steal for an hour prior to cooking on it, but the results are amazing.

I just got mine. I seasoned it and will be trying a home made calzone on it tonight..

RE: get a pizza steel  
State Your Name : 2/6/2023 9:22 am : link
In comment 16025580 Tom from LI said:
Quote:
it's not just for pizza... leave it in your oven all the time. you can put pans right on top of it to cook.

you have to heat the steal for an hour prior to cooking on it, but the results are amazing.

I just got mine. I seasoned it and will be trying a home made calzone on it tonight..


I also swear by the pizza steel. But I don’t leave it in the oven all the time because it slows down preheating and cooking. Your results may vary because I have a piece of crap GE oven.
Trader Joes  
AG5686 : 2/6/2023 9:22 am : link
has pre made dough,I made a pan pizza the other day that came out pretty well...kinda like siccillian not sure how to improve it,I like the idea of covering it the last 45 seconds or so
I usually  
pjcas18 : 2/6/2023 9:26 am : link
get the Newman's Own.

I like them, but they're expensive.

I did enjoy Zuppardi's and did not find the same experience as Uconn, but they too are expensive.
I also  
pjcas18 : 2/6/2023 9:28 am : link
got Lou Malnati's (Chicago style) off gold belly and while it's a casserole and does not even remotely resemble pizza, it was delicious.
Best hack is to recognize that frozen pizza is its own thing..  
moze1021 : 2/6/2023 9:28 am : link
If you think about it as just a different type of pizza and don't compare it to pizza shops, then you're good.

We like DiGiorno rising crust supreme, just pop off the frozen olives
it's physics fellas, frozen or not...  
I Love Clams Casino : 2/6/2023 9:29 am : link
never put raw, cooked, or any pizza on a cold cooking surface and then heat to temp. Slowly heating will steam the dough making the consistency less desirable. Always put it on something that's already very hot which will lend to quicker cooking and not "steaming".
Best way to re-heat pizza  
PEEJ : 2/6/2023 9:32 am : link
covered frying pan on the stove top. When the topping is warm the bottom will be crisp
RE: Gidie  
gidiefor : Mod : 2/6/2023 9:39 am : link
In comment 16025576 eric2425ny said:
Quote:
My wife and son have gluten allergies so we started using a crust we get from Whole Foods called Cappello’s. It’s made with almond flour. It’s like a thin crust pizza style, cooks up really well with a vented stainless pizza pan.


We have Cappello's up here, Mother Earth carries it in Kingston. I tried their pasta and wasn't too crazy about it. I'll have to try it. By the way Walmart's frozen "It's All about the Crust" Cauliflower Crust is 2 in the package for less than $5.
if use a dry cast iron or skillet  
pjcas18 : 2/6/2023 10:08 am : link
it can burn quickly if you don't watch it closely.

but 1: I enjoy cold pizza but 2: if you want to heat it up dry skillet is the best

RE: Best way to re-heat pizza  
NJBlueTuna : 2/6/2023 10:29 am : link
In comment 16025612 PEEJ said:
Quote:
covered frying pan on the stove top. When the topping is warm the bottom will be crisp


You can’t cover it for more than a minute to just warm the top/cheese. If the steam doesn’t get out the bottom won’t crisp up. Skillet pizza, done correctly, blows away any pizza stone.
It definitely works, thats why you add a little water  
UConn4523 : 2/6/2023 10:37 am : link
and then finish uncovered so the bottom crisps after the top is done.
RE: It definitely works, thats why you add a little water  
NJBlueTuna : 2/6/2023 10:46 am : link
In comment 16025656 UConn4523 said:
Quote:
and then finish uncovered so the bottom crisps after the top is done.


You don’t need to add water, there is plenty of heat when covered and too much moisture from the oils and condensation in the crust.
Well it works for me  
UConn4523 : 2/6/2023 10:52 am : link
I’ve done it with and without and they both work, just depends how hot and how on top of it you are (ie don’t leave the kitchen to go do something else). Thicker pizza vs thin crust will change my approach.
I love pizza  
aimrocky : 2/6/2023 10:59 am : link
I tend to over order on Friday's so I have leftovers for lunch during the early part of the week.

I just pop the pizza in the oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. The skillet method is better, but I don't see a huge difference with heating it up via the oven, and the skillet method takes longer if you're heating up more than one slice, and is more hands on.
Gidie, I try to stick to a low carb keto diet so normal crusts are out  
Marty in Albany : 2/6/2023 11:39 am : link
I start with a La Banderita® Carb Counter Tortilla - 8" Soft Taco Flour Tortilla. 4-5 carbs per tortilla.

I put it in the toaster oven and watch it to get it just crispy and stiff enough to put toppings on. You must do this step.

I remove it from the toaster oven and evenly spoon on Rao's, or Victoria, or Botticelli pasta sauce. They all are very low-carb. 4-5 grams per 4oz-(1/2 cup).

I sprinkle liberally with Kraft shredded low moisture mozzarella cheese.

I top with pepperoni and other toppings that only require reheating.

I return the now completed pie to the oven, and cook until the cheese melts.

Important tip. Cover the entire tortilla with sauce or the exposed edges of the tortilla will burn before the cheese and toppings heat up completely.
RE: It definitely works, thats why you add a little water  
Chris in Philly : 2/6/2023 12:00 pm : link
In comment 16025656 UConn4523 said:
Quote:
and then finish uncovered so the bottom crisps after the top is done.


This is the correct method.
Ellios pizza in the oven, a little crispy  
Sean : 2/6/2023 12:15 pm : link
.
If you're gluten free  
mittenedman : 2/6/2023 12:24 pm : link
try Against the Grain frozen pizza from VT. They also make bagels and baguettes that are amazing.
RE: Skillet pizza  
ColHowPepper : 2/6/2023 1:16 pm : link
In comment 16025570 NJBlueTuna said:
Quote:
Leave pizza in fridge and heat on a cast iron skillet. Ridiculously crispy crust every time. Flip once quickly to warm/char the topping being careful for cheese not to stick to pan or cover for the last 45 seconds to warm the top. It’s truly amazing.
NJBlue, how the heck can you flip the pizza and not have the cheese stick to pan/skillet? Let alone 45 seconds...doesn't seem possible?
RE: Ellios pizza in the oven, a little crispy  
BigBlueShock : 2/6/2023 1:22 pm : link
In comment 16025734 Sean said:
Quote:
.

Damn, that stuff is still around? Haven’t had that since I was a kid, lol
RE: RE: Ellios pizza in the oven, a little crispy  
UConn4523 : 2/6/2023 1:30 pm : link
In comment 16025800 BigBlueShock said:
Quote:
In comment 16025734 Sean said:


Quote:


.


Damn, that stuff is still around? Haven’t had that since I was a kid, lol


It’s so bad, lol. I tried it once with my daughter and she would t eat it. I tried it and nostalgia aside it was terrible.

My favorite frozen pizza is tree tavern. It needs more cheese so I add that but for some reason it just works for me. I’m a no frills guy when it comes to pizza especially.
There is a cauliflower crust frozen pizza  
regulator : 2/6/2023 2:08 pm : link
at Costco that I go back to again and again.

It's not the best frozen pizza I've ever had, but it's low(er) carb, low(er) calories and tastes perfectly fine for what it is. Cooks directly on the oven grate for 12-15 min at 425, protip: quarter turn after 7 min, and comes out pretty crispy.

It's a go-to for me.
Milton's - ( New Window )
RE: Skillet pizza  
djm : 2/6/2023 2:14 pm : link
In comment 16025570 NJBlueTuna said:
Quote:
Leave pizza in fridge and heat on a cast iron skillet. Ridiculously crispy crust every time. Flip once quickly to warm/char the topping being careful for cheese not to stick to pan or cover for the last 45 seconds to warm the top. It’s truly amazing.


this is the way.
One Bite  
Hazlet Giant's Fan : 2/6/2023 2:55 pm : link
Is pretty decent.
RE: One Bite  
bwitz : 2/6/2023 3:23 pm : link
In comment 16025872 Hazlet Giant's Fan said:
Quote:
Is pretty decent.


I’ve tried it. It’s garbage. Dave Portnoy doesn’t know fuckall about pizza.
RE: RE: Skillet pizza  
pjcas18 : 2/6/2023 3:26 pm : link
In comment 16025837 djm said:
Quote:
In comment 16025570 NJBlueTuna said:


Quote:


Leave pizza in fridge and heat on a cast iron skillet. Ridiculously crispy crust every time. Flip once quickly to warm/char the topping being careful for cheese not to stick to pan or cover for the last 45 seconds to warm the top. It’s truly amazing.



this is the way.


You think "the way" is to flip a slice of pizza (which may have toppings) cheese side down in a skillet?

lol, ok.
Joe’s Pizza here in AZ  
bwitz : 2/6/2023 3:31 pm : link
is the best you can get IMO. Reheating it on a skillet with a bit of water and a cover definitely cooked and tasted better than reheating in the oven. Flipping didn’t seem to be a good idea but, I didn’t try it.
RE: RE: RE: Skillet pizza  
djm : 2/6/2023 3:46 pm : link
In comment 16025890 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
In comment 16025837 djm said:


Quote:


In comment 16025570 NJBlueTuna said:


Quote:


Leave pizza in fridge and heat on a cast iron skillet. Ridiculously crispy crust every time. Flip once quickly to warm/char the topping being careful for cheese not to stick to pan or cover for the last 45 seconds to warm the top. It’s truly amazing.



this is the way.



You think "the way" is to flip a slice of pizza (which may have toppings) cheese side down in a skillet?

lol, ok.


I don't flip it, but I do heat them in an iron skillet. I ain't going that crazy with the flip--just heat it on low heat and be patient--it comes out wonderfully crispy.
That makes sense  
UConn4523 : 2/6/2023 3:49 pm : link
flipping doesn’t. That’s high risk with no reward that I can think of.
RE: RE: RE: RE: Skillet pizza  
pjcas18 : 2/6/2023 3:55 pm : link
In comment 16025902 djm said:
Quote:
In comment 16025890 pjcas18 said:


Quote:


In comment 16025837 djm said:


Quote:


In comment 16025570 NJBlueTuna said:


Quote:


Leave pizza in fridge and heat on a cast iron skillet. Ridiculously crispy crust every time. Flip once quickly to warm/char the topping being careful for cheese not to stick to pan or cover for the last 45 seconds to warm the top. It’s truly amazing.



this is the way.



You think "the way" is to flip a slice of pizza (which may have toppings) cheese side down in a skillet?

lol, ok.



I don't flip it, but I do heat them in an iron skillet. I ain't going that crazy with the flip--just heat it on low heat and be patient--it comes out wonderfully crispy.


We are in agreement then, lol
When it comes to frozen pizza  
Producer : 2/6/2023 4:18 pm : link
Such as french bread pizza,

I put hot giardiniera on it which I buy on Amazon from any one of a number of brands/vendors based in Chicago.

Hot giardiniera elevates frozen pizza into a different category.

I sometimes make pickled onions or tomato confit and I'll sometimes add those if I have any on hand.
My frozen pizza hack  
Gman11 : 2/6/2023 5:07 pm : link
is to thaw it out first then dump it in the trash and go get a real pizza.
RE: My frozen pizza hack  
Festina Lente : 2/6/2023 5:34 pm : link
In comment 16025952 Gman11 said:
Quote:
is to thaw it out first then dump it in the trash and go get a real pizza.

😄 winner
I live by a bunch of great pizza places  
UConn4523 : 2/6/2023 5:41 pm : link
98% of the time that’s what I do. But if it’s spur of the moment and don’t want to leave the house, or if my kid wants something quick, having a frozen option is nice. And when my kid eats it it’s like 10% of the pizza which means I’m now eating the rest, so planning that out is a power move.
RE: I live by a bunch of great pizza places  
Sean : 2/6/2023 5:57 pm : link
In comment 16025968 UConn4523 said:
Quote:
98% of the time that’s what I do. But if it’s spur of the moment and don’t want to leave the house, or if my kid wants something quick, having a frozen option is nice. And when my kid eats it it’s like 10% of the pizza which means I’m now eating the rest, so planning that out is a power move.

I’ve always hated the “since you live here you should never get fast food pizza or frozen pizza” take. They are completely different cravings. I’m fortunate to have good pizza around me, but that doesn’t mean I won’t have a craving for Pizza Hut every once in a blue moon. Apples and oranges.
That I won’t do, haha  
UConn4523 : 2/6/2023 6:18 pm : link
if I’m out and devoting time to get something, it’ll be from a good place. Frozen pizza is a different speed. I also never do delivery (pizza or otherwise).
RE: RE: RE: Skillet pizza  
NJBlueTuna : 2/6/2023 6:55 pm : link
In comment 16025890 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
In comment 16025837 djm said:


Quote:


In comment 16025570 NJBlueTuna said:


Quote:


Leave pizza in fridge and heat on a cast iron skillet. Ridiculously crispy crust every time. Flip once quickly to warm/char the topping being careful for cheese not to stick to pan or cover for the last 45 seconds to warm the top. It’s truly amazing.



this is the way.



You think "the way" is to flip a slice of pizza (which may have toppings) cheese side down in a skillet?

lol, ok.


Have you tried it? No, I didn’t think so as basic coordination is a prerequisite to the maneuver. Lol
Speaking of frozen pizza  
Producer : 2/6/2023 7:26 pm : link
Legendary Roberta's from Brooklyn has a line of frizen pizzas which are definitely better than most. I've bought them at Whole Foods
Roberta's frozen pizza - ( New Window )
And another frozen pizza that looks very promising is by  
Producer : 2/6/2023 7:35 pm : link
the guy who founded Una Pizza Napoletana. He had Naples styled joints going back to the mid 90s in my old hood, the East Village.

His pizzas are entirely made and imported from Italy.

He has a video at the website to explain his vision and process.
Genio Della Pizza - ( New Window )
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