Frozen pizza has evolved far beyond a convenient snack. Thanks to improvements in crusts, toppings, and freezing technology, many supermarket pies now compete with delivery or made-from-scratch. But with dozens of brands on the shelf, which ones truly stand out?
I consulted pizza experts and did some tasting of my own to uncover the top frozen pizzas you can trust to satisfy. Below are expert picks, what makes a great frozen pizza, and tips to upgrade your slice game.
The Expert Panel & Their Favorites
Here’s who I asked, and the pizzas they recommended:
Expert | Background | Top Picks / Notes |
---|---|---|
Allison Robicelli | James Beard–nominated food & travel writer | Picks Screamin’ Sicilian & Motor City Pizza; sometimes boosts DiGiorno with fresh toppings |
Kenn Bivins | Food and beverage writer | Loves Screamin’ Sicilian Holy Pepperoni, uses California Pizza Kitchen Sicilian as a backup, gives DiGiorno an “honorable mention” |
Marnie Shure | Food & culinary journalist | Calls Screamin’ Sicilian the “gold standard” among supermarket pizzas; prefers bold cheese & pepperoni profiles |
Lisa Kaminski | Baker / former food editor | Focuses on trying styles, admires Screamin’ Sicilian’s thick cheese and flavor balance |
Across the board, Screamin’ Sicilian Holy Pepperoni rose to the top in multiple expert rankings. It’s praised for its flavor, cheese, and satisfaction without needing extra tinkering.
What Sets a Frozen Pizza Apart?
Not all frozen pizzas are created equal. These key attributes separate the winners from the rest:
1. Crust Thickness & Texture
A crust that’s too thick often ends up doughy; too thin, and it becomes brittle or overcooks. The best pizzas strike a balance — crispy edges, chewy interior.
2. Quality of Ingredients
While frozen options don’t compete with artisan pizzas, top performers use real cheese blends (e.g. mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan) and flavorful sauces. Screamin’ Sicilian, for example, layers cheese and uses high pepperoni coverage.
3. Topping Distribution & Balance
Even generosity in toppings (pepperoni, vegetables) without overwhelming grease is critical. The best pizzas deliver bite after bite without empty crust zones.
4. Finish & Melt
Good frozen pizzas melt evenly, with cheese stretch, well-cooked toppings, and no soggy spots. Crispiness and cheese texture play a major role.
Here are a few standouts:
- Amul 4 Cheese Pizza – ideal for cheese lovers; melts beautifully with a gooey finish.
- Amul Margherita Pizza – a classic, simple option with tomato, mozzarella, and balanced flavors.
- Milky Mist Paneer Makhani Pizza – blends Indian flavors into a pizza format, appealing if you like paneer and masala undertones.
- Hyfun Veg Paradise Pizza – loaded with vegetables, good balance between toppings and sauce.
- Hyfun Tandoori Paneer Pizza – spiced paneer gives it a twist beyond standard paneer pizza.
- Milky Mist Indian Farmers Pizza – more rustic, combining traditional flavors for a unique local frozen pizza option.
Note: The expert picks earlier focused on U.S. brands like Screamin’ Sicilian, Motor City, DiGiorno, etc. Use those as reference benchmarks when judging local brands.
How to Level Up Your Frozen Pizza
Even the best frozen pizza can benefit from a few tweaks:
- Preheat well & use a pizza stone or baking steel — helps get the crust crisp.
- Add cheese near the end so it melts fresh and doesn’t burn.
- Fresh toppings post-bake — basil, arugula, chili flakes, olive oil drizzle elevate flavor.
- Vent the box or dock the dough (poke holes) to prevent sogginess.
- Rotate mid-bake to ensure even cooking, especially near oven edges.
The frozen pizza aisle doesn’t have to be a gamble. Pizza experts consistently praise brands like Screamin’ Sicilian Holy Pepperoni, but that doesn’t mean local or regional brands can’t shine.
Look for balanced crust, quality cheese, even toppings, and don’t be shy about boosting your slice with fresh ingredients. Use expert recommendations as a benchmark, try a few options, and trust your own palate. In the world of frozen pizza, there is a standout waiting in your freezer.
FAQs
Are frozen pizzas healthier than delivery or restaurant pizzas?
Not necessarily. Many frozen pizzas are high in sodium, fat, and preservatives. But because portions are fixed and cooking is at home, you can better control additives or supplement with veggies.
How do I store frozen pizza properly?
Keep it flat in your freezer, avoid freezer burn by using airtight bags or wrapping edges. Use within the “best by” date and avoid refreezing after thawing.
Is there a “best” frozen pizza that fits all tastes?
No—taste is subjective. Experts say the “best” is what satisfies your craving in the moment. But consistent choices like Screamin’ Sicilian show that certain brands deliver broadly pleasing results across styles.