10 Easy Hacks to Make Frozen Pizza Taste Homemade (Now with 3 New Additions!)
Why Settle for Boring Frozen Pizza?
Frozen pizza is a lifesaver on busy nights, but let’s be honest—it can taste bland and lack that fresh, homemade quality. The good news? With a few simple upgrades, you can transform a basic frozen pizza into a restaurant-quality meal for your next pizza night.
Try these 10 easy pizza hacks to make a great frozen pizza taste homemade!
1. Pick a Quality Frozen Pizza Base
Why It Works
Some frozen pizzas just taste better than others. If you’re starting with a bland, soggy base, no amount of toppings can fully save it. Instead, opt for a better-quality frozen pizza from your favorite brand like one with a thin and crispy crust or higher-end ingredients. Some of the best frozen pizzas for me are Banza, Milton’s Cauliflower Crust Pizza, or Newman’s Own.
How to Do It
Think of the base of the pizza like a canvas, you want a good base to build on!
If you have time, let your frozen pizza sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the crust bake more evenly and prevents excess moisture. A partially thawed pizza will cook faster and crisp up better.
If thawed, reduce the baking time by 2-4 minutes to prevent overcooking. Check for doneness early, look for bubbling cheese and a golden crust.
Pro Tip
Avoid letting it sit out for too long. More than an hour can make the dough too soft and difficult to handle.
2. High Heat for the Best Results
Why It Works
Baking frozen pizza at 450-500°F creates a crispier crust, better cheese melt, and more even cooking, similar to a pizzeria-style bake.
How to Do It
- Preheat your oven for at least 15 minutes.
- Increase the temperature by 25-50°F above the package instructions.
- Reduce the baking time by 2-5 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Check the pizza 2-3 minutes early, check for bubbling cheese and a golden crust.
- Bake on the middle rack or a preheated pizza stone for the best texture.
Pro Tip
If the crust is browning too fast, move it to a lower rack for the last few minutes.
3. Use a Pizza Stone, Cast Iron Pan, or Baking Sheet for a Crispy Crust
Why It Works
Frozen pizza often has a soggy crust. Using a pizza stone, cast iron skillet (Banza pizzas are the perfect size for this) or preheated baking sheet ensures a crispy, golden bottom.
How to Do It
Preheat your oven with a pizza stone, cast iron skillet, or baking sheet at 450°F for 15 minutes before adding your pizza. The hot surface will crisp up the crust like a pizzeria-style bake.
Pro Tip
Brush the crust with olive oil and a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor before baking.
4. Add Extra Cheese for Extra Flavor
Why It Works
Frozen pizza cheese can be skimpy and dry. Adding fresh, high-quality cheese takes it to the next level.
How to Do It
Add different cheeses like fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, or even feta before baking.
Pro Tip
Grate some Pecorino Romano or smoked gouda on top in the last 5 minutes of baking for a burst of umami.
5. Load Up on Fresh Veggies
Why It Works
Adding fresh ingredients improves texture and flavor instantly.
How to Do It
Before baking, top your pizza with spinach, tomatoes, arugula, broccoli, bell peppers, red onion, or mushrooms.
Pro Tip
Lightly sauté mushrooms and onions in oil and seasonings before adding them to release excess moisture and add more flavor.
6. Add a Sweet & Spicy Twist
Why It Works
Many professional chefs agree that sweet, salty, and spicy create a perfect flavor balance.
How to Do It
Try drizzling spicy honey, date syrup, balsamic reduction, or even jam after baking.
Pro Tip
Pair brie with blueberry jam and jalapeños for a gourmet touch.
7. Elevate the Sauce for a Gourmet Touch
Why It Works
Frozen pizza crusts, sold plain without toppings or sauce, are a great base for a homemade-style pizza but can lack flavor on their own. Upgrading the sauce before adding toppings helps create a more balanced and flavorful pizza.
How to Do It
If you’re using a store-bought frozen pizza crust, start by brushing a thin layer of olive oil, garlic tomato butter, or pesto directly onto the crust for extra flavor. Then, spread on a high-quality pizza sauce or enhance store-bought sauce by mixing in red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, roasted garlic, or Italian seasoning before using.
Pro Tip
For a richer sauce, stir in a spoonful of tomato paste or grated Parmesan before spreading. If using pesto or garlic butter, apply lightly to avoid overpowering other flavors.
8. Boost Flavor with Fresh & Dried Herbs
Why It Works
Fresh herbs add brightness, while dried herbs enhance complexity.
How to Do It
After baking, sprinkle fresh basil, parsley, mint, or cilantro over the pizza for a pop of flavor.
Pro Tip
Before baking, add garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and fresh cracked pepper for extra depth.
9. Add a Protein Boost
Why It Works
A little extra protein makes the pizza heartier and more satisfying.
How to Do It
Add thick-cut pepperoni, grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken, Canadian bacon, sausage, baked tofu, or even eggs.
Pro Tip
To make a breakfast pizza, add cooked breakfast sausage before baking, then crack eggs on top halfway through cooking.
For Soft Yolks: Crack the eggs halfway through baking (about 5-7 minutes in) so the whites set while the yolks stay runny. Make small indentations in the toppings to help hold the eggs in place. Top with chopped chives, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving for extra flavor!
10. Drizzle with a Flavorful Finishing Touch
Why It Works
A post-bake drizzle enhances texture and taste.
How to Do It
Right after baking, drizzle on olive oil, garlic-infused oil, truffle oil, or balsamic glaze.
Pro Tip
Try a lemon zest and chili oil crisp drizzle for a surprising gourmet twist.
Bonus! Cut and Serve Like a Pro
Why It Works
Presentation matters! The simple trick of cutting and serving properly makes pizza feel more indulgent.
How to Do It
Let the pizza rest for 2 minutes before slicing with a sharp pizza cutter or kitchen scissors.
Pro Tip
Serve it on a wooden cutting board with a side of ranch, garlic butter, or spicy marinara for dipping.
FAQs: Answering Common Frozen Pizza Questions
How do I keep frozen pizza from getting soggy?
Bake directly on a hot pizza stone or baking sheet, and avoid overloading toppings.
What’s the best cheese to add to frozen pizza?
Fresh mozzarella, ricotta, feta, Parmesan, or smoked gouda work great.
How can I make frozen pizza taste homemade without extra ingredients?
Bake it at a higher temp (450°F), use a pizza stone, and brush the crust with olive oil and garlic powder.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Frozen Pizza Game
With these 10 easy hacks, you’ll never settle for boring frozen pizza again! Try them out and let me know, what’s your favorite way to upgrade frozen pizza?
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Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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