We all know the feeling of coming home from a long day and dreading the thought of making dinner. You start debating ordering takeout yet again when you remember the frozen pizza sitting in the freezer. Hooray! The night is saved, and in 15 minutes or less, everyone is sitting down to eat a warm slice of pizza. But as ideal as this situation sounds, we all have also experienced the disappointment of a rubbery or flavorless slice. The best frozen pizzas are amazing to have on hand, and that’s why it’s important to know which ones are truly the highest quality and most delicious.
With schedules packed all year long, making time to enjoy a family dinner has become increasingly different. Still, research shows that three in five Americans believe every dinner should be a “family dinner” — and just as many wish they could eat more often with their family. In a poll of 2,000 U.S. adults, the average person says they only get to spend three dinners out of the week with their loved ones. Many have seen a decline in how often they get to eat with family, leaving them wanting more. In their youth, the average person recalled eating four dinners per week with family and another two dinners with others outside their family circle.
A recent poll of 2,000 U.S. parents reveals that 56 percent believe having a shared meal together is one of the best ways to bond with their family, but 54 percent report not getting enough quality time together. However, when families do sit down for at-home dinners, meals are full of laughter (20%) and good conversation (34%). With time being a major factor sited by participants, incorporating easily prepared meals like a frozen pizza can be a great way to get everyone together, even when the calendar is jam-packed.
Frozen pizza is a staple for busy households, but it’s important to know if the quick meal you’re planning is going to be a hit or a miss. With so many options in the freezer section, it can be hard to know before it’s too late if your selection will be flavorful and delicious or bland and stale. That’s why StudyFinds did the research for you and scoured the internet for expert rankings of the best frozen pizzas. This list includes the most frequently recommended pies, but if you have a can’t-miss favorite to share, be sure to drop it in the comments below!
The List: Best Frozen Pizza, According to Foodies
1. DiGiorno
As the familiar saying goes, “it’s not delivery, it’s DiGiorno!” While not to be confused with a restaurant pie, this freezer favorite is sure to satisfy in a pinch. “Is DiGiorno going to compete with that hot-from-the-oven slice or pie from your favorite pizza joint? Probably not,” notes Buzzfeed. “But they know exactly what they do best, and they do it really darn well. For a frozen pizza that’ll be fresh, fluffy, and just an overall joy to munch on, DiGiorno reigns supreme for a reason.”
“All stand for a veritable legend in the world of frozen pizzas. For a quick pizza fix, this is a great choice. While its flavors are a little weaker than our previous entries, when eaten hot out of the oven, you will not be disappointed with this classic frozen pizza brand,” says Restaurant Clicks.
“Where DiGiorno shone was its pillowy crust that really did ‘rise’ to great lengths. The cheese also melted and coated the entire surface flawlessly, resulting in ooey-gooey mozzarella strands worthy of an Instagram Reel,” adds Today.
2. Newman’s Own
If your favorite pizza joint is famed for its delicious thin crust, Newman’s Own is what you’ll want to keep stocked in your freezer. Reviewers across the internet were wowed by the crunch and flavor of the brand’s popular thin crust pizzas. “Newman’s Own is a great pick for when you want a thin and crispy base for your pizza,” says Delish. “All of our tasters noted how much they loved the crispiness, and how the pizza still felt substantial. We also loved the pepperoni in particular—with just one bite, you can tell that this is the real thing.”
“This pizza felt like a slightly fancier version of the classic thin-crust style of Tombstone and Red Baron,” adds NY Times. “The thin crust resembles those, but with some actual chew—the light, dynamic texture of a baked good rather than the slightly uncanny crumble of a crust seemingly printed by a machine.”
While delicious, the best part of a Newman’s Own pizza is arguably not the taste but the good done with every purchase. “The crust bakes up quickly and perfectly crisp. The pepperoni is also made from real beef and pork with no added nitrites (plus, there’s a generous portion on each slice),” says Food Network. “And, to top it all off, Newman’s Own is a brand that everyone can get behind, as 100% of net profits are donated to charities and nonprofits.”
3. Red Baron
A nostalgic favorite, Red Baron pizza might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of a delicious frozen pizza. But numerous reviewers agree that this slice is more than worth the price of admission. “Be gone with your negativity. It may be one of the cheapest options, but Red Baron proves you don’t need expensive ingredients to deliver on flavor,” claims Today. “In fact, for a pie so well-priced, it didn’t skimp on cheese or sauce. Add a dash of Tabasco for a kick and enjoy a slice of ‘za that anyone, both young and old, can get behind.”
“Sometimes we want to feel nostalgic for our youth, complete with the pizza we would eat at school cafeterias and birthday parties. Red Baron’s Classic Crust pizza fits the bill. There’s a hearty amount of pepperoni and a solid ratio of sauce to cheese. Many of us agreed that eating this pie felt super nostalgic,” says Delish.
“Red Baron pizza has a lot going for it. This pizza was the closest to New York-style of all of them with its ooey-gooey cheese, moderately-thin crust, and expertly seasoned sauce,” adds Buzzfeed.
4. Amy’s
For a healthier choice, opt for an Amy’s pizza made with organic ingredients and no GMOs. But while it claims some health benefits, it doesn’t taste like a compromise. “Amy’s pizza features the classic combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, Fontina, and provolone,” lists Bon Appetit. “It also contains honey, most likely as a substitute for some sugar in the sauce (although it also contains some sugar, so who knows?), and red wine vinegar.”
“When we were picking our favorite cheese pizzas, our most important factor was the quality of the cheese itself. Amy’s Cheese Pizza offered the most flavorful pie with a distinctly high quality cheese,” says Delish. “Our tasters also loved the sauce to cheese to crust ratio, which made for a balanced bite that still allowed the cheese to shine.”
“It’s not just Amy’s, it can be yours too! Although this cheese pizza is somewhat on the smaller side, it makes up for it with a delicious, strong taste. Its crust is wonderfully chewy and, combined with the rich tomato sauce, you have yourself a very satisfying and delightful pizza to enjoy,” adds Restaurant Clicks. “Being a cheese pizza, you should expect the cheese to be of top quality and that is just what it is. Melted across the whole pie, every bite of this pizza is the best.”
5. Tombstone
This pick is another that seems synonymous with pizza parties in elementary school. But believe it or not, this classic stands the test of time with great flavor at a great price. “Tombstone’s thin-crust pepperoni pizza was our favorite among the category of nostalgic, relatively inexpensive, thin-crust options,” says NY Times. “This pie screams sleepover pizza—delightful, if not wholesome—and does what it does well.”
While Tombstone offers the basic pepperoni and cheese pies, many reviewers say this is a pizza best enjoyed with plenty of toppings. “Tombstone is only as good as the ingredients on top of it, which is why I am a huge fan of the company’s Supreme variety (which, frankly, would blow most of this competition out of the oven),” claims Today.
“This pizza is an obvious winner. The pie has a lot of flavors going on, but they all complement each other really well, plus the sauce is on point and the crust is just the right amount of crispy,” adds MSN, recommending the Roadhouse Double Down Deluxe flavor as its overall top choice.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Frozen Pepperoni Pizza
- Best Easy Dinner Ideas
- Best Meal Kit Services
- Best Frozen Family Dinners
- Best Food Delivery Apps
Sources:
- Food Network
- Delish
- NY Times
- Today
- Bon Appetit
- Buzzfeed
- Restaurant Clicks
- The Kitchn
- MSN
- Taste of Home
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links.
If you can’t put real pepperoni on the pizza you are disqualified. Sorry DiGiorno’s. Not on my list of the best pies.
Home Run Inn is my favorite…from the great town of Chicago!
I agree! That’s the best frozen pizza ever! Homerun Inn is still in the original building! I can only find it at Publix.
Remember,this list is probably based off sales, so your only your most common pizzas will be on this list.
H.R.I. ALWAYS GOOD! BEST FROZEN THERE IS!
Homerun Inn hands down the best!!
AMEN, BROTHER! FRESH/FROZEN, ALWAYS GOOD!
DiGiornos has definitely changed over the years or my taste buds have! Its a definite pass for me now. Screamin Sicilian gets my vote.
Connie’s Pizza also amazing. But home Run Inn is equally as good. I tend to buy one of each.
How about Lozza Motzza pizza I think it is the best plenty of cheese and toppings
That absolutely gets approval! My absolutely #1
I agree with Lozza Motzza, Jean.
We especially like the classic hamburger – very tasty and very basic.
Motzza is very good with plenty of variety. My favorite is the chicken Alfredo pizza. Coming from Chicago tho Homerun inn is superior.The butter crust and and their process. They bake it a little while then freeze it. You loose no toppings w this method pre bake. Genius!
How much did Digiorno pay you for this list? That “pizza” is absolute garbage. Don’t know a soul that eats this by choice.
The two biggest problems with frozen pizzas are that 1. My favorite brands/varieties never seem to be available in my area & 2. Any toppings that are supposed to be made exclusively from beef &/or pork (sausage, pepperoni, etc.) are always made, at least in part, from chicken. Don’t get me wrong–I love chicken & it makes a fine pizza topping as it is, but if I want a beef or pork-based meat, chicken has no place being incorporated into it & the same goes for other inappropriate meats & it especially goes for soy products, which need to be phased out of everyday, general groceries, anyhow, as these are very unhealthy, especially for males.
Amy’s pizza is pretty much the only decent pizza out there, let’s not kid ourselves.
Ooops! There goes your credibility . . .
Also, Amy’s cheese is mozzarella, not that fake four cheese combo, wrong graphic.
Home Run Inn is the worst frozen pizza I have ever had. Chicagonians could find flavor if it hit them in the face.
You’re nuts
These pizzas are high in calories and for me, over the limit of daily sodium. Front of box shows per 1/5 of pizza. I get California Pizza Kitchen Margherita and add lots of fresh veggie toppings. Plus, front cover shows 1/3 of pizza for counts.
You must try a peps Drafthouse pizza they dont scrimp on anything even has enuff sauce also they have like 8 or 10 varieties plenty of toppings this pizza has weight it is really a good frozen pizza may be hard to find but im telling you its worth it
Peps is hands down the BWST frozen pizza, followed by Screaming Sicilian thin crust and Home Run Inn.
Tree Tavern…never heard of it? Ask anyone in NJ.
An awesome frozen pizza but not known outside the NY/NJ Metropolitan area.
I agree. I grew up in NJ and that was the only frozen pizza we ever purchased. I was thrilled a few years ago when I found that Tree Tavern had found its way to a few stores near my current home in Delaware. Recently I went out of my way to store I don’t usually frequent just to buy a couple of Homerun Inn pizzas to try…the kindest thing I can say is that we were underwhelmed..
A bit earlier, I seconded Lotzza Motzza as #1.
I stand by it, but also wanted to clarify that the company is actually called “Brew Pub”.
Lotzza Motzza is just more prominent on the packaging. Great frozen pies!
the 5 choices you posted show no one knows decent pizzas. Tony’s? Red Baron? You’ve got to be kidding. Home Run Inn absolutely has them all beat and Connies is as good or perhaps even better.
Gino’East of Chicago pizza is a lot like a restaurant style pizza. Great crust, deep dish. Pizza was featured on the Drew Barrymore show, Drew picked Gino’s pizza out of three.
I agree! I love it too!
How has no one mentioned the truly best frozen pizza, called Motor City Pizza Company Detroit style pizza. They sell it at Walmart. Pepperoni is the best.
Got that right!
Amy’s is the best, and I prefer to any other pizza. The roasted vegetable is on other level of flavor!
JFC, Digorno. First listed and thanks for that. I didn’t have to read another character. Tasteless garbage. Zero flavor. The worst frozen pizza sold in supermarkets. 2 dollar crap is better than that embarrassment. FFS. F’n Digorna.
I’ve eaten all these 5 brands and NONE of them compare to HOME RUN pizza!
Home Run crust is the flakiest, their cheese and sauce are perfect and their Italian sausage is the real deal.
Home run is the only grocery store pizza we buy. We used to by it from a personal pizza and meat delivery truck once a week that came 120 miles from Chicago. That means we’ve eaten it for about 35 years. We’ve never been dissatisfied with it!
No one mentioned freshetta frozen pizza. The crust is light & crispy, and pillowee on the inside. It’s my favorite, I use to like until I tried this pizza amazing I think it is one of the best it should be in the top five
I use to like DiGiorno’s pizza now I’m a Freshetta frozen pizza fan.
Not one of those pizzas (they’re pizzas not pies) would crack any list I could dream up. Nowadays the frozen pizzas are mostly pretty bad so l’ve started making my own pizza with store bought dough.
Even the Chicagoland favorite Vito & Nicks frozen pizza is not good anymore.
Ya’ll are missing out cuz you’ve not had Butch’s Pizza ~ it’s a central Illinois thing and it is by far the best frozen pizza EVER!
Just finished a Palermo’s rising crust pepperoni pizza. It was much better than any other I can recall. Enjoyed it..!
Frozen pizza, no. Frozen cheese pizza, yes, when I add my own toppings:. a good sauce, freshly sliced mushrooms and a whole pepperoni stick, peeled and sliced. Mozzarella, shredded or sliced and shredded cheddar cheese.
Cut into 4 sections and (re)freeze what you don’t eat. Toaster oven 425 preheated, 12 minutes – I lay on the wire rack w/o a baking tray. Room for 2 pcs. Put foil on bottom over crumb tray. Let any dripping dry. Then soak and clean oven and rack, crumb tray.
I found Lotza mottza is my best by far
Lotsa motza for sure is #1 with me!
I found that Safeway’s signature pizzas are quite good. They certainly would be Tombstone any day of the week.
You spelled “worst” wrong…
HOME RUN INN is by far the best frozen pizza!
You odviously haven’t tried motercity pizza.thick crust that’s both crispy and chewy.it baked in its own special pan(that’s provide).comes in all meat, pepperoni,and supream.LOTS of toppings and cheese balanced so there is just enough sauce ration,not to little not to much so you get to taste the buttery crust and toppings.sold at Walmart so everyone can get their mits on it and around 8$.really does taste like take out through your freezer portal.
Screamin Sicilian and Home Run Inn are the best!!