Take-and-bake pizza offers a convenient, cost-effective solution for enjoying fresh, oven-baked pizza at home. It combines efficiency with the appeal of pizzeria-style toppings.
These pizzas are made on partially baked crusts, then topped with sauce and typically raw cheese, meat, or vegetables. This approach often results in a fresher taste compared to frozen pizzas. Additionally, take-and-bake pizzas provide the flexibility to venture into semi-homemade territory by adding your own toppings, such as leftover greens, freshly grated cheese, or extra tomato slices. A significant advantage is that these pizzas don't suffer from freezer burn, as they are never frozen.
Numerous grocery stores offer their take-and-bake pizza varieties, and some restaurants feature their own par-baked pizzas for home cooking. Although I'm a regular buyer of frozen pizzas for those sudden pizza cravings and a devout fan of New York-style slices, I was intrigued to compare take-and-bake pizzas against my usual choices.
I explored my local area to discover the most appealing take-and-bake pizzas. These options, which can be quickly cooked at home, serve as an excellent alternative to pizza delivery, offering a satisfying slice in no time. Here's a rundown of my top picks, from the least impressive to the one I'm considering as a regular item in my convenience food collection.
5) Wegmans Pepperoni Naan Pizza
PER SERVING (1/2 PIZZA): 450 calories, 25 g fat (10 g saturated fat), 1,210 mg sodium, 39 g carbs (2 g fiber, 4 g sugar), 20 g protein
The idea of a simple pizza on a fluffy naan base, ideal for sharing, sounds appealing in theory. However, in practice, this take-and-bake option fell short of expectations. The mozzarella had an overly processed taste with an unexpected hint of sweetness. The pepperoni, which could have balanced the sweetness, leaned more towards sweet rather than spicy, and had a salty, unappealing flavor. On the positive side, the naan crust had a nice texture, being crisp in some areas and soft and stretchy in others. Wegman's even suggests a DIY approach using their in-house naan, a jar of sauce, and cheese, which might be worth a try.
4) Juliana's Pizza Take & Bake Margherita
PER SERVING (1/4 PIZZA): 380 calories, 16 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 960 mg sodium, 42 g carbs (2 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 17 g protein
Renowned as a beloved pizza destination in Brooklyn, N.Y., Juliana's offering of refrigerated take-and-bake pizzas via FreshDirect, a grocery delivery service in the New York metropolitan area, was a delightful discovery. The pizza, notably thin, required only five minutes to bake at 500 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal choice for a swift snack or a late-night bite. The mozzarella was pleasingly melted, but the sauce was scant and lacked depth of flavor. Enhancing it with classic pizzeria-style additions like chili flakes, oregano, and garlic powder significantly improved the taste. However, at $22, the pizza seemed somewhat underwhelming in its original form.
3) Wegmans Fully Cooked Cheese Pizza
PER SERVING (1/8 PIZZA): 350 calories, 12 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 940 mg sodium, 44 g carbs (2 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 17 g protein
This pizza scored high on appearance, resembling a classic New York slice with its bubbling cheese, toasted crust, and a thin spread of tomato sauce. The texture was appealing, with a gooey center and crispy cheese edges melding with the sauce. However, the taste didn't live up to the visuals. The crust was satisfactory, akin to a typical slice shop offering, but the sauce lacked depth and tomato flavor. Similarly, the cheese was rather flavorless, which was unexpected for a slice containing a considerable amount of sodium.
2) Whole Foods Market Uncured Pepperoni Pizza
PER SERVING (1/8 PIZZA): 310 calories, 13 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 780 mg sodium, 35 g carbs (2 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 13 g protein
This pizza was notably large, making it somewhat challenging to transport home and store in the fridge. However, it's well-suited for immediate consumption, especially for a group. It requires baking at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for nine to 11 minutes, and it's important to rotate it halfway through to avoid burning—a lesson I learned the hard way. The side of the pizza that wasn't burnt turned out to be quite enjoyable. The tomato sauce was pleasantly tangy, the mozzarella nicely broiled in spots, and the uncured pepperoni had a mild spiciness. While the slices were comparable to a typical New York takeout slice, they didn't quite match up to my favorite slice shops. Nevertheless, it makes for a decent alternative.
1) Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen 12-Inch Uncured Pepperoni Cauliflower Crust Deli Pizza
PER SERVING (1/3 PIZZA): 420 calories, 23 g fat (13 g saturated fat), 990 mg sodium, 33 g carbs (3 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 22 g protein
Mama Cozzi's, Aldi's own brand of take-and-bake pizzas, offers a variety of flavors with options for both traditional and cauliflower crusts. The cauliflower crust version impresses with its crispiness and sturdiness, effectively supporting a generous layer of tomato sauce, melty cheese, and pepperoni. A nine-minute bake perfectly crisped the pepperoni while keeping the cheese from burning. Although the cauliflower crust became slightly soggy after cooling, it regained its crispness with a brief reheating in the toaster oven. This pizza was not only delicious and easy to prepare, but it's also a product I would happily purchase again.