We’ll admit, frozen pizza doesn’t always check all the boxes for a healthy dinner. We’re partial to homemade cauliflower pizza crust. But sometimes throwing a pizza in the oven is all you have the time to do! That’s why we’re sharing a secret that will help you take pizza night up a notch. Hint: It’s all about rearranging the toppings.
The Perfect Slice of Frozen Pizza
Have you ever cut into a pizza that fresh out of the oven, only to have the toppings and cheese start to slide around and make a mess? This can be caused by trying to slice the pizza while it’s still too hot, but another factor is the topping placement. If there are toppings in the way of your slice lines, it can be difficult to get a clean cut. Plus, wouldn’t you rather have full circles of pepperoni on each slice of pizza rather than uneven pepperoni portions?
Here’s the surprisingly simple and brilliant solution: Before you put the pizza in the oven, rearrange the toppings.
Imagine where the slice lines will be, then place the toppings on each portion of pizza, leaving space between each slice so you have a clear path to make your cut. No more cutting through toppings!
Whenever cooking a frozen pizza, rearrange the ingredients before you cook it so that when you cut through it, it makes for a cleaner slice. from r/lifehacks
Psst! For hundreds more unexpected cooking tips check out Taste of Home Kitchen Hacks, a new kind of cookbook filled with 150+ hacks, plus recipes to go along with them.
How to Add More Flavor
Now that you’ve perfected your pizza slices, with full portions of toppings on each slice—it’s time to kick up the flavor. You can do this by adding even more pizza toppings and of course, cheese. Before baking the pizza, throw on more pepperonis, mushrooms, peppers or whatever you have on hand. (Following our topping arrangement tip as described above.)
Then sprinkle more shredded cheese on top, because you can never have too much cheese. In the end, you’ll have perfectly portioned slices with extra flavor. You might even forget you’re eating a frozen pizza! Here are a few more ideas for upgrading your frozen pizza, including how to make it extra crispy.
More Perfect Pizza Ideas
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Bacon-Chicken Club Pizza
A chicken club pizza topped with lettuce, tomatoes and dressing? You’re in for a treat! Vegetables give the cheesy crust a cool crunch. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
Sausage French Bread Pizza
I never seem to have pizza dough on hand, but that doesn't stop our family from enjoying pizza. We top crusty French bread with creamy Alfredo sauce, sausage and veggies. It's great to serve at a party for children or teens. —Cherie Sweet, Evansville, Indiana
Big Kahuna Pizza
A prebaked pizza crust and refrigerated barbecued pork make this tasty supper idea super fast and super easy. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and it can double as a great last-minute appetizer, too! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Brunch Pizza
Whenever I entertain guests, this zippy pizza is a definite crowd-pleaser. It also makes a great late-night snack for any time of the year! —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Taco Pizza Squares
Everyone will come running the minute you take this fun twist on pizza out of the oven. I top convenient refrigerated pizza dough with leftover taco meat, tomatoes and cheese, bringing a full-flavored fiesta to the table in under half an hour. —Sarah Vovos, Middleton, Wisconsin.
Mini Mediterranean Pizza
I was on a mini-pizza kick and had already served up Mexican and Italian variations, so I opted for a Mediterranean version and came up with these. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Italian-Style Pizzas
With prepared pesto and pizza crusts, this recipe comes together in a flash. It makes two, and we love that we each get our own Italian style pizza! I like to complete the meal with a salad and fresh fruit. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Game-Night Nacho Pizza
Some like it hot with jalapenos; others like it cool with a dollop of sour cream. But one thing’s for sure: This is “nacho” ordinary pizza night. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pizza
This is probably the most unusual "pizza" you'll ever see! It's a great dessert for kids, although adults snap it up, too. Everyone loves the chewy crust and the great flavor. Chocolate and peanut butter are a nice combination.
Creole Shrimp Pizza
Pizza and the flavors of Creole cuisine blend amazingly well in this hearty dish with a crispy crust. Add more hot sauce to boost the heat if you like things spicy. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Tomato Baguette Pizza
When my tomatoes ripen all at once, I use them up in simple recipes like this one. Cheesy baguette pizzas, served with a salad, make an ideal lunch. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Turkey Alfredo Pizza
A longtime family favorite, this thin-crust pizza is both tasty and nutritious. It's an excellent way to use up leftover turkey, too. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Chili Dog Pizza
My girls love it when I make this mash-up pizza with hot dogs and chili. It’s a marvelous way to use up leftover chili. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri
Mini Zucchini Pizzas
Looking for low carb? This simple snack recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy your pizza cravings while skipping the usual carb-filled crust. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Arugula Pizza
This pizza is great served as an appetizer when family or friends get together. My girlfriends and I love it because it has that sophisticated gourmet touch, and it's healthy, too! This also serves 4 for a main course. —Annette Riva, Naperville, Illinois
Eggplant Flatbread Pizzas
I'm now a professional chef, but I loved making this recipe for the family on Friday nights as a home cook. We like to shake pizza up with unique, fresh toppings. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Thai Peanut Naan Pizzas
I'm a huge fan of Thai food, but don't always have the time to make it at home. To get my fix, I top fluffy naan bread with a ginger-peanut sauce, fresh veggies, a sprinkle of cilantro and a spicy squiggle of Sriracha. —Rachel Seis, Taste of Home Senior Editor
Grilled Greek Pita Pizzas
This easy flatbread pizza captures classic Mediterranean flavors in every bite. It works equally well as a speedy main dish or an appetizer. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Grilled Pizza Bread
These fun French bread pizzas are great picnic fare for both kids and adults. Tasty on the grill, they can just as easily be baked in the oven. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Rich Chicken Alfredo Pizza
Had a full day of sledding, shopping or decorating? Settle in for a family-pleasing meal of homemade pizza. With a prebaked crust and simple Alfredo sauce, it’s easy and delicious. —Tammy Hanks, Gainsville, Florida
Grilled Flatbread Veggie Pizza
We pile veggies onto flatbread for a fun way to eat healthier. Our go-to recipe for weeknights easily changes with different veggies or meats. —Darla Andrews, Lewisville, Texas
Garlic Toast Pizzas
Between working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio
Salad-Topped Flatbread Pizzas
The crisp veggies on top of the cream, cheese and meat are so refreshing. And the vinaigrette gives these pizzas a nice zing. —Julie Merriman, Cold Brook, New York
Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas
These easy little pizzas are a wonderful change of pace from the classic cookout menu. Let everybody go crazy with the toppings. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza
This recipe combines my two favorite foods—pizza and chicken cordon bleu. I've made this for my family and the teachers at my school. Now my teachers ask me to make it for them for lunch! —Justin Rippel, Colgate, Wisconsin
Barbecued Chicken Pizzas
So fast and so easy with refrigerated pizza crust, these saucy, smoky pizzas make quick fans with their rustic, hot-off-the-grill flavor. They're perfect for impromptu cookouts and summer dinners on the patio. —Alicia Trevithick, Temecula, California
Grilled Eggplant Pita Pizzas
We grow eggplants and love to use them for our special pizza. Grilling adds robust flavor to the crust, veggies and garlic. Waiting for the eggplants to grow is the hardest part! —Judy Barrett, Chelsea, Alabama
Pepperoni Pizza Loaf
This savory stromboli starts with frozen bread dough, so it comes together in practically no time. The golden loaf is stuffed with cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers and olives. I often add a few slices of ham, too. It's tasty served with warm pizza sauce for dipping. —Jenny Brown, West Lafayette, Indiana
Pizza Monkey Bread
I cannot throw a party without making this recipe. It's fast and easy, and my kids love it. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California
Apple Crisp Pizza
While visiting a Wisconsin orchard, I tried a tempting apple crisp pie. At home, I put together this apple pizza. As it bakes, the enticing aroma fills my kitchen, and friends and family linger waiting for a sample. —Nancy Preussner, Delhi, Iowa
Meatball Pizza
I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Baked Potato Pizza
I make this creative baked potato pizza for Super Bowl parties. The sour cream, bacon, onions and cheese make every bite taste just like a loaded baked potato. —Gina Pierson, Centralia, Missouri
Spinach-Pesto White Pizza
When my kids were really small, they were reluctant to eat their veggies and I had to get creative. I figured that because pesto is already green, it would be the perfect place for some spinach. The pizza was a big hit. —Janet Burbach, North Platte, Nebraska
Mini Pizza Cups
Served hot or cold, these little pizzas are wonderful. Their small size makes them ideal for an after-school snack or kid-friendly party. Plus, they’re so easy to make, little ones can help you in the kitchen! —Jane Jones, Cedar, Minnesota
Fast Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Cheesesteaks and pizza are such favorites, I just had to combine them. We top a pizza crust with roast beef, cheese and veggies for a hand-held feast. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
Makeover Fruit Pizza
There’s nothing better than a guilt-free dessert, especially when it’s topped with refreshing and colorful fruit. We skimmed the calories and fat from a traditional fruit pizza to create one with about half the calories, fat and cholesterol. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dill Pickle Hamburger Pizza
My husband's favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers, so I combined the two in a pizza with mayo and dill pickle juice topping. People who try it start laughing because it's so good. —Angie Zimmerman, Eureka, Illinois
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Fans of spicy chicken wings will love this rendition that turns it into pizza. Serve it up with blue cheese dressing and crisp celery, just like the tasty original. —Shari DiGirolamo, Newton, Pennsylvania
Thanksgiving Lover's Pizza
Got Thanksgiving Day leftovers? Forget ho-hum turkey sandwiches and try this unique take on pizza instead. Get creative with different variations: use whole berry or jelly cranberry sauce; add dollops of mashed potatoes on top; drizzle with turkey gravy; sprinkle with stuffing or dressing; or try unique pizza crust varieties. —Carla Parker, Anderson, South Carolina
BLT Pizza
I use a prebaked crust and fixings from the much-loved BLT sandwich to create this fun variation. It's my family's favorite pizza. —Marilyn Ruggles, Lees Summit, MissouriThe post The Brilliant Frozen Pizza Trick You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner appeared first on Taste of Home.
Erica Young