As a self-proclaimed frozen pizza connoisseur and salad lover, I often find myself lingering in the frozen aisle of any given grocery store. I’m constantly searching for the perfect spinach pizza. There’s something about a crispy crust paired with melted cheese and the earthy flavor of spinach that gets my heart (and stomach) singing. Turns out quite a few other people feel this way too, as sales for frozen pizzas topped with spinach have skyrocketed lately.
Why Choose Frozen Pizza with Spinach?
There are several reasons why spinach has become so popular on our pies in recent years. First off, it’s incredibly nutritious. Loaded with vitamins A, C and K, iron, fiber and antioxidants, throwing some leaves onto your pizza only ups its nutrient content while adding an appealing texture and depth of flavor.
Unlike most other types of frozen pizzas that are purely indulgent treats, these have at least a hint of healthiness to them which makes us feel better about going back for seconds (or thirds). In addition, there’s no denying how convenient they are. Whether you’re feeding your family or simply don’t feel like cooking after a long day at work, tossing one in the oven is always an easy solution.
Lastly there’s variety. There are countless different kinds of frozen pizzas topped with spinach available right now whether you’re gluten-free, vegetarian or just really love cheese there’s likely one made for you.
Here’s a pie chart displaying the most popular additional toppings people like to add to their frozen spinach pizza, based on a survey. The chart shows that extra cheese is the most preferred additional topping at 25%, followed by mushrooms, tomatoes, and olives each at 20%, and chicken at 15%.
Different Types of Frozen Spinach Pizzas
As we mentioned above, there are many kinds of pies on the market right now that feature our leafy friend on top. Here’s what you can expect to see:
Plain Spinach Pizzas
These are probably what comes to mind when you think “frozen pizza topped with spinach.” It’s simply just mozzarella cheese and spinach layered atop a tomato base. This variety is perfect if all you want is some straightforward greens (and gooeyness) on your pizza.
Spinach and Cheese Varieties
For those who really like their fair share of cheese, there are plenty of pizzas topped with spinach and cheese to choose from. Feta, ricotta and even gorgonzola are frequently used in these pies each bringing a different flavor that takes our beloved snack from ordinary to extraordinary.
Spinach with Additional Toppings
Maybe you’re feeling extra adventurous right now? If so, you’ll want to opt for one of these babies. In addition to spinach, they also come topped with olives, artichokes, mushrooms, and a variety of meats making for a bold bite.
Choosing the best-frozen spinach pizza will come down to your taste, but there are some things you should consider first. The crust thickness is a big one, it can vary from being super thin and crunchy to on the opposite end of the spectrum, doughy and deep-dish. The type of cheese and its quality can also make or break a spinach pizza as well as how much cheese is used. If you’re health conscious, I wouldn’t just look at calories and carbs, take a look at the actual ingredients list for any artificial preservatives or excessive sodium.
I always take a moment to read what’s on the box when browsing through frozen pizzas in the store and I suggest you do too. A good rule is to find a pizza that has recognizable ingredients on it’s short ingredient list because this typically means it’ll be less processed food and closer to homemade quality.
Here’s a bar chart comparing the quarterly sales figures of leading brands of frozen spinach pizza. The chart shows Brand B leading the sales with 150,000 units, followed by Brand C at 130,000 units, Brand A at 120,000 units, and Brand D trailing with 110,000 units. This visualization highlights the competitive landscape among different frozen spinach pizza brands over the specified period, indicating consumer preferences and market performance.
Cooking Your Frozen Spinach Pizza to Perfection
You’ve made the big decision, you’ve picked your frozen spinach pizza and now you’re ready to turn it into a golden, crispy delight. Here’s how to cook it whether you’re using an oven or air fryer.
Oven Baking
The oven is tried-and-true. Preheat yours to the temperature that’s recommended on the packaging of your pizza. This should be between 375°F and 425°F. It might seem tempting to skip this step but properly preheating your oven is crucial for getting that perfectly baked crust.
To bake your pizza place it directly onto the center of the oven rack, this will give you a crispier bottom. Or if you prefer a softer crust, then use a baking sheet instead. Bake as instructed on the package which means typically between 12 to 18 minutes depending on how thick the crust is and your ovens peculiarities. Keep an eye on your pizza in the final minutes of baking so that it doesn’t overcook. The pizza is done when cheese bubbles and turns golden, and when its crust has become its desired level of crispness.
Air Fryer Method
If you’ve hopped aboard with the rest of us in joining up with the air fryer revolution then good news! It offers a quick and reliable way to cook your frozen spinach pizza. The rapid air circulation technology allows you to get a crispy crust with perfectly melted cheese in quicker time than what it takes an oven just to preheat.
All you do is put your frozen spinach pizza inside the basket of your air fryer then set it’s temperature at 375°F for around 8-10 minutes. Since different air fryers have varying cooking power values start by checking after five minutes so nothing burns! You’ll want bubbling cheese and a crispy brown crust as visual cues just like oven baking.
Here’s a table comparing the nutritional content of the top 5 frozen spinach pizza brands:
Brand | Calories | Fats (g) | Fiber (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
FrostyLeaf Pizza Co. | 250 | 10 | 3 | 12 |
Customizing Your Frozen Pizza with Spinach
Making a dish your own is one of the joys of cooking. Even though you’re working with a frozen pizza, it’s surprisingly versatile and still allows for some experimentation. Before baking, add some extra toppings onto your pizza to make it more personal. To give it some heat sprinkle on chili flakes or toss a few fresh arugula leaves over the baked pizza for pepper freshness. You can even drizzle high-quality olive oil on right before serving if you want to elevate its flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous then try adding on unconventional toppings! Sliced avocado, sun-dried tomatoes or even a handful of walnuts could turn your frozen spinach pizza into an upscale meal.
Pairing Your Frozen Spinach Pizza
To turn your frozen spinach pizza into an overall well-rounded dining experience consider pairing it with:
Wine Pairings
A light to medium-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio compliments the earthy tones from spinach and richness from cheese without overpowering them. If red wine is more up your alley then go for softer more fruity types like Pinot Noir.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple so that they won’t overshadow anything from your pizza. A crisp green salad makes for a refreshing contrast when dressed with lemony vinaigrette while garlic bread adds an indulgent touch when in need of something extra filling.
Where to Find the Best Frozen Pizza with Spinach
While there’s a plethora of frozen spinach pizzas you have in the market, not all are created equally. Everyone has their preferences, but for me some of my favorite brands for quality and flavor include Amy’s Kitchen, Newman’s Own, and Dr. Oetker. Explore your local supermarket and specialty food stores to see what they can offer you. You should also look at online reviews and food blogs for recommendations – the world of frozen spinach pizza aficionados is a passionate one.
Conclusion
The humble frozen pizza has come a long way, with spinach-topped varieties offering a delicious and somewhat nutritious option for those hectic evenings or impromptu gatherings. By choosing your pizza wisely, cooking it to perfection, and adding your personal touch, you can elevate a simple frozen meal into something truly special.
I hope this guide inspires you to explore the world of frozen spinach pizzas and perhaps discover your new favorite quick meal. And remember, the best frozen pizza is the one that brings you the most joy—toppings and all.
