Meta Description: Discover everything you need to know about Panera’s delicious frozen flatbread pizzas. We cover where to buy, nutrition, how they compare to delivery, reheating tips, copycat recipes, FAQs, and more!
Panera Bread is known for its fresh and delicious meals made only with high-quality ingredients. Yet, did you know they also offer a frozen option? That’s right! You can now enjoy the freshness of Panera from your very own home. One of their most popular frozen items being the flatbread pizzas. With their crunchy crust and mouth watering toppings, these pizzas make for an easy meal or snack. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Panera’s frozen flatbread pizzas.
An Overview of Panera's Frozen Flatbread Pizzas
As of right now, there are only three types of flatbread pizzas available: cheese, pepperoni, and margherita. These can be found in most grocery stores nationwide, usually in the frozen pizza aisle. Typically packed with two individual pizzas per box. They come round-shaped and measure at 10 inches across.
The crust on the pizza is thin yet crispy. It has a nice chew to it while holding up well against all the toppings. Made from a multigrain flatbread that contains wheat and oat flours along with sesame millet and flax seeds.The artisan-style gives this pizza an amazing bakery-like taste.
The cheese pizza is made up of your classic mozzarella and Parmesan blend whereas the pepperoni one comes topped with cured pepperoni slices plus that same cheese blend as before. For those who love fresh flavors, there’s always the margherita option which consists of Roma tomatoes, mozzarella Parmesan, and basil.
Only part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan are used on these pizzas so expect them to have a nice gooey quality without being overly greasy! The minimal toppings guarantee that these pizzas won’t be too heavy either… Just enough flavor balance!
Heating Instructions for Panera's Frozen Flatbread Pizzas
No more will you struggle with heating instructions! Panera has made it simpler than ever to prepare your frozen pizza at home. You have three options:
Starting off traditionally with the oven, preheat to 425°F and remove the pizza from its sleeve. Place the pizza directly onto the oven rack or a baking sheet then bake it for about 10-12 minutes. The hot surface of the oven will help crisp up that crust!
If you’re trying to eat fast then pop it in the microwave! Leave it in the cardboard sleeve and cook on high for about 2-3 minutes. Check on it after 2 minutes as each microwave is different. The pizza should be done once all cheese is melted and the crust is warmed through.
Lastly, there’s also toaster oven instructions. If you’re using this method know that you don’t need to preheat anything – just put the pizza onto the toaster oven rack and let it toast for around 5-7 minutes. Check every so often if you like things a certain way!
Cooking time can vary depending on a few factors such as how powerful your microwave/oven is so always go off what’s suggested but adjust as needed.
Nutritional Information On Panera Frozen Flatbread Pizzas
Nutritional Information
It would be silly of us not to address this part as we are talking about food… But one thing worth mentioning is that Panera’s frozen flatbread pizzas do offer somewhat balanced nutrition compared to other frozen pizzas! Now, obviously these aren’t healthy by any means but they do use better quality ingredients plus reasonable portion sizes.
Here are the nutrition facts for each variety of Panera frozen flatbread pizza:
- Cheese Pizza (1/2 pizza) – 280 calories, 12g fat, 560 mg sodium
- Pepperoni Pizza (1/2 pizza) – 330 calories, 17g fat, 890 mg sodium
- Margherita Pizza (1/2 pizza) – 260 calories, 12g fat, 600 mg sodium
As you can see, the calorie, fat and sodium numbers are lower than many competing frozen pizzas. The margherita is the lightest option while the pepperoni packs the most calories and sodium due to the cured meat.
Panera’s multigrain crust gives their pizzas a nice fiber boost with 5-7g per half pizza. The pizzas also provide protein, calcium, vitamin A and other nutrients from the cheeses.
Overall, Panera’s frozen flatbread pizzas provide a relatively guilt-free option for a quick pizza fix. You can feel good about enjoying their great taste and quality without overdoing it on cals or sodium. Just be mindful of portion sizes.
Buying Panera Frozen Flatbread Pizzas
Availability and Pricing at Major Retailers
Retailer | Availability | Price Range (per box) |
|---|---|---|
Walmart | Yes | ~$6 |
Panera makes their frozen flatbread pizzas readily available at major grocery chains across the United States. Here is a look at where you can find them:
- Walmart – Panera’s frozen pizzas are stocked in the freezer section at most Walmart locations. They cost around $6 for a box that contains two pizzas.
- Target – You can also find Panera pizza boxes in the frozen food aisles of Target stores nationwide.Expect to pay $5-6 per box.
- Kroger – Most Kroger-owned stores carry Paneras’ frozen pizzas as well.Check your local Kroger,Ralphs,Harris Teeter or other banner.Pricing is similar to Walmart and Target.
- Publix – Publix usually has a selection of Panera frozen items like the pizzas near the prepared meals and freezer cases.Plan on spending $6-7 per box.
- Albertsons – Many Albertsons stores and their subsidiaries (Safeway,Vons,etc.) carry the Panera frozen pizza boxes as well.Check stock and pricing at your local branch.
- Amazon – You can order Panera frozen flatbread pizzas online from Amazon Fresh in select areas.Prime members get free shipping on qualified orders.
The best deals on Panera frozen pizzas often come from clipping coupons or waiting for weekly ad sales at major chains like Walmart and Target. Act quickly if you see a good sale, as popular items can sell out.
How Panera's Frozen Pizzas Stack Up to Delivery
Panera also offers these same flatbread pizzas for delivery or takeout from their cafe locations. So how do the frozen pizzas compare to ones direct from the restaurant?
In terms of taste and quality, they are quite close. Panera seems to use the same recipes and ingredients for both their frozen retail pizzas and the ones served in-store. However, there are some minor differences:
- The frozen pizzas are slightly smaller than the takeout ones; retail is two 10” pizzas vs. 11″ for takeout.
- The frozen pizzas look a bit more processed; takeout pizzas from the cafe have a more rustic, handmade appearance.
- The cafe uses fresher ingredients; frozen veggies and meats get slightly compromised in quality.
- Cafe orders are made fresh to order.Frozen was likely prepared weeks or months before.
The Panera frozen flatbread pizzas were a hit with my family. Really, how could they not be? The bakery-cafe chain has a stellar reputation for its pizza-like creations.
But there is something even more fun about these frozen versions. As a food reviewer and writer, I get to test out lots of different brands and flavors of frozen pizza. It’s actually one of my favorite things to do.
So when I picked up the two new offerings from Panera at Walmart recently, I was filled with excitement.
Would these actually taste like hot fresh Panera flatbreads?
How would they compare to the delivery pies they already make?
And most importantly…
Would they have that same addicting cheddar flavor?
Two Flavors of Panera Frozen Pizza
Each box contains two individually wrapped frozen pizzas:
- Margherita – Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves
- Three Cheese – Tomato sauce, fontina cheese, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese
I thought it was interesting that neither had any kind of cheddar on them. That ingredient is what makes Panera’s other baked goods so special (and addictive).
Was this an oversight or just the way all traditional Italian margherita pies are done?
Slice up pieces of pepperoni and place them across the pizza. For margherita pizzas, use fresh Roma tomato slices, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, torn basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil over the top.
Place your homemade pizzas on a pizza stone or upside down baking sheet at 450°F for 10-15 minutes until the crust gets crisp and browned and the cheese fully melts. Then slice up your pizza and serve to enjoy quality flatbread pizzas!
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Panera Flatbread Pizza
Like most pizzas, Panera’s flatbread pizzas taste best fresh and hot on the day they are prepared. However, you will inevitably have leftovers that need storing from time to time. Here are some tips for saving and reheating any uneaten Panera frozen or homemade flatbread pizza:
- Allow your pizza to cool off before putting it away so it doesn’t get wet with moisture.
- Place slices or whole pizza in an air-tight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Leave leftovers in your fridge for 3-5 days for optimal quality.
- To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet or pizza stone then bake at 375°F for 7-10 minutes until hot.
- You can also reheat leftover pizza directly on the oven rack at 400°F for 5-8 minutes if you want it extra crispy.
- For quick reheating, microwave individual slices for 45-60 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
- Eat reheated food within a day or two for optimal flavor and texture.
If you store your leftovers properly by refrigerating it before eating again you’ll be able to enjoy them multiple times whenever you want some more food. Also keep in mind that if you do choose to rewarm it again make sure to eat it within the next few days as well because leaving it out will make it soft and mushy.
Copycat Recipes to Make Panera Flatbread Pizza at Home
While Panera’s exact recipes are proprietary secrets, some clever home cooks and bloggers have developed copycat recipes that yield extremely close results. Here are a few of the most popular copycat recipes for recreating Panera’s famous flatbread pizzas:
Simple Flatbread Pizza Crust
Makes two 10-inch pizzas
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1⁄4 tsp instant yeast
- 3⁄4 tsp salt
- 1 1⁄4 cups warm water
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Whisk flours, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add water and olive oil and mix until shaggy dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cut into two pieces.
- Roll and stretch each piece into a thin 10-inch round. Top as desired and bake at 450°F for 12 minutes.
Margherita Pizza
Toppings:
- Spread pizza sauce thinly across the top of your pizza slice.
- Fresh mozzarella slices
- Sliced Roma tomatoes
- Shredded basil leaves
- Grated parmesan
Pepperoni Pizza
Toppings:
- Place pizza sauce on the crust of your flatbread pizza slice.
- Low moisture mozzarella cheese slices
- Pepperoni slices
- Grated parmesan
These copycat recipes mean you can enjoy Panera flatbread pizzas from your own kitchen. They practically taste the same, but cost way less to make at home. Use them for a great homemade meal or to stun everyone at your next pizza party!
Questions about Panera's Frozen Flatbread Pizzas
Panera’s frozen flatbread pizzas offer a convenient way to enjoy top-quality pizza flavors at home. But you may have some questions about heating them up and getting the most of this beloved product. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long is the shelf life on these pizzas?
Don’t worry! They’ll last 12 months when frozen. If you want a freshness guarantee look for the “use by” date printed on the packaging.
Do the pizzas need to be thawed before heating?
Not at all! Any oven, toaster oven, or microwave can work with frozen pizza.
What’s the best way to make the crust crispy?
Using an oven directly on a hot stone or upside down baking sheet will make sure it’s crisp on the bottom. You’ll want to set it high (425°F+) and keep an eye on it though.
Why does my pizza sometimes get soggy in the middle?
This can happen if it’s not heated evenly so preheat your baking sheet or pan before cooking as that helps.
Are there any special handling instructions for veggie toppings?
Nope! The veggies are already cooked so just warm them up until hot.
Do I need to use a pizza peel or special tools?
No special equipment is required. Just grab everyday oven mitts or kitchen tools and handle everything carefully in and out of the oven. A pizza peel works wonders if you’re transferring it onto a hot stone.
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
You have 3-4 days after storing these in the fridge before the quality goes down. If you want the crispy texture back then reheat it in the oven or microwave.
In Conclusion
Panera’s gourmet flatbread pizzas have become a staple for millions of Americans craving something flavorful and fresh. They now bring that same energy to your own kitchen, just as fast too! With their artisan crusts and amazing toppings, these pizzas will make you forget how bad Pizza Hut is. Put one in your oven or microwave for an instant meal with family. Or just enjoy some quick snacking throughout the day. And don’t forget that we have recipes to recreate Panera quality pizza at home too! These store-bought options taste great but don’t let their convenience fool you — they’re packed with so much flavor.
