The frozen pizza aisle has undergone a revolution. Forget the bland, cardboard-esque pizzas of the past. Today, you can find frozen pizzas with upgraded ingredients like feta cheese and roasted garlic, and recipes tailored to specific diets, including keto. These ready-made pies offer a convenient and often healthier alternative to takeout from your local pizzeria.
Why Choose Frozen Pizza?
One of the biggest advantages of frozen pizza is the control you have over the ingredients.
Crusts for Every Diet: All-purpose flour crusts are no longer the only option. Now, you can easily find gluten-free and keto-friendly crusts made with ingredients like cauliflower, gluten-free flour blends, and even chickpeas.
Sauce Variety: Beyond traditional red sauce, you can find pizzas with pesto, offering a simple way to boost the nutritional content of your meal.
Ingredient Quality: Many brands prioritize high-quality ingredients, such as non-GMO vegetables and dairy from hormone-free cows.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Top Keto Frozen Pizza Brands
When following a ketogenic diet, finding convenient and compliant options can be a game-changer. Frozen pizza can satisfy those pizza cravings without derailing your diet, provided you choose the right brand. Here's a breakdown of some of the best keto-friendly frozen pizza brands available:
1. Real Good Foods
Real Good Foods offers both cauliflower and chicken crust pizzas, making them a top contender in the keto frozen pizza category.
- Real Good Foods Cauliflower Margherita Pizza: This pizza features a crust made from cauliflower, almond flour, egg, and cheese. It strikes a balance between a soft and crispy texture, setting it apart from other cauliflower crust options.
- Real Good Foods Chicken Crust Pizza: Made with all-natural chicken and parmesan cheese, this pizza is grain-free and gluten-free, with chicken raised without hormones or antibiotics.
Key Ingredients (Chicken Crust Pizza): CRUST (ALL NATURAL* CHICKEN BREAST WITH PARMESAN CHEESE [CHICKEN BREAST, PARMESAN CHEESE {PASTEURIZED PART SKIM MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES}, LESS THAN 2% WATER, SALT, SUNFLOWER OIL, NATURAL FLAVOR]), MOZZARELLA CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), PIZZA SAUCE (TOMATO, WATER, TOMATOES [TOMATO, TOMATO JUICE, CITRIC ACID, CALCIUM CHLORIDE], OLIVE OIL, SALT, SPICES, DEHYDRATED GARLIC), FULLY COOKED ALL NATURAL* UNCURED BACON TOPPING NO NITRITE OR NITRATES ADDED EXCEPT AS NATURALLY OCCURRING IN SEA SALT AND CELERY JUICE POWDER.
Keto Macros (1/2 Pizza): 420 calories, 14g of Fat, 4g Net Carbs, 25g Protein
Cooking Instructions:
- Grilling: Place the frozen pizza directly on the grill for 6-8 minutes on medium heat.
- Air Frying: Set the air fryer to 350 degrees and cook for about 12 minutes.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 425 degrees and bake for 10-12 minutes.
2. Cali'flour Foods
Cali'flour Foods pizzas are known for their simple, healthy ingredients. Their crusts are made with fresh cauliflower, egg whites, mozzarella, and seasonings. These pizzas are low in carbs and ready in about 20 minutes. One popular option is the spicy jalapeño crust. However, it's worth noting that the crust is exceptionally thin.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
3. Quest Nutrition
Quest Nutrition Thin Crust Pizzas are a convenient keto option. When cooked according to the instructions, the crust becomes crispy. While the ingredients are generally healthy, some may be concerned about the sugar in the pepperoni. The crust has a slightly soft, cracker-like texture.
Ingredients: Water, Low-moisture Mozzarella Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Milk Protein Isolate, Tomato Paste, Uncured Pepperoni No Nitrates Or Nitrites Added Except For Those Naturally Occurring In Celery Powder And Sea Salt (Pork, Sea Salt, Spices, Sugar, Lactic Acid Starter Culture, Natural Flavorings, Celery Powder, Spice Extractives, Paprika Oleoresin), Cellulose, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Soluble Corn Fiber, Pecorino Romano Cheese (Pasteurized Sheep’s Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Citrus Fiber.
Additional Brands to Consider
- Amy’s Kitchen: While not specifically keto, Amy's Kitchen offers a range of pizzas with non-GMO veggies and dairy from hormone-free cows. They have options for both vegetarian and vegan diets.
- Amy’s Cheese Pizza: Made with a wheat flour crust, organic tomato sauce, herbs, spices, and grated mozzarella cheese.
- Amy’s Spinach Pizza: Topped with organic spinach, feta, mozzarella, and basil.
- Amy’s Vegan Pizza: Features a hand-stretched crust topped with diced tomatoes, Italian-style sauce, fragrant basil, and plant-based mozzarella cheese.
- Against the Grain: Known for grain- and gluten-free products, Against the Grain offers pizzas like the Grain-Free Pepperoni Pizza, made with nitrate- and nitrite-free pepperoni, homemade tomato sauce, and a triple cheese blend.
- Banza: Banza, originally known for its chickpea-based pasta, now offers chickpea-crust pizzas.
- Cappello’s: Cappello’s specializes in almond flour-based products, including pizza crusts and pizzas like the Margherita Pizza. They also offer a Naked Pizza Crust for those who prefer to add their own toppings.
- Tattooed Chef: Tattooed Chef focuses on plant-based eating and sustainably sourced ingredients. Their Cauliflower Crust Cheese Pizza is gluten-free, vegetarian, and provides 15g of protein per serving.
Tips for Cooking Keto Frozen Pizza
Achieving the perfect keto frozen pizza requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure a delicious outcome:
- Read the Instructions: Follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results.
- Preheat Properly: Ensure your oven or grill is properly preheated before cooking the pizza.
- Use a Pizza Stone: Baking the pizza on a pizza stone can help create a crispier crust.
- Cook to the Middle: Make sure the pizza is cooked all the way through, especially in the center.
- Add Extra Toppings: Enhance the flavor and nutritional value by adding your own toppings, such as vegetables, herbs, or extra cheese.
- Grilling: Grilling the pizzas gives them an extra smoky flavor and creates a perfect crisp on the crust.
- Air Frying: Air frying results in perfectly browned cheese and toppings.
Important Considerations for Keto Pizza
- Read the Ingredient List: Always check the ingredient list to ensure the pizza aligns with your dietary needs and preferences.
- Focus on Ingredient Quality: Prioritize pizzas made with high-quality, whole ingredients over those with excessive fillers or preservatives.
- Consider Macros: While ingredient quality is crucial, pay attention to the macronutrient content to ensure the pizza fits your keto macros.
Beyond Pizza: Complementary Side Dishes
To complete your keto-friendly pizza night, consider adding some complementary side dishes:
- Brussels Sprouts Leaves: Toss delicate Brussels sprouts leaves with salt and vinegar for a flavorful side.
- Grilled Salad: Add smoky flavor to your salad by grilling some of the ingredients.
- Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potato Chips: These chips make a delicious and satisfying side (in moderation, considering sweet potatoes are higher in carbs than other keto-friendly vegetables).
- Umami-Inspired Green Side: Create a green side dish with umami flavors for a balanced meal.
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