It is said that a frozen pizza can’t ever taste like a freshly made one, and we partially agree. However, some manufacturers have brought frozen pizza to new levels – and many of them specialize in exactly Detroit-style pizza.
So you can go through a frozen section with the necessary knowledge, we made sure to test many of the different products available on the market.
Here are our 4 top choices:
- Pepperoni Pizza by Motor City Pizza Co,
- Motor City Three Meat Pizza,
- Outsiders Detroit Style Pulled Pork + Bacon + BBQ Sauce Pizza,
- DiGiorno Crispy Pan Pepperoni Frozen Pizza.
Make sure you continue reading to find out more details about each of them and base your purchase on a completely informed decision.
1. Pepperoni Pizza by Motor City Pizza Co – Our Top Choice
Product Highlights
When you’re searching for an authentic Detroit-style pizza, you want to look into the company that specializes in it – and that’s precisely what Motor City Pizza Co. is about. You won’t make a mistake by choosing any of their delicious frozen pizzas, but we consider a classic pepperoni pizza to be their best one.
Features
- Topped with pizza sauce, cheese blend, and pepperoni,
- Seasoned with red pepper, parsley, basil, and oregano,
- Bakes for 18-21 minutes,
- Holds 350 kcal per serving.
What We Like About Pepperoni Pizza by Motor City Pizza Co.
Detroit-style pizza is all about the texture. The crust should be airy and thick, crunchy, with a buttery flavor and cheesy corners – and that’s exactly what you’re getting with this product. Not only is it the best frozen Detroit-style pizza you can buy, but it’s comparable to some freshly made pizzas we tried in the past (such as Pizza Hut Detroit pizza).
Nicely melted and delicious 100 % mozzarella cheese, the ideal amount of seasoning, and good quality pepperoni make this dish flavorful. Pork and beef-made pepperoni are thicker than what you usually get and hold more spices, which all add to the fantastic taste of the dish.
If you prepare it as instructed, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful golden brown surface, pillowy crust, and delicious taste – not just for a frozen pizza.
Finally, it’s very easy to prepare. The manufacturer even made the preparation process simpler for the customers by providing a tray. All you have to do is preheat your oven and bake for around 20 minutes.
What We Don’t Like About Pepperoni Pizza by Motor City Pizza Co.
This dish is not the healthiest one on the market – not only does it have a lot of calories per serving, but it contains a lot of additives and flavor enhancers. Still, it’s not an unusual occurrence when it comes to pizza of any kind, not just frozen – the same goes for all other products on our list.
Another minor issue this dish has is the crispiness of the bottom – if you don’t want to burn the toppings, the bottom side will stay soft.
Additionally, note that it comes with a bit higher price than the average cost of frozen pizza in the US – but the fantastic taste and texture make it more than worth it.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Authentic | Many calories per serving |
| Thick and airy crust | Additives |
| Flavorful | A bit higher cost |
| Easy to prepare | Soft bottom side of the dish |
2. Motor City Three Meat Pizza
Product Highlights
Motor City Pizza Co. is a leader in making Detroit-style pizza, and that is why we have not one but two of their pizzas on our list. After the unsurpassed pepperoni pizza, their delicious three-meat dish will not disappoint pizza meat lovers.
Features
- Made from pepperoni, Italian sausage, and bacon chips, with the addition of mozzarella cheese and sauce,
- Seasoned with red pepper, parsley, basil, and oregano,
- Has 380 calories per serving,
- Cook for 18-21 minutes.
What We Like About Motor City Three Meat Pizza
Let’s start with the fact that the crust is almost perfectly made, with just the right ratio of soft and crispy. However, it wouldn’t mean a thing without tasteful ingredients. Just the right amount of cheese and other toppings, combined with their high quality, equals amazing taste.
The sauce itself is a thing of beauty since it is seasoned and spiced exceptionally, with zesty garlic and oregano flavor. The golden brown finish and caramelized edges only add to the appeal of this dish.
What We Don’t Like About Motor City Three Meat Pizza
The only reason this pizza is not our top choice is that not all consumers enjoy meat lovers’ pizza. For some, the combination of the ingredients and an abundance of grease can be too much.
In addition to that, this pizza holds the same issue as our first choice, and that’s a bottom that’s not crispy enough.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Exceptional crust | Soft bottom of the dish |
| Tasteful ingredients | Too strong taste for those not used to it |
| Well-seasoned sauce | |
| Pungent oregano and garlic flavor |
3. Outsiders Detroit Style Pulled Pork + Bacon + BBQ Sauce Pizza
Product Highlights
Another dish that will exceed your expectations when it comes to frozen pizzas is made by the Outsiders Pizza Company. Their team is devoted to making the best underrated regional styles pizzas, such as Detroit and Chicago – and their Detroit Style Pulled Pork + Bacon + BBQ Sauce Pizza is one of their finest products.
Features
- Made from BBQ sauce, pulled pork, diced ham, applewood smoked bacon, green onions, mozzarella, white cheddar, and Wisconsin brick cheese,
- Bakes for 25 minutes,
- Distributed in Cleveland, Ohio,
- Has 440 calories per serving.
What We Like About Outsiders Detroit Style Pulled Pork + Bacon + BBQ Sauce Pizza
For a frozen pizza, this dish has an amazingly rich flavor. It’s clear that manufacturers had thought through pairing plenty of different ingredients because all of them combined work really well together.
Of course, it can’t be an excellent Detroit-style pizza without a suitable crust, and this dish has exactly what you expect to get with this style. The fluffy texture on the inside and crispy crust on the outside will provide you with an amazing mouthfeel without the unnecessary chewiness.
The thing we like the most is their pick of BBQ sauce, which is sweet and smoky and gives this dish a more premium feel than what you’re used to getting with frozen pizzas.
What We Don’t Like Outsiders Detroit Style Pulled Pork + Bacon + BBQ Sauce Pizza
There is not much not to like about this dish. However, what bothered us was the amount of BBQ sauce used. Although bacon, ham, and pork taste great on their own, you’re almost not able to experience it because BBQ sauce covers the other flavors.
Also, the ingredients to crust ratio might be calculated a bit better – you won’t get enough to cover all that crust.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Many different toppings | BBQ sauce overpowers other flavors |
| Rich flavor | Lacking ingredients to crust ratio |
| Thick and crispy crust | |
| The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce taste |
4. DiGiorno Crispy Pan Pepperoni Frozen Pizza
Product Highlights
DiGiorno is probably the most famous and beloved frozen pizza brand in the US, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that their product found its way to our list. Although not named Detroit-style, this pizza has all of its characteristics – from thick and caramelized crust to rectangular shape.
Features
- Topped with mozzarella cheese, tomato paste, and pepperoni,
- Pepperonis are made with chicken, beef, and pork,
- Bakes for 22 minutes,
- Has 420 calories per serving.
What We Like About DiGiorno Crispy Pan Pepperoni Frozen Pizza
DiGiorno’s product has a similar texture to what you get with Motor City Pizza Co, but it comes even lighter. It has an incredibly soft texture on the inside, which is good if you like your deep-dish pizza a bit more on the bready side. However, it does have the right amount of grease that can help with the unavoidable chewiness of the crust.
It also has an amazing cheese flavor that can be compared with cheese on some of the best delivery pizzas. Additionally, the bottom of the crust bakes better than our top choice, resulting in a crispier base.
Same as dishes from the previous companies, it comes with its own tray, and it’s freely easy to make.
What We Don’t Like About DiGiorno Crispy Pan Pepperoni Frozen Pizza
However, there is a reason why this product is last on our list. First of all, although delicious, cheese doesn’t cover the crust from one edge to the other, as it’s shown in the picture. Additionally, it’s not as crisp on the outside, especially if you remember that it’s named a crispy pan dish.
Next, it is advertised as a product with DiGiorno’s signature tomato sauce, but keep in mind that this sauce comes a bit flat, especially compared to the sauce and seasoning of our first choice. Still, it’s a good pick if you prefer a little less spicy flavor.
Lastly, it’s not easy to find – you won’t be able to purchase it in many different retail stores.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Soft and bready texture | Hard to find |
| Well-flavored, especially when it comes to cheese | Different from what’s advertised on the box picture |
| Crispy bottom | Not crusty enough |
| Easy to make | Not spicy enough |
What to Look for When Buying Frozen Detroit Style Pizza?
The Crust Is the Most Important Aspect of a Motor City Style Pizza
For pizza to be Detroit style, it must be rectangular deep-dish, fluffy on the inside, and crispy on the outside. The best frozen Detroit-style pizzas have an almost bready texture with a deliciously caramelized surface.
The Preparation Process Is Also Important
You should look for a manufacturer that will provide you with an easy pizza-making experience. Go with those pizzas that already come with a tray since all you have to do with them is leave them in a preheated oven.
Choose the Toppings You Like
Frozen Detroit-style pizzas have many different toppings, and it’s on you to choose the ones you like the most. Ranging from classic pepperoni or cheese to meat lovers and supreme pizzas, make sure you select the type according to the toppings you enjoy.
FINAL VERDICT -THE BEST FROZEN DETROIT STYLE PIZZA
Pepperoni Pizza by Motor City Pizza Co.
Motor City Pizza Co. provides you with authentic Detroit-style texture and amazing toppings no matter the type you choose – but their classic pepperoni pizza is bound to be enjoyed by many. The rich flavors it offers can even compete with freshly made pizzas – and that must speak something. See it for yourself – you can always buy it at your local Walmart store.
FAQ
What Is Unique About Detroit-Style Pizza?
This pizza type has a different texture and shape from regular pizza – it’s a rectangularly shaped deep-dish pizza with cheese spread all over the top, resulting in a crispy surface.
Why Is It Called Detroit-Style Pizza?
It’s said that this dish originated in Detroit, where auto workers were using industrial pans for cooking. Pans that pizza makers use today are modeled after them.