Homemade Freezer Pizzas
Try this Homemade Freezer Pizzas recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Homemade Freezer Pizzas recipe, or contribute your own.
- garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbs olive oil
- oregano
- 3 tbs olive oil
- marinara sauce
- vegan mozzarella or regular mozzarella
- favorite pizza toppings
- regular sized dough (my preference):
- 3 cups flour ap or bread
- 1.5 tsp yeast i like bread machine yeast
- large dough:
- 1 3/8 cup warm water
- 4 cups flour ap or bread
- 2 tsp yeast i like bread machine yeast
- Carbohydrate 4.01337091666667 g
- Cholesterol 0.56 mg
- Fat 2.86847270923792 g
- Fiber 0.765740388981501 g
- Protein 0.533478125 g
- Saturated Fat 0.488418083458239 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (101g)
- Sodium 117.712833333351 mg
- Sugar 3.24763052768517 g
- Trans Fat 0.11927608335783 g
- Calories 44 calories
Step-by-step
- Put the dough ingredients in order from top to bottom in a bread machine on the dough setting, food processor, or stand mixer with dough hook. You can do it by hand but make sure the dough is kneaded thoroughly.
- I used the first smaller recipe but if you want your dough to be thicker or if you want more pizzas use the second recipe for more dough. The first recipe is the one I use for basically all my dough needs.
- Once the dough is combined you can let it rise and divide it into 8 or divide it into 8 and then let it rise. I prefer to separate it and then let it rise.
- Place the dough on a floured surface in an oblong shape, cut it in half long-ways, then in half short-ways and then cut each half in half again, you get 8 dough balls. Shape them in balls.
- place them on a lined baking sheet, spray with olive oil spray (to keep crust from hardening) and cover with a kitchen towel.
- Place the dough in a warm place or barely warmed over (turned off) for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425. Shape your dough by hand or rolling pin, bake on a sprayed baking sheet for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from oven, let cool.
- You have 2 options now: *freeze as is or top the pizza then freeze.*
- to freeze as is: place wax paper between cooked and cooled crusts and place in a freezer zip-top bag. Freeze. Top pizza per your preferences prior to cooking. Never cook wax paper.
- to top pizza then freeze: lightly spread your favorite marinara sauce, sprinkle oregano, top with cheese and any other toppings you like. If you top with veggies, make sure they are sliced VERY thin (a mandoline works great for this) otherwise when you cook the pizza water will accumulate on the top from the veggies.
- On a tray place the pizza(s) on a flat surface in the freezer to pre-freeze about 15-20 minutes.
- Once all pizza is frozen, place wax paper between and put 2 pizzas per gallon sized zip-top freezer bag.
- To cook preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bake for 13-15 minutes.
Homemade Freezer Pizzas: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping a somewhat clean house, finding time for anything beyond basic survival feels impossible. Dinner, however, is non-negotiable. My kids need to eat, and frankly, so do I. That's where my homemade freezer pizzas come in – a lifesaver, a time-saver, and a delicious solution to the age-old question: "What's for dinner?"
I used to dread the nightly dinner dilemma. The constant search for quick, healthy, and kid-approved meals left me stressed and often resorting to takeout, which, let’s be honest, isn't the best for the budget or our waistlines. But then I stumbled upon the genius of making freezer pizzas ahead of time. It’s a game-changer. On a Sunday afternoon (or whenever I find a spare hour!), I whip up a batch of these delicious pizzas, freeze them, and then pull them out whenever the need arises. It’s like having a personal pizza chef on call, 24/7, without the hefty price tag.
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. My kids, bless their picky hearts, have differing opinions on pizza toppings. One loves pepperoni, the other prefers veggies, and the third just wants plain cheese (the simplest things, right?). With this freezer pizza method, I can easily customize each pizza to individual preferences, eliminating dinnertime battles and ensuring everyone gets exactly what they want.
The Process: Effortless and Rewarding
Making the dough is surprisingly easy. I use my stand mixer, but you can absolutely do it by hand if you prefer a bit of a workout. Once the dough is ready, I divide it into individual portions, pre-bake the crusts, and then let them cool. This pre-baking step is key to preventing soggy bottoms when you eventually cook the frozen pizzas. From there, the possibilities are endless. I sometimes keep some plain, ready for impromptu pizza nights with whatever toppings we happen to have on hand. Others get fully loaded with sauce, cheese, and all the desired toppings. The key is to spread any toppings thinly, particularly watery veggies like mushrooms or onions.
Freezing for Future Feasts
Freezing these pizzas is incredibly simple. I place wax paper between each cooked crust to prevent sticking. Then, I slip a couple of pizzas into freezer bags. This way, when dinner time rolls around and the kids are screaming, I can grab a frozen pizza, pop it in the oven, and have a hot and delicious meal ready within 15 minutes. The speed and ease of this process is what makes it perfect for a busy mom like me.
More Than Just Pizza: A Sense of Accomplishment
Beyond the practical advantages of saving time and money, making these freezer pizzas gives me a sense of accomplishment. Knowing I've prepared healthy, delicious meals for my family ahead of time frees up mental space and reduces stress. It’s a small act of self-care that has a huge impact on my overall well-being. It’s not just about feeding my family; it’s about nourishing myself, too. And who doesn't deserve a little bit of that, especially when life gets chaotic?
Beyond the Family: A Gift of Time
These freezer pizzas are a great gift to give to other busy moms, new parents, or anyone who could use a little help in the kitchen. They are a welcome treat that saves precious time and energy. It’s a simple gesture that speaks volumes about your care and concern. And the smiles on their faces when they realize they don't have to cook dinner that night? Priceless.
So, next time you find yourself overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood (or life in general), remember these freezer pizzas. They are more than just a meal; they're a strategy, a time-saver, and a testament to the power of planning ahead. Give yourself the gift of time; make a batch today!
