Pizza appreciation is a full-time job—one I don’t take lightly. From cafeteria slices to local pizzerias and every frozen or ready-made option in between, I’ve always believed the perfect pie exists on a broad spectrum—where time and place play a big role in which one you reach for.
So, when I heard about Katie’s frozen pizzas a new line inspired by handmade Neapolitan pies and backed by a $20 million Target deal, I knew I had to try it. But don’t be deterred by the $13.49 price tag—each bite is worth the splurge.
- Price: $13.49 for one frozen pizza
- Why I Love It: Katie’s Pizza tastes handmade, with the rich, chewy crust and balanced flavors you’d expect from a great neighborhood pizzeria.
Simply Recipes / Katie’s Pizza
A Brief History of Katie’s Pizza
Starting with humble beginnings as a single location in St. Louis, MO, Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria was founded by Katie Lee in 2008 after a trip to Italy inspired her to bring handmade Neapolitan-style pizza to her neighborhood.
Katie’s frozen pizzas are handmade by a dedicated team of chefs, rather than being produced by machinery. The process begins with 48 hours of natural leavening, followed by hand-stretching the dough and wood-firing it at 800°F—much like a traditional pizza shop.
How Katie’s Stacks Up Against Other Frozen Pizzas
My personal favorite, the Pepperoni and Wildflower Honey, tastes shockingly like a classic NYC slice—perfectly greasy, drizzled with honey, and topped with luscious cup-and-char pepperoni. The Burrata Margherita and Meatball each nail the perfect second-slice vibe—ideal for pairing with your top pick and sliding you straight into a food coma.
Then there’s the Black Garlic Burrata Cheese, a truly transformative experience that combines rich, umami-packed flavors with the perfect texture and crispy crust of a classic thin pie.
Keep in mind—these aren’t your average frozen pizzas; they’re an elevated experience, combining a delicious dough with thoughtful topping placement. While each flavor is a thin-crust pie, they do bake and rise slightly differently from one another—a testament to their unique, handmade process.
The result isn’t just a tasty pizza—it rivals every other frozen pizza on the market for its dedication to fresh ingredients and respect for the craft. For that reason alone, the $13 price tag is worth it—perfect for special occasions, family meals, or any night where an elevated pizza experience is in order.
Simply Recipes / Katie’s Pizza
How To Perfect Katie’s Pizza at Home
- Getting the perfect crust: For a crispier crust, bake directly on the oven rack; for a softer, chewier crust, use a baking sheet or pizza stone. Check halfway through and rotate the pizza as needed to ensure even cooking.
- Keep them frozen: Due to the thin crust and small size, Katie’s pizzas only need 12 to 14 minutes to bake at 425°F. Be sure to keep the pies frozen until you’re ready to cook—if left out to thaw, they can cook unevenly or burn quickly.
- Always stock up: If the budget allows, grab at least two pizzas. Trust me when I say—one won’t be enough to satisfy the craving, and you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t grab all four.
I’ve tried more frozen pizzas than I can count, but Katie’s Pizza feels different—like a love letter to authentic pizzerias, captured in a box. It’s the kind of pizza that reminds me why I fell in love with the slice in the first place: simple ingredients, incredible texture, and a story worth celebrating.
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