(Posted on: April 20th, 2025)

The quest for the ultimate frozen pizza continues, and this time, I wrestled a veritable heavyweight out of the freezer: Pep’s Drafthaus ‘The Sausage Chaser’! Welcome back to my ongoing search for the best frozen pizza experience! You know the drill – navigating the freezer aisle, hoping to find that gem that delivers deliciousness with minimal effort. The name alone sounds hearty, and the promise of two kinds of sausage, mushrooms, and onions definitely caught my eye.

First Impressions: This is One HEAVY Pizza!

Seriously, the first thing you notice about this pizza is its weight. Tipping the scales at over a pound and a half, it certainly lives up to the “Drafthaus” name – suggesting something substantial, perhaps reminiscent of the hearty fare you might find in a brewery or pub.

It’s packaged pretty standardly: sealed in plastic wrap with a sturdy cardboard disc underneath for support, keeping everything contained. The toppings looked plentiful under the wrap – Italian sausage (supposedly plain and spicy, more on that later!), mushrooms, red onion, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Even through the plastic, the generous scattering of toppings hinted at a potentially satisfying experience. Hopes were definitely high at this point!

Baking the Beast

Into the preheated oven it went. The instructions were straightforward, but I found myself needing to give it about five extra minutes beyond the maximum suggested time to get the cheese properly melted, bubbly, and starting to brown nicely around the edges. This is a good tip to keep in mind if you decide to try this pizza!

While it baked, the kitchen filled with that familiar, comforting “pizza” aroma. However, I also detected a subtle underlying scent – one I associate with frozen crusts that perhaps didn’t get a chance to properly proof before hitting the freezer. It wasn’t overpowering, but it was there.

The Moment of Truth: Tasting Pep’s Sausage Chaser

Okay, let’s slice into this and see what we’ve got.

The Crust: It looked okay, with some browning. But biting into it? A bit underwhelming. It achieved a slight crispiness on the very edge, but mostly it was just… sturdy. It lacked that satisfying chew or airy texture you hope for. That faint “unproofed dough” smell seemed to translate to the cardboard taste and texture here.

The Sauce: Where was it? Visually, you could see a layer of red stuff. Flavor-wise, it was incredibly neutral. It didn’t taste bad, but it didn’t taste like much of anything – no tang, no sweetness, no herbs. It was just kind of a flavorless binder.

The Toppings: This was the biggest letdown for me.

• Sausage: The pizza promised two kinds of Italian sausage, hinting at maybe a classic sweet/mild and a spicy variant. In reality? I couldn’t discern any difference between them, either in flavor or spice level. Both had a very uniform, somewhat rubbery, processed texture. It wasn’t offensive, but it wasn’t the satisfying, flavorful sausage you crave on a pizza.
• Mushrooms & Onions: I’m usually a huge fan of mushrooms on pizza, but these were quite bland and disappointingly soggy. Their excess moisture might have even contributed to the crust’s lack of crispness. The red onions were present but didn’t add much punch.
• Cheese: The mozzarella and provolone blend created a nicely melted blanket of cheese and provided that cheesy coverage but didn’t offer a standout flavor. It was perfectly adequate cheese but couldn’t save the other components.

The Final Verdict

So, Pep’s Drafthaus the Sausage Chaser… is it a winner?

Well, it certainly delivers on size and weight. This pizza will fill you up. However, when it comes to flavor and overall enjoyment, it falls short. The crust is mediocre, the sauce is forgettable, and the toppings (especially the sausage and mushrooms) lack the quality and distinction you’d hope for. Ultimately, the flavor profile just didn’t live up to the substantial first impression.

Who is this pizza for?

Honestly, I could see this being a decent option if you have a house full of hungry teenagers who prioritize sheer volume over nuanced flavor. It’s edible, it’s large, and it will stop the stomach rumbles.

But, if you’re on a quest for a delicious frozen pizza experience, like I am? I’d have to say spend your money elsewhere. There are better options in the freezer aisle that deliver more flavor and better texture, even if they aren’t quite as massive and have a more satisfying crust, a more vibrant sauce, and higher quality toppings.

My Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars (Saved from a lower score only by its sheer size and the fact that it’s technically edible).

Your Turn!

Have you tried Pep’s Drafthaus pizzas? What was your experience, specifically regarding the toppings? Am I being too harsh, or did you feel the same way? Let me know your thoughts and your own frozen pizza recommendations in the comments below – the quest must go on!