Worth The Money?

The Quest for the Best Frozen Pizza Continues 

As many of you know, my journey to unearth the best frozen pizza available is a never-ending one. It’s a quest filled with anticipation, occasional disappointment, and the rare, glorious discovery. Today, we’re diving into another contender that recently piqued my interest: the Drafthaus Three Meat Pizza. Given my background as a chef, I approach these frozen adventures with a keen palate and a critical eye, always looking for something that truly delivers.

First Impressions & Marketing Hype

Right off the bat, the Drafthaus pizza box is a pleasant sight. It features a large, bold font contrasted with a rather glamorous (and perhaps comically manipulated) shot of the product. What I truly appreciated, though, was the lack of those over-the-top claims so many other brands plaster on their packaging – no “Best Pizza Ever” or “Pizzeria Style” here. The only claim they make on the front is that the crust will rise. Spoiler alert: it actually does.

It did strike me as a bit curious that the “Real” and “Proudly Wisconsin Cheese” logos were tucked away on the back of the box. As a Wisconsin resident and someone who appreciates good dairy, I think that’s a selling point they could proudly display on the front!

Upon first glance out of the box, it looks pretty much like your usual mass-produced frozen pizza. We’re talking about a docked crust, sparse cheese, and toppings that are anything but evenly distributed. However, there was an adequate quantity of toppings and a quick rearrangement had them spread nicely across the pizza. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in ensuring every bite is balanced.

The Bake/Preparation Process

The cooking instructions on the Drafthaus Three Meat Pizza call for a 425 degree Fahrenheit oven and a bake time of 18 to 22 minutes. I set my timer for 18 minutes, but in the end, it required the full 22 minutes to achieve that perfect golden-brown color we all look for in a pizza crust.

When it came out of the oven, the crust had indeed risen, just as promised. And when I cut into it, there was a satisfying crunch. That’s always a good sign, no soggy crust allowed in my kitchen!

The Taste Test: A Detailed Breakdown

Now for the most important part: the flavor. As a former chef, this is where I get particular.

• Crust: The crust, while it rose and had a nice crunch, had a pretty bland flavor. It tasted like it was rushed, not given the time to develop any significant flavor through a proper rising process. It does have a garlic flavor and definitely fills you up.
• Sauce: The sauce had a typical low-cost frozen pizza flavor, a processed bland tomato taste. Nothing offensive, but nothing memorable either.
• Toppings:
  • Beef: Some sort of flavorless beef product. It was there, but didn’t contribute much to the overall profile.
  • Italian Sausage: This was a pleasant surprise. It wasn’t the usual overprocessed paste you find on many frozen pizzas. It had a decent texture, which was a definite plus. The flavor was very mild Italian
  • Pepperoni: The pepperoni was the standout topping, offering the most flavor of the three meats. It provided a much-needed kick to an otherwise subdued flavor profile.
• Overall Flavor: Frankly, the overall flavor is typical for an inexpensive frozen pizza. It’s not going to win any awards for gourmet taste but it won’t make you sorry you bought it either.

Overall Verdict & Recommendation

So, is the Drafthaus Rising Three Meat Pizza worth the money? At less than $7.50, it’s an okay pizza for its price point. While it’s certainly not the best frozen pizza I’ve ever eaten, it was definitely better than some others I’ve tried.

This is the kind of pizza I would have happily devoured as a teenager after football practice, something to fill you up that’s decent enough. I can recommend this as a “filler type” pizza. Pair this with a large salad, and it could easily feed three people. It’s a solid choice for those nights when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying without breaking the bank.

What’s your go-to “filler” pizza?

Have you tried the Drafthaus Rising Three Meat Pizza? Or do you have another inexpensive frozen pizza that you turn to when you need something quick and easy? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below! I’m always on the lookout for new frozen pizza adventures.