I was recently offered the chance to try Dr. Oetker’s frozen pizza.
Dr. Oetker is a German brand/company whose claim to fame is being the best selling frozen pizza in Italy. And now they’re available in the US. Got that?
My boyfriend actually received the deliveries for me, and begged me to let him eat the pizza. Without me. Before I’d even taken photographs. AS IF!!! Hahaha. His arguement was that he’d certainly eaten more frozen pizza than I had in his entire lifetime; while that may true, I’ve also eaten my fair share and just… no! My pizza! Hehe.
I pulled out the mozzarella pizza and was amused to see large rounds of cheese mixed with shredded bits, and frozen green globs. I followed the directions exactly.
Compared to the box photo – hey, pretty close, right?
Closer up –
Upskirt. The upskirt doesn’t really do the pizza justice – no, it doesn’t look particularly appetizing. However, this was actually excellent frozen pizza. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find it in a store near me to verify the price, though I’m told it should be $4.99-5.99.
What makes it excellent: the crust was crisp and thin, without any nasty pronounced cardboard taste like some frozen pizzas have. It was a good base upon which lay some quality ingredients. BF emphasized how much he really liked this pizza, and said it might become his go-to frozen pizza (and yes, he eats a lot of that, so this is a Big Deal with a capital B and a capital D!). He did note two things: the pesto blobs really brought this pizza to an entirely new level, and that, more importantly, the entire pizza was light enough for him to eat without feeling disgusting and heavy, though he was still full after eating one.
**The only reason it “might” become his go-to frozen pizza is because we can’t find it in his neighborhood right now. Waldbaum’s is the big grocery store out that way, so… someone do something!!!
I tried the ‘funghi’ or mushroom version. (And a bit of his, of course.)
Right after taking it out, I noticed the uneven distribution of ‘shrooms.
Problem solved! I was a bit disappointed that they were all button mushrooms. I wouldn’t have minded a mixture or a few portobellos/creminis… the flavor is so much earthier on those. But I wasn’t too worried.
Out of the oven, compared to the box. A pretty accurate representation, I’d say.
Closer up. Do you see the problem in this photo? The center of the pizza has a pool of moisture on it. From the mushrooms was my assumption, since we didn’t have this problem with the mozzarella pie.
Again, you can’t really go by the upskirt, but the crust was crisp and held up well… except the ‘tips’ of each slice I cut, which was soft and a bit soggy. As for the pizza itself, while the crust has a lot to do with how good a pizza is, it was only alright. I really wished this pizza was simply the mozzarella pie, with mushrooms added on top. Which means in the future, that is what I’ll do – buy the mozzarella pie and add whatever I want on top, instead of relying on their mushrooms. Too bad. I mean, the flavor was good/fine, but the mozzarella was just THAT much better!!!
Yvo says: I can definitely see stocking this in the freezer for the BF (and him stocking some in his own freezer!). It’s a great frozen pizza with excellent crust, good flavor (the mozzarella), and makes an excellent meal for one or a snack for two… while watching a DVD maybe on a rainy day or something… toss a salad to go on the side and you’ve got yourself something that you won’t feel too guilty about later. Yummm!!!
recommended
I received no compensation to write this post, though I did receive the pizzas free of charge. I was under no obligation to write a positive or negative review, or any review at all, and do so freely.
Aimee S. says
Well, since when do “Doctors” put their names on frozen pizzas? Isn’t this the pizza the guy from Top Chef is shilling? Wait, you don’t watch Top Chef.
Dr. Oetker History:
http://www.oetker.ca/en/history
Yes, it is the pizza he is shilling. Looks good, I have to say. “It’s what the Doctor ordered!”
Someone says
From what I have seen, their pizzas have more stuff on them when you buy them at regular prices, usually pretty awesome just before a sale… And then suddenly when they are on sale they will be almost empty of anything but dough.
SkippyMom says
I like your plates! Too cute! And the fork on the front of the box pic? It looks funny – I don’t know I am in a weird mood today – something about having to buy $400 worth of worms has thrown me for a loop, I think. 🙂
I am definitely looking for the mozzarella one for the kids – not a bad price for a nummy pizza [and I think the upskirt photos are great – what I would want my crust to look like].
Have a good one!
Christine M. says
Dr Oetker’s pizzas are available in every grocery store here in Quebec and I couldn’t tell you how long they’ve been around but it’s been several years at least. I can vouch for the 4-cheese (YUM!), the mozza (my dinner last night), and the pepperoni/ham/mushroom (also part of the dinner) ones and I intend to try the 4 cheese and mushroom one next.
In other words, if you manage to find a grocer who sells those pizzas, I strongly suggest you try as many as you can. 🙂
Margo says
Yes, these pizzas have been available in Canada forever, and they are the BEST! I would rather have one of these than any take-out pizza around, and who can argue with the price? When they go on sale for $3.99 I stock up. There’s a vegetarian one that is to die for, I can eat the whole thing.
Peter says
We have had these in Sweden for quite some time. Ther’re by far the best frozen pizzas out there but also about 30%-50% more expensive than their competition.
They also have a couple of other variations, try them as well.
Love you blog btw, been reading it for over 1.5 years.
Henry says
Hey, Yvo!
I’m from Germany, reading your blog regulary. It’s really funny to see you writing about something I’ve in my fridge 🙂 . I agree, Dr. Oetker’s “Risrorante” pizza is quite good, but believe me, Dr. Oetker’s “Die Ofenfrische” (means something like “oven-fresh”)is even much better. Don’t know, if it’s available in the US (yet). If you’ve the chance to, give it a try. Besides: I’m really curious, how you pronounce “Dr. Oetker” ^^ !
Cheers!
David T. says
As mentioned earlier, these pizzas have been in Canada for several years, the spinach one is quite good as well. When on special, they are regularly $2.99 Canadian. Quite a good side dish to have on pasta night as an alternative to a garlic bread.
JS says
Here in Queens, they now sell them at the Stop and Shop in Glendale . I just brought the Mozzerella and the Generosa and they are both delicious!!
AllyAck says
Love Love Love the Dr. Oetker’s Pizza…. They have started selling them at the Stop and Shop on Nantucket….. there are always a couple in my freezer!!
Linda Dillon says
I love, love, love these pizza’s but have a hard time finding them in our grocery
stores in NH. Come on NH get with it!
Eric S. says
These are the best frozen pizzas around right now, and this is coming from someone who’s been a bit of a pizza nut for the last 25 years. So much so that I’ve almost gotten sick of pizza and don’t care for too many of the frozen varieties. But this is one that totally rises above the pack. I don’t even normally like thin crust pizza, but this brand manages to pack in more good flavor than any other brand.
The Funghi one is my absolute favorite. The generous portion of mushrooms combined with the spices used are extremely flavorful, including that little pool of juice that collects in the center of the pizza. There’s even a great mushroomy smell to it. The Quatro Formaggio one is the second best…just an incredible flavor to the combination of cheeses and spices they use. Those two are the real must-haves but the ones with vegetable and pepperoni mixes are also pretty tasty. The Mozzarella one shown here and the spinach one are a little more mediocre and blander than the others.
The consistently good thing about all of them is that the crust comes out just right, just a little bit crispy but still very tender and flaky, and not too browned or burnt. There seems to be a lot of moisture in the pizzas which makes them go down really easy. I was recently able to get a few for $2 each when Giant had them on sale for $3 and Coupons.com had $1 off coupons at the same time! It appears from the official web site that they are only available in the U.S. in the northeastern part (I get them at Giant in Pennsylvania), and only the 6 varieties I discussed here.
ana miller says
The Dr. who gives his name his pizzas sure is a dangerous one; beware of hard objects inside the pizzas, a good cause for chocking or breaking a tooth! It happened to me and never bought the product again as the company took a very rude stand to protect their ass!
Joe Lacetera says
Their Margherita tasted like slop. I will never buy it again.
Anne MacDonald says
DELICIOUS – and far more healthy and tasty than any take-away.
I live in Oz [the land down under] and bought mine at Coles.
NOW, each time I shop fortnightly – totally rapt.
NMB61 says
In late January 2011, I purchased a Casa di Mama pizza, a ‘gourmet’ frozen pizza. I ate the personal size pizza and on the last piece, was finishing the soft crust when my bite hit something hard. Suddenly, my expensive bridge splintered and pieces fell into my mouth. I was shocked and swallowed some of the pieces, including I presume the foreign object. After many emails, photos of the damage, a letter from my dentist and a quote of $3800, the company will not contribute to this damage without ‘evidence’. I swallowed the “evidence” as I was in shock. As a result, I was willing to provide a statutory declaration or any legal document indicating what had happened. They still refused to provide any compensation. This company does not stand up to the highest of level of duty of care/standard of care which is product liability. I am disgusted and thinking of pursuing this in court (something I would not normally do). Please be careful when dealing with this company… they will make you jump through many hoops and then say it’s not their problem when clearly it is entirely their problem.
Pizza Lover says
what does that have to do with Dr. Oetker?
Matt says
I can’t believe how good these pizzas are. My favorite is mozzarella and Pizza Pollo, but I also like the Four Cheese kind too. It is rare these days that something frozen is actually made with good ingredients, as companies like McCain and Philsbury have degraded over the years and started using extremely low quality ingredients (their pizza pockets contain some disgusting goo nowadays)
Tip of my hat to Dr. Oetker! Don’t sellout and start using cheap ingredients like greedy McCain and Philsbury!
kate says
I just bought a bunch of these pizzas with double coupons …but have never eaten a one. Could not figure out who or what was a Dr. Odeker but hey, after most of the positive reviews I just might be pleasantly surprised!!
Nash says
These pizza’s are excellent. I’ve been enjoying them for a couple of years now. Funghi would be my favourite. I’m quite into the salty, moist and flavourful toppings. The very best frozen ones I’ve had.
Nick says
I picked up a half dozen of Dr. Oetker’s last week merely because they were on sale at the independent supermarket I shop at here in central PA (3 for $10). I had planned on stashing most of them in our overflow freezer in the garage for consumption at some point in the undetermined future. However, after sampling a Pizza Speciale on the day I bought them, we scarfed down the remainder within three days. These are hands down my favorite frozen pizzas to date–I love the thin yet flavorful crust, and the cheese and toppings seem to be high quality. I hope they keep the price reasonable, though, because they are somewhat smaller and lighter than an average US frozen pizza, and I have hungry kids to feed!
Feisty Foodie says
Wow, I didn’t even realize how many comments I’ve gotten on this post over the years. I still enjoy these frozen pizzas from time to time as lack of time will allow, and am sorry to hear those who have had bad experiences with the customer service. I’ve had the pleasure of trying the suprema and enjoy that one – it seems like those in other parts of the world may have access to way more choices than I do!
ROSSIDOG says
my GO-TO pizza hands down. mozzerella is my favorite, and i love the peperoni, ham, combo too. sometimes i lay some thinly sliced green peppers on before cooking…and i always sprinkle some hot crushed chilies on top after cooking. the perfect size individual pizza, with a glass of merlot by the tv at night—-bellisimo! (or in this case,”lecker”)
Willow says
I also had the change to try two Dr. Oetker pizzas for free. We had Pizza Spinaci and Pizza Funghi.
Both were too small for two adults’ dinners. However, the representation on the box really did match the actual product. The amount of toppings was a cut above the rest in the frozen pizza department.
Pizza Spinaci was not bad, plenty of tasty spinach. Pizza Funghi was too salty in my eyes. That’s about all I could taste.
Both had wonderfully crisp crusts, though, so that was a plus.
I wouldn’t pay full retail price for them, but on sale, they’d be okay as part of a meal or as a snack.
JL Dane says
Oetkers definitely the best frozen pizza–very like those smaller Euro pizzas, not however, like Brooklyn style pizza. Cannot fold the crust. Mine also curl up when baked on the rack. Note that a “serving” is 1/3 which is just enough for anyone who might have recently eaten a full steak dinner, but it’s a bit skimpy at 260 calories and one small slice. I serve a half, and I cut it with a knife whilst frozen and put the rest back in the freezer if I’m eating alone. The spinach, to me, is the best.
debbie lariscy says
Just found Dr. O’s here in Florida, at Sweetbay Supermarkets. I got the mushroom and was surprised how very good it was. The crust was an especially good one. I have a newer, accurate oven, so that might help. I usually Don’t like frozen pizza that much (mostly use the convenience), but the recent tv ad’s convinced me to try. I really liked the slightly different taste of the sauce, some type of herb I think, but not overpowering. I hope Publix supermarkets carries it and it becomes more widespread as I hate to fall in love with a product and then it disapears! We’ve all had that happen. I will probably try the other flavors, although it was all Non-meat at my store, maybe will change. Thanks.
charles abt says
my wife and I discovert dr. oetker canadian classic pizza! what a discovery, it is sooo delicious, soooo good, we will always have some in our freezer for you now when! thats here in canada. however here in california during the winter we can not find this dr. oetker pizza at all and now our holiday is just not the way it could be, always dreaming of dr. oetker canadian classic pizza. SOS any distribution in california???? charles & agnes.
Pizza Lover says
There is not much to say about the Pizza, except…. SIMPLY THE BEST frozen Pizza available in any grociery store!
Devora says
Love this pizza with a small salad or just a glass of wine. Crust is what makes it. I have also added xtra cheese and thank goodness Hannafords sells it but they raise the price so you buy theirs. But spend the xtra its worth it. As a NY’R this is really good.
Elliott says
My husband and I enjoy the Dr Oetker “Casa di Mama” line. I especially like the red pepper variety because it serves as a nice base to strew some cold cuts and a bit of shredded mozza over, making feel like I’m actually cooking. The 3 meat and pepperoni are good too, but we add an extra 50 or so grams of cheese to them as well.
The local No Frills puts these on sale for three bucks each once in a while and I’ll buy ten or so for the freezer. They’re an easy no fuss meal for two, with hardly any clean up either provided you put a layer of tin foil down on the baking pan.
Tasty dinner for two for $1.50 or so each, you just can’t beat that.
Alix says
anyone know if the Dr. Oetker pizza is sold in the Tampa Florida area??
Kathy says
Yep. No Frills has ’em on for $2.70 this week. Bought and tried the 4 cheese one and bought and need to try the Casa di Mama pepperoni. From looking on their website, there are a LOT of flavors I want to give a go. Going back tomorrow with a list. 😉
Rosie says
Our whole family loves the Pizza’s!
we love the spinaci one and the Mozzarella…but the last one has changed.. the cheese is soooo stringy that i choked in it a few times!!
The first years i got that Mozzarella one i had no problem,so they must have used a different Mozzarella?
I always top it up with some half cherry tomato’s, capsicum and some fresh garlic..also i use some leftover chicken or some Spanish sausage…then it REALLY taste like home made 🙂
Samuel says
I choked on one too. I almost died! No lies. My mate had to do the heimlich manouver.
Ang says
First time having this pizza last night. I saw it at the store and thought, I didn’t know Dr. Oetker made pizza? I thought just baking goods. Well, I bought the mozzarella and added some ricotta cheese, half a bag of spinach and tomatoes. It was awesome!
Natalia Hulme says
I recieved a free dr oetkers pizza from them using the website
bzzagent. I thurully enjoyed the peperoni, it was full of flavour. The only downfall for me
would be the base, i would rather it be a bit thicker. And also a more variety of
flavlours rather than just the 4. Me and my family had a hilled out night
and watched films. Whislt enjoying our free pizza
top marks from me!
shugabug says
I have recently tried this pizza and loved it, it’s like a guilt free pizza, normally after eating pizza I regret it but not with this one
Elaine Locke says
The best frozen pizza we have ever had my fmaily didnt think it was frozen it tasted so fresh. cant wait to try the others.
Kayleigh says
I was recently offered the chance to try Dr. Oetker’s frozen pizza, with my free vouchers from Dr.Oetker.
I tried the Hawaii and pepperoni pizza. They both were full of flavour and absolutely yummy. Will definitely buy in the future and recommend to others. All in all a fab pizza 🙂
IMTrashman says
Winn Dixie in So. Florida stocks Dr. Oetker’s and has a BOGO offer from time to time, like Feb. 1-3, 2015. Two for one makes it worth trying!
Janet Holt says
I love, love, love this pizza!! My son-in-law brought the veggie one home to me since I am vegetarian and I fell in love!! Only pizza I get!!!
ed mortlock says
had a panebello last night by dr. oetker. probably the 20th time or more, mostly like this one, classic Canadian….It was the worst I ever had. Taste was good BUT there was barely ANY toppings of anything. I ADDED shredded cheese, onions plus pepperoni. It then became quite good. Glad we had stuff to add. Not worth almost $6, How could this happen??? We have a another one in the outer freezer,,,, I sure hope it isn’t that terrible’ I went out today & bought pepperoni, mushrooms and onions to be prepared. Is there anything you can do for us???
marilyn meyer says
Just had the thin crust with mushrooms–pizza funghi.
Awesome– had in the freezer.
Please tell me where it was purchased.
I live in Wisconsin 53545.
Could it have been Aldi’s????????????????
anwahs says
You should be embarrassed to call yourself a foodie. these pizzas are crap and if you knew what went into the crust, you would vomit
Rudolf August says
What DOES go into the crust?
haje says
The secret aboutdr.oetker pizza is a secret,one thing is not a secret,dirtyGerman nazi family.
good luck with the oetker shit.
Tom says
Just purchased 3 Dr. Oetkaer’s Ristorante ultra-thin crust frozen pizzas for $3.33 (can) on sale.
Very satisfactory indeed! The crust is usually a problem with frozen pizzas; so, by using less
crust, they seem to have less of a problem…
kathy cole says
I really liked there pizza until I just read they add dextrose to there pizza . what a shame now time to search for a different brand
Ellie Alfeld says
when a product comes along that lives up to what you want and expect they should be told so….I have had the cheese pizza most times, this time I tried the mushroom pizza….again it had more mushrooms that pizza restaurants and the flavor was great…I have recommended your pizza to both friends and family…..none of the other frozen pizzas can compare in quality, flavor or speed of prep. and I can say this as I have been a pizza eater for more than 70 yrs.!!! GOOD JOB
Mia says
The Casa di Mama, Hawaiian and Canadian are better than take out. Best crust ever and very reasonably priced..especially when on sale 2@5 bucks at Thrifty’s!
John says
I have given better food to my pigs, one bite and bin, not quite sure what Oetker is a doctor of but it is not food, never to be bought again