The Delicious World of Lou Malnati’s Frozen Pizzas
Deep-dish pizza has always been a Chicago staple, and Lou Malnati’s is often hailed as a quintessential choice among locals. Established in 1971 in Lincolnwood, this renowned pizzeria has expanded its reach to 81 locations nationwide. Now, Lou Malnati’s brings the same great flavors to your home with their frozen pizzas. Let’s explore what makes these frozen pizzas a must-try for pizza aficionados.
The Taste Test: Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Frozen Pizzas
I sampled three varieties of Lou Malnati’s deep dish frozen pizzas: cheese, classic sausage, and the new Italian Beef. Upon preheating the oven and baking the pizzas according to the instructions, the kitchen filled with the unmistakable aroma reminiscent of a visit to a Lou Malnati’s restaurant.
When it comes to the crust, Lou Malnati’s is famous for its crispy, flaky, buttery texture, akin to a quiche. This distinct feature was well-preserved in the frozen versions. The assembly method—cheese on the bottom, meat next, and sauce on top—helps maintain the crispiness.
The fresh mozzarella and romano cheeses provided a salty, gooey base without being overpowering. The sauce, garnished with fresh oregano and sweet, vine-ripened tomatoes, struck the perfect balance without excessive acidity. The sausage was sweet and delicately spiced, while the Italian beef had savory notes akin to Portillo’s.
All the ingredients harmonized beautifully with the crust, ensuring a well-balanced flavor experience. From texture to taste, these deep-dish pizzas didn’t just meet expectations; they exceeded them.
A Closer Look: Lou Malnati’s Thin Crust Frozen Pizzas
The thin crust varieties included plain cheese and the classic sausage. Although thin-crust pizzas aren’t Lou Malnati’s claim to fame, they’re still enjoyed by many. These pizzas managed to impress with their aromatic buttery crust and savory toppings.
However, the thin-crust pizzas had a slight drawback—the bottom crust became a bit soggy due to the assembling method with the sauce on the bottom and cheese on top. Despite this, the flavor profiles remained strong. The buttery crust, bold oregano, sweet tomatoes, and the house-blend sausage delivered a delightful taste. There was a slight imbalance in the cheese-to-other-ingredients ratio, but overall, the thin-crust pizzas were satisfying.
Nutritional Insights: Lou Malnati’s Frozen Pizzas
Nutritionally, Lou Malnati’s offers various information for those conscious of their dietary intake. The deep-dish cheese pizza has five servings at 380 calories each, with 20 grams of fat and 17 grams of protein per serving. The Portillo’s Italian Beef-inspired version comes in at 370 calories per serving, including 21 grams of fat and 16 grams of protein. The classic sausage deep dish offers 330 calories per serving with 17 grams of fat and 16 grams of protein.
The thin crust cheese pizza contains 410 calories per serving, with 23 grams of fat and 18 grams of protein. Lastly, the classic sausage thin crust has 370 calories per serving, featuring 21 grams of fat and 18 grams of protein. All pizzas list common allergens like milk and wheat, ensuring transparency for those with dietary restrictions.
Availability and Pricing: Lou Malnati’s Frozen Pizzas
If you’re eager to try Lou Malnati’s frozen pizzas, you’ll find that they are exclusively available online. Each pizza arrives in a foam cooler with dry ice to ensure it stays frozen during transit. Deep-dish combos start at around $76.99 and offer a variety of flavors, including gluten-free options. Each pizza measures 9 inches in diameter, perfect for sharing between two adults.
Lou Malnati’s also offers unique combos, such as heart-shaped pizzas and packages featuring other iconic Chicago brands. For those with gluten intolerance, the gluten-free crusts are made from a blend of rice flour, potato starch, pea fiber, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum. However, bear in mind they are processed in a facility with wheat.
Final Thoughts
While there’s nothing quite like the freshly-made creations at a Lou Malnati’s restaurant, their frozen pizzas come remarkably close. Whether savoring the deep dish sausage or enjoying a classic thin crust, these frozen options deliver on flavor, texture, and aroma. Though they may come at a premium price, Lou Malnati’s frozen pizzas offer a convenient way to indulge in authentic Chicago-style pizza from the comfort of home.
For pizza lovers, these frozen pizzas are more than just a meal—they’re a delicious experience that brings a piece of Chicago right to your kitchen.
