Trader Joe’s, where the aisles are a veritable cornucopia of culinary curiosities, a product that has haunted the freezer section for years, we have: “Spizzico di Pizza”. Loosely translating from Italian as “Little Bites of Pizza” (because why settle for a boring English name when you can add a dash of faux-European flair?), these mini morsels are the latest attempt to shrink the essence of Italian cuisine into something that can be devoured in two bites or less. Each tiny, 2.5-inch diameter pizza is a testament to the age-old adage that size isn’t everything, bravely topped with a quartet of cheeses – Mozzarella, Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan. This cheese blend is about as authentically Italian as pineapple on pizza, but hey, when has authenticity ever stopped Trader Joe’s from embarking on a culinary adventure? Let’s dive into these mini discs of pleasure…
When I opened the package of Spizzico di Pizza, I was immediately struck by the charmingly small size of these appetizer-sized pizzas. Each tiny disc, no larger than a respectable appetizer, promises a bite-sized journey to Italy – or at least, Trader Joe’s whimsically American interpretation of it. The funny thing, is these are a “Product of Canada” a country that doesn’t have a Trader Joe’s! Poor people…
The baking process is quick and effortless, a nod to the convenience sought after in today’s fast-paced world. Personally, I would never microwave these unless you are in a super hurry. I hate mushy pizza dough and that’s what a microwave would do!
The aroma wafts through the kitchen, it’s less reminiscent of a quaint Italian pizzeria and more akin to the scent of last-minute party preparations. Once baked, the pizzas reveal a somewhat underwhelming visage; the cheese is slightly browned, yet the crust lacks the artisanal char one might hope for. Although, it did brown up pretty nicely.
The first bite is an expedition in texture and taste. The crust, while aspiring to be crispy, often lands in the territory of slightly chewy. It’s a far cry from the lovingly hand-tossed bases of Naples, but for a frozen mini pizza, it does its job. The tomato sauce is pleasantly tangy, with a hint of sweetness, though it lacks the depth of flavor that a slow-cooked Italian sauce might boast. It’s the pizza sauce equivalent of a cheerful greeting – pleasant but not particularly memorable.
Now, let’s talk cheese. The blend of Mozzarella, Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan is an unconventional quartet. Mozzarella, the quintessential pizza topping, plays its role adequately, offering the expected stretchy, gooey texture. Cheddar, an unusual suspect on pizza, brings a sharpness that’s somewhat out of place yet not entirely unwelcome. Swiss cheese, with its mild flavor, seems to be lost in the mix, while Parmesan adds a necessary salty bite. This cheese ensemble, while far from traditional, creates a unique flavor profile that’s both confusing and oddly satisfying.
Where Spizzico di Pizza truly shines is in its convenience and crowd-pleasing potential. These little pizzas are the perfect addition to a casual gathering or a last-minute appetizer solution. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike, offering just enough novelty to spark conversation but not enough controversy to offend the pizza purists.
Nutritionally, these mini pizzas are what one would expect from a frozen, cheese-laden snack – a treat best enjoyed in moderation. They won’t be winning any health food awards, but they’re not claiming to be anything other than what they are: a quick, tasty snack.
Final Thoughts
I actually liked these quite a bit. They take me back to when my kids were little and I made a ton of these for lunch. I probably had five boxes of these in the freezer at any given time. I actually like the blend of cheeses, it makes them more interesting. The sauce isn’t that bad either, there isn’t much of it to throw it one way or another. The crust on the other hand is just doughy and soft and nothing to write home about. But when you want to put out a bunch of mini pizzas for the hungry kids or even at your next party as appetizers, you can’t beat these. There are 12 of them at $3.49 a box.
If you don’t set your expectations too high and lean into them, they are perfect for what they are but I still am going to give them 7 out of 10. Good but not great!
Cooking Instructions
Keep frozen until ready to cook. Remove the mini pizzas from the box and the plastic package. Since individual ovens vary in temperature, these instructions serve as guidelines only. After baking, place on a paper towel and allow to rest for 3 to 4 minutes before serving.
Conventional Oven or Toaster Oven:
-For best results
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place frozen mini pizzas on a baking sheet at the center of the oven.
- Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until cheese starts to bubble.
Microwave Oven:
-For less crusty mini pizzas
- Place frozen pizzas on a microwave platter.
- For 6 mini pizzas, heat at maximum power for about 2 minutes or until cheese starts to bubble.
INGREDIENTS:
ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMIN MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), LOW-MOISTURE PART-SKIM MOZZARELLA-CHEDDAR-SWISS-
Bring back the green goddess dip please! So good!!