Let’s be honest—when that deep dish craving hits, it’s serious. But unless you live in Chicago or near an authentic pizzeria, getting your hands on a slice of that buttery, cheesy, sauce-on-top masterpiece can feel impossible. Enter the freezer aisle. Believe it or not, the best frozen Chicago style pizza can get remarkably close to the real thing. Whether you prefer tavern-style thin crust or gooey, cheese-stuffed deep dish, there are frozen options out there that seriously deliver. Ready to discover the top picks? Let’s dive in.
What Makes a Great Frozen Chicago Style Pizza?
Deep Dish vs Thin Crust: What to Expect from the Freezer Aisle
While most frozen pizzas lean toward thin crust, authentic Chicago-style frozen options are growing—including deep dish pies that rival what you’d find in the Windy City. Look for labels that mention “deep dish,” “stuffed crust,” or “tavern-style.”
Key Ingredients to Look For: Crust, Sauce, and Cheese Quality
Authentic flavor comes down to three things: a buttery crust that stays flaky, whole milk mozzarella that melts evenly, and a rich tomato sauce layered on top (for deep dish) or below (for thin crust). If the pizza cuts corners on these, it’s just not Chicago.
Reheating and Baking Tips to Maximize Flavor and Texture
Always follow baking instructions to the letter—but for a better crust, use a pizza stone or cast iron pan, and preheat your oven well in advance. Brushing the edges of the crust with a bit of olive oil can add extra golden crispiness.
Top Brands for Frozen Chicago Style Pizza
Best Overall: Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish
Lou Malnati’s Tastes of Chicago ships nationwide, delivering pizzas that are flash-frozen straight from their Chicago kitchens. Their buttery crust, real mozzarella, and zesty tomato sauce are as authentic as it gets.
Best for: Fans of the classic deep dish experience who want restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Flavors to try: Classic Cheese, Sausage, or The “Lou” (spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes).
Best Value: Gino’s East Classic Cheese Pizza
Another Chicago icon, Gino’s East Frozen Pizzas offer excellent value without sacrificing quality. Their cornmeal crust adds a unique texture, and the sauce leans a bit sweeter than Lou’s.
Best for: Deep dish beginners or those on a budget.
Hot Tip: Their frozen pies often go on sale through grocery delivery apps.
Best for Thin Crust Fans: Home Run Inn Tavern Style
If you prefer crispy, square-cut tavern-style pizza, look no further than Home Run Inn’s frozen pizzas. Their thin crust is legendary, and they keep it simple: high-quality cheese, sauce, and a no-nonsense flavor profile.
Best for: People who want that South Side bar pizza feel at home.
Don’t miss: The sausage and pepperoni combo.
Best Premium Option: Bartolini’s Stuffed Deep Dish
Bartolini’s isn’t as well-known nationwide, but their stuffed deep dish pizzas are thick, decadent, and built to impress. Shipping can be a bit pricey, but the quality is top-tier.
Best for: Date nights, special occasions, or when you want to wow someone.
Try: The classic cheese-stuffed or meat lovers.
Best Gluten-Free Pick: Uno Pizzeria & Grill GF Deep Dish
From the original inventor of deep dish pizza, Uno Pizzeria’s gluten-free frozen pies don’t compromise on flavor. The gluten-free crust is surprisingly flaky and holds up to heavy toppings.
Best for: Gluten-sensitive pizza lovers seeking authentic deep dish.
Also available in: Veggie and pepperoni varieties.
Best Plant-Based Option: Kitchen 17 Vegan Chicago Pizza
Vegan and deep dish in one sentence? Yes. Kitchen 17’s frozen vegan deep dish pizzas are handmade in Chicago, packed with dairy-free cheese and seitan-based sausage.
Best for: Plant-based eaters who still crave indulgence.
Heads up: You’ll want to bake this one low and slow—patience pays off.
Honorable Mention: DiGiorno Chicago-Style Deep Dish
Widely available at most supermarkets, DiGiorno’s “Chicago-style” isn’t fully authentic—but it’s a convenient, tasty option for late-night cravings. It has a biscuit-like crust and gooey cheese, but lacks the depth of true deep dish.
Best for: A fast fix that doesn’t require shipping.
Bonus: Often under $7 a pie.
Where to Buy the Best Frozen Chicago Style Pizza
Ordering Online from Chicago Pizzerias
Many legendary spots like Lou Malnati’s, Gino’s East, and Kitchen 17 ship frozen pizzas through their websites or aggregators like Tastes of Chicago. It’s the closest you’ll get to the real deal without flying into O’Hare.
Best Supermarkets and Grocery Delivery Services
Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s sometimes stock Home Run Inn.
Walmart, Kroger, and Target frequently carry Gino’s, Uno, and DiGiorno.
Use Instacart or Amazon Fresh to check local availability and compare prices.
Tips for Avoiding Shipping Issues or Cold Chain Breaks
Always select express or 2-day shipping with dry ice packaging. If your pizza arrives thawed, contact the vendor immediately—most offer guarantees and will re-ship or refund.
How to Bake Frozen Deep Dish Like a Pro
Essential Equipment: Pizza Stone, Oven Thermometer, and Patience
Deep dish pizza needs time—often 45+ minutes in the oven. A cast iron skillet or deep-dish pan can replicate the restaurant experience at home.
Common Mistakes: Undercooking or Overheating the Crust
Don’t rush the process. Always place the pizza in a fully preheated oven, and tent foil over the top if the cheese browns too quickly.
Bonus: How to Enhance with Extra Cheese or Toppings
Want to personalize your pie? Try adding:
Extra mozzarella or parmesan halfway through the bake
Sautéed mushrooms or onions
Fresh basil or oregano after baking
Is Frozen as Good as Fresh? Let’s Compare
Taste and Texture: What Freezing Does to Pizza Quality
While no frozen pizza is 100% identical to fresh, brands like Lou Malnati’s and Home Run Inn come impressively close. With proper baking, you might not even notice the difference.
Convenience vs Dining Out: When Frozen Wins
You can have piping hot Chicago pizza on your couch in under an hour—no waiting in line or booking flights to the Windy City required.
The Verdict: Worth the Buy for Craving Control
Absolutely. The best frozen Chicago style pizza brands deliver satisfying, cheesy goodness that’s leagues above generic freezer fare.
Conclusion
Craving Chicago flavor at home? The best frozen Chicago style pizza brands have your back. Whether you’re after gooey deep dish, crisp tavern-style thin crust, or a gluten-free or vegan twist, there’s a pie with your name on it. With a little oven magic and the right brand, you’ll be enjoying Windy City flavor from the comfort of your kitchen.
Tried one of these brands? Share your favorite in the comments or tag us with your pizza night pics!
