The Best Store-Bought Pizza Crusts—Your Ultimate Guide
Discover, compare, and bake with the top premade pizza doughs—perfect for any pizza night at home.
The Best Store-Bought Pizza Crusts: Tested and Reviewed
Making great pizza at home doesn’t have to involve hours spent kneading dough from scratch. With the abundance of premade pizza crusts available at supermarkets, you can have a piping hot, restaurant-quality pie ready in minutes. But which options are truly worth your time (and taste buds)? We put the most popular store-bought pizza doughs to the test—from classic refrigerated bakery doughs to gluten-free alternatives—to bring you the definitive guide for every preference and occasion.
Our Testing Criteria
- Flavor: Did the dough taste like it came from a pizzeria, or did it fall flat?
- Texture: We looked for the ideal balance—chewy, with air pockets and enough crunch.
- Ease of Use: Was the crust easy to bake and work with?
- Price: Because pizza night should be a pleasure, not a splurge.
- Availability: Could you grab it quickly at your local grocery?
Why Trust Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
While nothing beats homemade for serious pizzaiolos, premade doughs have come a long way. The right crust delivers that unmistakable chewy and crisp bite we crave from specialty pizzerias—a worthy hack for improvised weeknight meals, last-minute gatherings, or making pizza night approachable for beginners and kids alike.
Our Rankings: The Top 8 Store-Bought Pizza Crusts
Here’s how each option performed, based on extensive taste testing and expert review:
8. Jus-Rol Pizza Dough
About: Jus-Rol comes ready to roll (pun intended) and is found in the refrigerated section. Its standout feature is convenience—it comes with parchment for easy baking and less mess.
- Texture: Reliable chew but can be a little dense if underbaked.
- Flavor: Mild, neutral—works best as a background for bold toppings.
- Price: Around $4.
Best for: Those prioritizing quick cleanup and ease over nuanced flavor.
7. Jiffy Pizza Crust Mix
About: This shelf-stable mix is a nostalgic staple and one of the most budget-friendly pizza options around. You simply add water, let it rise briefly, and then bake.
- Texture: More biscuity than yeasty, with a unique softness.
- Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet; doesn’t mimic classic pizza dough but has its fans.
- Price: Usually under $1 per box.
Best for: Kids, nostalgia seekers, or those in need of a super-affordable fix.
6. Boboli Original Pizza Crust
About: Boboli is a ready-to-use, shelf-stable crust that has earned a loyal following for its thick, hearty style and easy handling. Available in various sizes.
- Texture: Chewy and substantial, firm enough for ample toppings.
- Flavor: Buttery, slightly sweet; hints of an ‘artisanal bread’ note.
- Price: About $5.49 per large crust.
Best for: Traditionalists who like a soft, thick crust—great for heavy or meat-packed pizzas.
5. Pillsbury Classic Pizza Dough
About: Sold in a tube from the refrigerated aisle, Pillsbury’s dough is one of the most versatile. It’s easy to shape for calzones, mini pies, or classic pizza bases.
- Texture: Soft, slightly flaky; edges stay gentle rather than crisp.
- Flavor: Mild with buttery undertones; lets toppings shine.
- Convenience: Requires par-baking before topping to avoid sogginess.
- Price: Around $3–4 per tube.
Best for: DIY pizza projects with kids, calzones, or sheet pan pizzas.
4. Mamma Mia! Pizza Dough
About: A refrigerated, ready-to-shape dough offering an airy and authentic Italian-inspired experience.
- Texture: Delivers a nicely puffy crust with classic blistered edges if baked hot.
- Flavor: Mild but yeasty, a satisfying blank canvas.
Best for: Those craving a classic, adaptable dough for traditional or creative toppings.
3. Brooklyn Bred Pizza Crust
About: Brooklyn Bred offers rectangular, par-baked crusts with a distinctive nutty taste and chewy bite reminiscent of classic New York slices.
- Texture: Chewy yet airy with crisp bubbles and a toastiness on the underside.
- Flavor: Nutty, pronounced salt level, just a hint of pleasant tang.
- Best for: Appetizer pizzas, flatbreads, or anyone who appreciates flavorful bread even without toppings.
2. Trader Joe’s Fresh Pizza Dough
About: Find Trader Joe’s signature dough in the refrigerated case. This is always a crowd favorite thanks to its restaurant-style chew and easy handling.
- Texture: Chewy, with big air pockets—you get that true New York or Neapolitan pizzeria vibe in your home oven.
- Flavor: Good yeasty notes, though slightly less vibrant than our number one pick.
- Durability: Holds sauce and loads of toppings well without getting soggy.
- Price: Typically around $4 for enough dough for a large pie.
Best for: Impromptu pizza nights and those looking for chewy, restaurant-level pizza at home.
1. Whole Foods Refrigerated Bakery Dough
About: The gold standard of premade doughs! Found in the bakery or prepared foods section of Whole Foods, this dough stood out for its artisanal character and depth of flavor.
- Texture: The ideal chewy base with pockets of crunch, thanks to whole grains. Each slice gives both bite and tenderness.
- Flavor: Expertly balanced, with pronounced fermented notes, depth, and just the right yeasty tang. Real bakery aroma when baked.
- Handling: Super easy to stretch; perfect for both hand-tossing and pan-style pizzas.
- Price: About $4.99 per dough ball—great value for quality.
Best for: Anyone who wants pizzeria-level results with minimal effort. Stock up in your freezer for spontaneous pizza cravings!
Specialty and Gluten-Free Alternatives
- Caulipower (Gluten-Free): An increasingly popular option for gluten-sensitive pizza lovers. Holds its shape and browns nicely under toppings. There’s a subtle ‘gluten-free’ aftertaste, but the texture is universally praised for its crispness.
- Stonefire Artisan Thin: Honorable mention for a flavorful, thin, and slightly chewy base that works great for flatbread-style pizzas and quick bakes.
- 365 Pizza Crust (Whole Foods Brand): An organic, thin & crispy alternative produced by Whole Foods, ideal for lighter, veggie-stacked pies.
Comparison Table: Top Premade Store-Bought Pizza Crusts
| Brand | Type | Texture | Key Flavors | Price | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Foods (Bakery) | Refrigerated, dough | Chewy, crisp edges | Fermented, yeasty, whole grain | $4.99 | Restaurant-style results |
| Trader Joe’s | Refrigerated, dough | Chewy, air pockets | Mild, classic yeasty | $4.00 | Chewy, holds toppings |
| Boboli | Ready-made, shelf-stable | Thick, bread-like | Buttery, slight sweetness | $5.49 | Great for hearty pies |
| Brooklyn Bred | Par-baked, rectangular | Chewy, nutty | Nutty, salty, crisp | $4–5 | Bread-like quality |
| Caulipower | Gluten-free, round | Crispy, firm | Light starchiness | $9.49 (2 pack) | Best gluten-free |
| Pillsbury | Refrigerated, tube | Soft, flakey | Buttery, mild | $3–4 | Versatility/calzones |
Tips for Making Outstanding Pizza at Home
- Let store-bought dough rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before stretching. This relaxes the gluten for easier shaping and better texture.
- Bake on a preheated pizza stone or steel if possible. High, even heat is key for chewy crust and crisp bottoms.
- Brush dough lightly with olive oil before adding sauce for extra flavor and to prevent sogginess.
- Don’t overload with sauce and toppings—this helps crust cook evenly and keeps the center from getting mushy.
- For a crunchier base, par-bake the dough for 5–8 minutes before adding toppings.
Packed with Flavor: 5 Creative Pizza Ideas
- Margherita Classic: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on a chewy base.
- Pesto Veggie: Use pesto sauce, sliced bell pepper, and goat cheese over gluten-free crust.
- White Pizza: Ricotta, garlic, olive oil, and arugula for a creamy twist.
- BBQ Chicken: Shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, red onion, and smoked gouda on a thin and crispy crust.
- Breakfast Pizza: Crack an egg in the center, add bacon and scallions for a brunch showstopper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best store-bought pizza dough for a crisp, chewy crust?
A: The Whole Foods refrigerated bakery dough ranked highest for its chewy consistency and artisan flavor. A good pizza stone further enhances crispiness.
Q: Which packaged pizza crust works best for gluten-free diets?
A: Caulipower is a popular gluten-free option, delivering a firm texture and clean base for most toppings with only a subtle gluten-free aftertaste.
Q: Can you freeze unused store-bought pizza dough?
A: Yes—many refrigerated doughs like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods freeze well for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for about two hours at room temperature before use.
Q: How do I make store-bought crust taste authentic?
A: Letting the dough rest, using a hot pizza stone, and brushing with olive oil boost both texture and flavor. Use quality sauce and cheeses—less is often more!
Q: Is it better to use par-baked crusts or raw dough?
A: Par-baked crusts (like Boboli or Brooklyn Bred) save time and guarantee structure, while raw dough (Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods) yields a more genuine, fresh-baked experience if you have a bit more time.
Final Thoughts: The Best Store-Bought Pizza Crust for Every Craving
Whether you’re aiming for a classic New York slice, experimenting with gluten-free pies, or just need a foolproof base for an easy dinner, today’s store-bought pizza crusts deliver convenience without sacrificing satisfaction. With the right choice, a few clever toppings, and simple technique, you can turn any night into a delicious homemade pizza adventure.
References
- https://www.chowhound.com/1714561/best-worst-store-bought-pizza-crust-ranked/
- https://camillestyles.com/food/best-store-bought-pizza-crust/
- https://sporked.com/article/best-store-bought-pizza-dough/
- https://www.thedailymeal.com/1883597/best-store-bought-pizza-crust/
- https://www.tastingtable.com/1748329/store-bought-pizza-crust-ranked/
- https://www.eatthis.com/store-bought-pizza-crusts-taste-test/
