Sometimes, the craving for homemade pizza hits hard, but time is short. This is where Whole Foods Market comes in. I recently explored their pizza offerings, grabbing pre-made dough, mozzarella, sauce, and pepperoni. The goal? To create two delicious pizzas using Whole Foods ingredients and my trusty Baking Steel. And let me tell you, Whole Foods Delivers!
A selection of fresh ingredients purchased from the Whole Foods Market pizza aisle.
What to Expect When Ordering Pizza Ingredients at Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market is known for its high-quality ingredients, and their pizza components are no exception. Here’s what you can expect when sourcing your pizza fixings there:
- Fresh Pizza Dough: Whole Foods offers fresh, ready-to-use pizza dough, typically sold in 1 lb. portions. This is a convenient option for those who don’t have the time or inclination to make their own dough from scratch.
- Variety of Cheeses: From classic whole milk mozzarella to more artisanal options, Whole Foods boasts a wide selection of cheeses perfect for pizza making. Low-moisture mozzarella is a popular choice for its meltability and flavor.
- Quality Sauces: You’ll find a range of tomato sauces, from simple marinara to more complex, flavorful options. Opt for a sauce that complements your desired pizza style.
- Toppings Galore: Whether you’re a pepperoni purist or prefer a veggie-loaded pie, Whole Foods offers a vast array of toppings, including cured meats, fresh vegetables, and herbs.
Individual containers of pepperoni, shredded mozzarella cheese, and pizza dough from the Whole Foods pizza section.
Ordering the Right Ingredients
To make two pizzas, I purchased the following:
- Whole Foods Pizza Dough: 1 lb. ($3.99)
- Whole Milk Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese: Enough for two pizzas. ($6.00)
- Ready-Made Tomato Sauce: A jar of their house-made sauce. ($2.38)
- Pre-Cut Pepperoni: Enough to cover two pizzas. ($2.00)
The total cost came to $14.37, which is significantly less than ordering a single pizza from a pizzeria.
Close-up of Whole Foods pizza dough in its packaging.
Convenience of Pre-Made Pizza Kits
Whole Foods also offers pre-made pizza kits that include fresh dough, sauce, shredded cheese, and pepperoni. While these kits are convenient, purchasing the ingredients separately allows you to customize your pizza and choose higher-quality options, like shredding your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains starch to prevent sticking, which can hinder melting and promote browning.
Ingredients ready for pizza preparation: pepperoni, sauce, cheese, and dough.
The Pizza-Making Process
- Dough Preparation: I divided the 1 lb. dough into two 8 oz. (236 grams) balls. I then attempted to stretch the dough, but it proved challenging. The dough was overworked and acted like an elastic band, constantly shrinking back to its original form.
- Making Miniature Pizzas: Due to the dough’s elasticity, I decided to make miniature pizzas. This turned out to be a great decision!
- Baking: The pizzas were baked on a Baking Steel, resulting in impressive oven spring and a perfectly cooked crust.
The finished miniature pizzas with pepperoni, sauce, and cheese, fresh out of the oven.
The Verdict
Despite the initial dough challenges, the resulting pizzas were fantastic. The quality of the Whole Foods ingredients shone through, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. The Baking Steel contributed to the perfectly cooked crust and overall pizza quality.
Why Choose Whole Foods Pizza Ingredients?
- Cost-Effective: Making two pizzas for under $15 is a steal compared to ordering from a pizzeria.
- Superior Ingredients: Whole Foods offers higher-quality ingredients than many local pizza joints.
- Customization: Purchasing individual ingredients allows you to create your perfect pizza, tailored to your preferences.
- Convenience: Picking up everything you need for a quick and delicious pizza night is incredibly easy.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re craving pizza but are short on time, head to the Whole Foods pizza aisle. You won’t be disappointed. The quality ingredients and convenience make it a winning combination. And with a little creativity, you can create a pizza that rivals anything you’d find at a restaurant.
A delicious, perfectly cooked pizza made with ingredients from Whole Foods.
