Sporked https://sporked.com Where tastes are tested Mon, 02 Dec 2024 22:41:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://sporked.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Sporked https://sporked.com 32 32 200707005 Best Cheap Champagne from the Grocery Store https://sporked.com/article/best-cheap-champagne/ https://sporked.com/article/best-cheap-champagne/#respond Mon, 02 Dec 2024 22:41:33 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=45179 Poppin’ bottles and savin’ cash.

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The best cheap Champagne might not taste like Dom Perignon. But it won’t taste like sparkling apple cider, either. We tasted through nearly 20 bottles of cheap Champagne (and Cava and Prosecco and domestic sparkling wine) in search of the best grocery store Champagne (and Cava and Prosecco and domestic sparkling wine). And we found seven shockingly good bottles—some for sipping on their own, others perfect for Mimosas. 

Before we get into the ranking, let me just address the pedants in the room. From one wine snob to another, let’s just acknowledge that most of the bottles on this list aren’t technically Champagne—they’re not from the Champagne region in France. Most are American sparkling wine. There’s also some Spanish Cava and Italian Prosecco. But most non-snobs just call all sparkling wine Champagne. So let’s just be chill, okay?

With that out of the way, let’s get to the ranking. Whether you’re looking for the best cheap Champagne for Mimosas, the best tasting cheap Champagne for a toast, or the best cheap sparkling rosé, here’s all the best cheap sparkling wine under $25. 

The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.


Andre Brut

Best for Mimosas

Andre Brut

If you’re like me, you remember Andre as the super cheap sparkling wine that you bought by the caseload in college for “fancy” parties. It was usually chugged, not sipped, directly from the bottle. So I was a bit skeptical of our friend Andre. But, honestly, it’s pretty decent—especially when it comes to mixing it with juice. It’s fizzy, fruity (lemony and apple-y), and just a touch sweet. And it’s less than $6 a bottle. And that all makes it the best grocery store Champagne for Mimosas.

Credit: Merc / Total Wine

Rating:

6/10

Sporks

Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco

Best Prosecco

Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco

Costco is one of the best places to go for the best cheap sparkling wine. We’ll get to the real winner in a few entries, but Costco’s Kirkland Prosecco is a worthwhile buy, as well. It smells like nectarines and apricots. And those flavors follow through on the palate, too. It’s super bright and fruity and very, very gulpable. I wish there was a little more fizz, but if you don’t love the toastiness of a traditional Champagne, then Kirkland Prosecco is some of the best grocery store sparkling wine around.

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

7/10

Sporks

Chandon Brut Rose

Best Host Gift

Chandon Brut Rose

If you love dry rosé, then give Chandon a go. It’s toasty and extremely dry (we’re talking not sweet at all). And the teeny, tiny bubbles really tickle your nose. It’s one of the best cheap Champagnes to pair with food (yes, I know, it’s from Napa, it’s not Champagne, I told you to chill out). Break it out with a lemony salad or a cheeseboard. Or give it as a gift. It looks expensive even though it costs less than $20.

Credit: Merc / Total Wine

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

Freixenet Cava

Best Cava

Freixenet Cava

Freixenet is a supermarket staple for a reason. It’s tart. It’s lemony. Every glass effervesces with lots of little pin prick bubbles. It doesn’t have the toastiness of Champagne because it’s not Champagne. It’s Cava. And it’s some of the best cheap sparkling wine you can find pretty darn much anywhere. If you want something a little bit shmancier than Andre, this crisp bottle is the other best cheap sparkling wine for Mimosas or Bellinis.

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

8/10

Sporks

Josh Prosecco Rose

Best Sparkling Rosé

Josh Prosecco Rose

This sparkling rosé from winery-turned-meme-turned-celebrated-grocery-store-wine Josh is packed with lots of red fruit flavors. It tastes like a classic sparkling rosé—great for sipping on its own or pairing with food. I am picturing a bottle with sushi or a picnic or a sushi picnic.

Credit: Merc / Total Wine

Rating:

8.5/10

Sporks

Kirkland Champagne Brut

Best French Champagne

Kirkland Champagne Brut

Yep, the second best cheap Champagne is actually from France—and it’s available at Costco. It’s just over $25 (I know, cheating) but it’s worth the splurge. It tastes like a classic, real Champagne. It has that toasty, lemony quality. It’s creamy. It’s effervescent. Serve this with some cheap caviar on New Year’s Eve (or a Wednesday). But don’t try to use it in a cocktail like a French 75—it’s too delicate to handle such bold flavors. Appreciate it on its own as some of the best supermarket Champagne.

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

Gruet Brut

Best of the Best

Gruet Brut

Who would have thought that the best cheap Champagne actually comes from New Mexico. Made in the style of Champagne (aka methode Champagnoise), it has a complex aroma of sage and grape must. It tastes super fruity—lots of nectarines and apples—and then finishes crisp and rich. It tastes aged. And it’s just over $15 a bottle. That’s wild. This isn’t just good grocery store champagne, it’s some of the best tasting cheap Champagne around, so stock up.

Credit: Merc / Total Wine

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

Other cheap Champagne we tried: Mumm Sparkling, Trader Joe’s Brut North Coast Sparkling Wine, Trader Joe’s Brut Rose North Coast Sparkling Wine, Ruffino Lumina Prosecco, Lamarca Prosecco, Chandon Brut, Winemakers Selection, Martini & Rossi, Kirkland Prosecco Rose, Korbel Brut, Cupcake Sparkling Rose, Cook’s Brut

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What Is Cake Flour? https://sporked.com/article/what-is-cake-flour/ https://sporked.com/article/what-is-cake-flour/#respond Mon, 02 Dec 2024 21:02:12 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=45175 Learning about cake flour is a piece of cake.

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Cake flour is a baker’s best friend. Why? Join us as we explore the wide world of cake flour, and find out what sets it apart from any ol’ other flour in the baking aisle. We have our objectives, let’s talk cake flour, people! 

What is cake flour made of?

Cake flour is usually made from super soft wheat that’s been ground extra-fine. It has a very low amount of protein and high starch, which helps to create light and airy cakes. 

Is cake flour the same as all purpose flour?

Though they do look similar, cake flour is not the same as all-purpose flour. So, what’s the difference between cake flour and regular flour? Cake flour takes a dip in the protein content department. According to flour maker Bob’s Red Mill, cake flour contains around 5 to 8% protein, while all-purpose flour is 10 to 13% protein. This is why cake flour is the go-to when you need to give your baked goods a softer texture, while all-purpose’s denser protein-point allows whatever it is you’re baking to be more solid. 

Is pastry flour the same as cake flour?

Nope, cake flour and pastry flour are not the same. Again, it all comes down to protein content. Pastry flour has a slightly higher percentage of protein than cake flour, but it’s still not as high as all-purpose flour. As you can see, protein really counts when it comes to the type of flour you choose! Don’t overlook it, or else your angel food cake could end up coming out of the oven like a concrete block! 

While you still unfortunately need a few other ingredients to make an actual cake, cake flour is a good start. It’s also good for stage productions when you need to portray a ghostly apparition. Just powder up the ol’ kisser with a spot of cake flour, and you’re ready to play Jacob Marley! Lights, camera, cake flour!

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Best Premade Cookie Dough for Chocolate Chip Cookies https://sporked.com/article/best-chocolate-chip-cookie-dough/ https://sporked.com/article/best-chocolate-chip-cookie-dough/#respond Mon, 02 Dec 2024 17:10:32 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=28022 Why bake when you can place and bake?

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If you Google “America’s favorite cookie,” the first result is the chocolate chip cookie, and everybody knows you can’t put something on the internet if it isn’t true. While, of course, there might be something irreplaceably special about grandma’s secret recipe, and it doesn’t necessarily take a degree in French pastry to bang together a batch of chocolate chip cookie dough at home, there is absolutely nothing wrong with baking up a batch of store-bought cookie dough. Premade cookie dough saves you the mess and hassle of mixing, but still lets you perfume your kitchens with the smell of vanilla extract, brown sugar, and chocolate chips. And, in the end, the cookies you make with premade cookie dough are still freshly baked cookies!

But which premade cookie dough reigns supreme? We tried a bunch of store bought cookie dough to let you know which is the best chocolate chip cookie dough to buy. We baked the cookies according to package instructions, and tried them at room temp, sans milk. It was really tough for us. 

Here’s the best store bought chocolate chip cookie dough we found in our incredibly taxing job of taste testing premade chocolate chip cookie dough (gluten free chocolate cookie dough and vegan chocolate chip cookie dough, too).

The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.


Sweet Loren’s Less Sugar Dough

Best Allergy Friendly

Sweet Loren’s Less Sugar Dough

If you told the child version of me that I would actually actively prefer the version of a cookie dough that advertised “less sugar,” I’d have laughed at you. Now, I look back on that version and say “tsk tsk tsk,” because this less sugar premade cookie dough is divine. I wasn’t super excited by the dough itself, which tasted muted. But while it baked it somehow transformed into a Chips Ahoy doppelganger. It certainly makes a crunchy cookie instead of a chewy one, but it’s incredibly tasty—especially when you consider the fact that it’s gluten-free, vegan, and free of major allergens. If you are going into a potluck and you suspect the crowd might be a veritable minefield of allergies, this is definitely the best cookie dough to buy. — Hebba Gouda

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

8.5/10

Sporks

Immaculate Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk

Best Gluten Free

Immaculate Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk

Gluten free cookies made with the best gluten free chocolate chip cookie dough don’t have to get all weird and grainy in your mouth as you eat them—this Immaculate Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk cookie dough is proof. This stuff is so good! This dough puffs up quite a bit in the oven, resulting in sort of tall cookies, but don’t let that turn you off. They’re moist and chewy and absolutely packed with chocolate chips. It’s not only the best GF cookie dough we tried, it’s also some of the best chocolate chip cookie dough, period. — Gwynedd Stuart

Credit: Liv Averett / Immaculate

Rating:

8.5/10

Sporks

Simple Truth Plant Based Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Best Vegan

Simple Truth Plant Based Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

If the test of good vegan chocolate chip cookie dough is that it could easily pass for non-vegan chocolate chip cookie dough, this is the stuff. Kroger’s Simple Truth Plant Based Cookie Dough comes in pre-measured little squares that you just plop on a baking sheet. They come out of the oven chewy, but crisp up around the edges a bit as they cool, which makes them seem buttery even though they obviously aren’t made with dairy butter. The vegan dark chocolate chips are flavorful but not overpowering—you can still taste the dough itself. This is the best place and bake cookie dough if you don’t eat eggs or butter, but I think everyone will like it. An absolutely stellar vegan product. — Gwynedd Stuart

Credit:Liv Averett / Ralphs

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

Private Selection Sea Salt Caramel

Best with Caramel

Private Selection Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough

This premade cookie dough from Private Selection (another proprietary brand sold at Kroger-owned grocery stores) isn’t the very best chocolate chip cookie dough simply because it’s not straight-up chocolate chip cookie dough, but I gotta say, this was my personal favorite. If you want chocolate chip cookies with a little extra decadence, you have to try this stuff. You can see caramel start to create gooey pools atop and beneath the cookies as they cook in the oven. It’s downright pornographic. Once they’re done baking, the cookies have excellent chew, as does the caramel—and there’s a lot of caramel. That said, these are definitely still chocolate chip cookies. There’s plenty of chocolate chunks—not chips, CHUNKS, i.e. rectangular morsels rather than little kisses. This is the best cookie dough to buy for the cookie swap. Truly, no one will care that you used premade cookie dough. — Gwynedd Stuart

Credit: Liv Averett / Ralphs

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

Great Value Ready to Bake Cookie Dough

Best Two Bite

Great Value Ready to Bake Cookie Dough

If you’re like me and you’d rather eat five little cookies than one big cookie, you’re going to love this chocolate chip cookie dough from Walmart. Great Value doesn’t advertise these as miniature cookies, but they’re much smaller than most place and bake cookies. I tasted these head to head with the Toll House cookie dough that is intended to make mini cookies, and I liked these just a touch better (plus, this cookie dough is from Walmart, so it’s cheap). You can actually taste a little bit of salt in the dough, which I love. If you want to go the small cookie route, this is the best chocolate chip cookie dough to buy. — Gwynedd Stuart

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

Pillsbury Eat or Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Best Tube of Dough

Pillsbury Eat or Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

If you’re looking for the best cookie dough to buy by the tube so you can scoop out as much or as little dough as you need, this is the premade cookie dough for you. Bonus: You can eat it raw as well as baked! It has a surprising amount of salt—but all that salt does is elevate all of the other flavors and cut through the sweetness. The balance of salt and sugar is perfect, and perfectly interrupted by lots and lots of chocolate chips. The dough bakes up a little flatter than I was expecting, but it delivers a cookie that’s just right for those who can’t decide between crispy and chewy. The result is a cookie that’s half crunchy, half soft, all delicious. — Hebba Gouda

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chip Lovers

Best of the Best

Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chip Lovers

Tollhouse looms large in the chocolate chip cookie game, and it’s easy to see why. We actually did two rounds of taste tests on doughs led by completely different tasters, and this dough came out on top both times. It doesn’t have that unpleasant, unnatural preservative flavor you’ll find in a lot of other premade cookie dough. And the cookies made with this premade cookie dough bake up chewy and gooey and absolutely stacked with chocolate chips. This is the best chocolate chip cookie dough for real chocolate chip cookie fans. — Gwynedd Stuart & Hebba Gouda

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

Other cookie dough brands we tried: Miss Jones Grain Free, Sweet Loren’s Chocolate Chunk, Amazon Fresh Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

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The Best Cheap Frozen Pizza from Our Taste Tests https://sporked.com/article/best-cheap-frozen-pizza/ https://sporked.com/article/best-cheap-frozen-pizza/#comments Mon, 02 Dec 2024 17:10:15 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=33744 If you have $6, you’re about to be full of pizza.

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Close the Domino’s app. That discount pizza you were ordering is about to cost $30. Step away from your phone and head to your grocery store’s frozen section, where cheap frozen pizza will save the day and save you some dough. From cheap pepperoni pizza to cheap French bread pizza to cheap microwave pizza that costs less than $2, we’ve rounded up the best cheap pizza from our taste tests. All of these cost less than six bucks—and if the prices have gone up by the time you read this, blame corporate greed, not us!

The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.


Kroger 3 Minute Microwave Pizza Cheese

Best Microwave Pizza

Kroger 3 Minute Microwave Pizza Cheese ($1.59)

Most microwave pizza is bad. There’s a reason you cook it in the oven. If you cook it in the microwave it often turns into a molten soupy disc. Now, I’m not saying Kroger’s microwave pizza is gourmet. It still tastes like microwave pizza—but in a much, much better way than any of the others we tried. I can’t say it gets “crispy” but there are parts of it that crisp up. It tastes like cheap cafeteria pizza. And it’s pretty satisfying in that specific way. Major kudos to the sauce, which is tangy and savory and actually tastes like herbs. Cooking this microwave pizza does require an engineering degree (you have to fold the box in a very specific way), but if you’re only working with a microwave and you want pizza for one, this is the best cheap pizza to buy.

Credit: Merc / Ralphs

Rating:

6.5/10

Sporks

Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Cheese Pizza with a Cauliflower Crust

Best Cheap Gluten Free

Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Cheese Pizza with a Cauliflower Crust ($5.49)

Trader Joe’s is a mecca for cheap pizza. Pretty much every single frozen pizza they offer is under $6. And most of them are pretty good. But this one is special because it’s a gluten free, cauliflower crust pizza that actually tastes good—and that’s hard to find. No, the crust doesn’t get crazy crisp, but it tastes like traditional pizza crust. The sauce is savory and heavy on the herbs. And the cheese is plentiful. It’s good for gluten-averse and people looking to sneak some extra veggies into their diet. And, of course, it’s cheap.

Credit: Merc / Trader Joe’s

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

Red Baron Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza

Best Personal Pan Pizza

Red Baron Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza ($4.29)

This buttery little buddy is not deep dish pizza. But it is a really good personal pan pizza. The crust is flaky and rich. The sauce is savory. The cheese is gooey. If you bake one of these up in the toaster oven and pair it with a bagged salad, you’ll be living the good life. 

Credit: Merc / Target

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

Trader Joe’s Pizza Parlanno

Best Supreme

Trader Joe’s Pizza Parlanno ($5.49)

This isn’t your traditional supreme pizza, but it’s loaded with all sorts of toppings, so it qualifies. We’re talking bell peppers, onions (lots of onions, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and three different cheeses (mozzarella, parmesan, and romano). It’s much more complex than most of the other cheap frozen pizzas on this list. All the toppings stand out with their individual flavors, but also come together to create a super savory melange of yummy.

Credit: Merc / Trader Joe’s

Rating:

8/10

Sporks

Costco Cheese

Best Cheap Cheese Pizza

Costco Cheese ($12 for 4 pizzas)

Costco frozen cheese pizza isn’t as good as the stuff you get from the food court—it’s not as puffy. But it is still good. The cheese is super thick. It creates a real blanket that you have to bite through. And the sauce is sweet and tangy. But most importantly, you can get four large pizzas for $12. That’s $3 for one full pizza that can easily feed two very hungry people or four peckish people. If you have room in your freezer, Costco makes the best cheap frozen pizza you can buy.

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

8.5/10

Sporks

Jack’s Original Thin Pepperoni

Best Cheap Thin Crust

Jack’s Original Thin Pepperoni ($3.49)

If you like a thin, crispy, crackery pizza (think Chicago tavern style), then you’re gonna love this cheap frozen pizza from Jack’s. The cheese and pepperoni go all the way to the edge of the crust, so you get more bang for your buck. The crust style really accentuates the savory, spicy flavor of the pepperoni, too. For less than four bucks, you can’t afford not to toss a few of these in the freezer.

Read the full ranking of the best thin crust frozen pizzas

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

Red Baron French Bread Singles Supreme Pizzas

Best Cheap Veggie

Trader Joe’s Organic Roasted Vegetable Pizza ($4.99)

Veggie pizza can be a real watery mess, but not this roasted veggie pizza from Trader Joe’s, which also happens to be a great cheap pizza at less than five bucks a pop. This thing is loaded with red onions, eggplant, zucchini, and red and yellow peppers, but the real draw is the creamy cheesy condiment that dots the pie. It contributes so much flavor and makes this cheap frozen pizza taste way more expensive than it actually is. Also, we now firmly believe that eggplant should always be on veggie pizzas!

Read the full ranking of the best veggie pizza

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

Red Baron French Bread Singles Supreme Pizzas

Best Cheap French Bread

Red Baron French Bread Singles Supreme Pizzas ($4.29)

If you always thought Stouffer’s made the best French bread pizza, you have always been wrong! That’s right: Red Baron makes the tastiest French bread pizzas. And you get two supremes in a pack for less than $5. Incredible. The bread is perfectly squishy on the inside and crunchy on the outside; plus, the combo of veggies, smoky pepperoni, and fennel-forward sausage bits makes this cheap frozen pizza taste especially deluxe. These are a supremely good deal, if we do say so ourselves.

Read the full ranking of the best French bread pizza

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

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We Tried the Mountain Dew Blue Shock Slurpee https://sporked.com/article/mountain-dew-blue-shock-slurpee-review/ https://sporked.com/article/mountain-dew-blue-shock-slurpee-review/#respond Mon, 02 Dec 2024 13:10:00 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=45128 The results may *shock* you!

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Mountain Dew recently surprised us with the news that Blue Shock Slurpee would be returning exclusively to 7-Eleven and Speedway. It’s described as a blue raspberry citrus flavor, which has led to many fans wondering how this Mountain Dew flavor compares to Voltage—or even if it’s just the same flavor in disguise. I’m on the case, and after a quick stop by a local Speedway store, I’m ready to tell you my thoughts on the returning Mountain Dew Slurpee.

Mountain Dew Blue Shock Slurpee

New Slurpee Flavor!

Mountain Dew Blue Shock Slurpee

Pros: This quite literally tastes like the original Mountain Dew—but blue. You know what I mean. There’s a sort of generalized “blue” flavor that folks think of when they think of a generic blue raspberry flavored Icee or treat. This tastes like a perfect blend of that blue flavor mixed with original Mountain Dew. And I mean that in the best way possible. It is fantastic. I think it does a great job at differentiating itself from Voltage, because you don’t get notes of classic Dew from Voltage like you do here.

Cons: Mountain Dew is known for their wacky and crazy innovative flavors, but if you’re looking for one of those, you won’t find it here. My only other critique is the same complaint that I have regarding all frozen drinks, which is that it melts too fast and the taste diminishes significantly when it starts to melt. But I am fully willing to accept that as a user error.

Credit: Liv Averett / 7-Eleven

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

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This Cheesy New Trader Joe’s Frozen Side Dish Is a Big Miss https://sporked.com/article/trader-joes-cheesy-creamy-greens-and-veggies-review/ https://sporked.com/article/trader-joes-cheesy-creamy-greens-and-veggies-review/#respond Fri, 29 Nov 2024 21:03:40 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=45136 Releasing a veggie and cheese dish during the holidays is a power move from Trader Joe’s. They’re trying to corner the market on ready-to-heat, ready-to-eat dishes that you can easily serve your friends and family. I respect the venture. What I simply cannot respect, however, is the description of Trader Joe’s Cheesy Creamy Greens &...

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Releasing a veggie and cheese dish during the holidays is a power move from Trader Joe’s. They’re trying to corner the market on ready-to-heat, ready-to-eat dishes that you can easily serve your friends and family. I respect the venture. What I simply cannot respect, however, is the description of Trader Joe’s Cheesy Creamy Greens & Veggies on the store’s site. It’s…a lot: “’Can you please put the cheese back and get some greens instead?’ asks the veggie lover of the veggie skeptic as they peruse their neighborhood Trader Joe’s. ‘If loving cheese is wrong, I don’t want to be right!’ the skeptic cries, appalled by such a demand. Suddenly, out of the corners of their eyes, they see it: Cheesy Creamy Greens & Veggies. They share a glance. They smile. They realize this rich, Veggie-laden delight is the culinary peacemaker of their dreams.” Someone is taking cues from back issues of the J. Peterman catalog.

TJ’s cheesy greens are an experience from start to finish. A good experience? Definitely not. They come out of the bag looking like little frozen green turds. And honeslty, it doesn’t get any better when it cooks up. It’s like the Erewhon version of slop; just a textureless amalgamation of all the ingredients. You can taste something different in each bite but you can never really tell what it is. I get that they were going for creamy, but there is such a thing as too creamy. Even the mixture of cheeses—provolone and mozzarella—doesn’t really improve things.

new product review trader joe's cheesy creamy greens and veggies

New Product!

Trader Joe’s Cheesy Creamy Greens & Veggies

Pros: I could maybe see myself using this as a holiday side dish in a real pinch. It might get some salvation if it’s paired with something else to give it any amount of texture. But realistically, I would rather just roast up a sheet tray of Brussels sprouts and then melt some cheddar cheese over them. Yum.

Cons: This is yassified gruel. There is no nuance to it. There is nothing hidden to be found. Just a sad pile of gloop that belongs on a certain subreddit rather than on your dinner plate. Its comical that Trader Joe’s had the gall to say there was texture to be found in this dish. As a matter of fact, I’m still not over any part of Trader Joe’s description of the product. That alone should amount to a loss of at least five Sporks.

Rating:

2/10

Sporks

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What Is French Vanilla? https://sporked.com/article/what-is-french-vanilla/ https://sporked.com/article/what-is-french-vanilla/#respond Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:59:00 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=45121 It’s not just vanilla wearing a beret.

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Are you embarrassed when your fancy friends come over for ice cream, and you only have vanilla to offer them? Are you ashamed that you spend 10 minutes in the coffee creamer aisle only to once again opt for your go-to flavor for years, vanilla? Are you wondering where the heck we’re going with this? There’s nothing wrong with vanilla as a flavor, but what if we told you that there’s vanilla+? French vanilla is a take on vanilla that you have spent your life feeling inclined to get excited about even though you’re not really sure what it means. 

Here’s where that all changes, because we’ve got answers to questions that have plagued the masses for years about French vanilla. The most important thing? No, it is not just vanilla you consume in a beret, so no, you don’t have to worry if you’re the 0.00000001% that can pull off a beret without seeming pretentious. Read on for the facts.

What is vanilla?

It’s worth getting briefed on original vanilla before diving into French vanilla. Vanilla is a spice from the vanilla orchid, which produces long, slender bean pods that turn from green to black. The majority of vanilla plants are found in Mexico, Madagascar, Tahiti, Uganda, and Indonesia. What? Not France? I thought this was about French vanilla! 

What is French vanilla?

French vanilla does not mean vanilla from France. Why would it? Just because that would make sense? Grow up. The term refers instead to the French style of making vanilla ice cream, which is with an egg yolk-enriched custard base. This is different from the Philadelphia style of ice cream, which is cream-based. Even though French vanilla ice cream originated in France, French vanilla can be found internationally, and is contingent on the distinct flavor profile from the French method. 

What’s the difference between French vanilla and vanilla?

The main distinguishing features when it comes to French vanilla vs vanilla are appearance, texture, and flavor. Plain vanilla ice cream is white or light beige, while French vanilla is a pale yellow from the characteristic yolks. French vanilla also tends to have a smoother consistency and richer flavor.

Is French vanilla better than vanilla?

It depends! Descriptors like “richer,” “creamier,” “more luxurious,” might entice someone to always opt for French vanilla, but its more complex flavor might be its downfall. For anyone who wants a cleaner tasting bowl of ice cream, or a dollop on top of apple pie, the more neutral classic vanilla absolutely has a place. 

What does French vanilla smell like?

Mauricio Poulsen says of French vanilla, “it is when the vanilla flavor is caramelized, custard-like, cooked, egg yolk-like, slightly floral.” Seeing as Poulsen is the director of creation and application of flavors for International Flavors & Fragrances Inc, he’s kind of a big deal. Plus his answer was much nicer than what we were going to say: “Dunno. It’s nice though.”

French vanilla is ice cream? But I’ve seen French vanilla coffee!

The origin of French vanilla is, in fact, ice cream, but the velvety product’s allure extends beyond the realm of ice cream. It’s become something of a marketing buzzword, evoking a feeling of sophistication and decadence. Whether you’re looking at a coffee, candle, or perfume, people have come to expect that French vanilla has a little…je ne sais quoi, if you will. 

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Every 2024 Mountain Dew Flavor, Ranked https://sporked.com/article/2024-mountain-dew-flavors-ranked/ https://sporked.com/article/2024-mountain-dew-flavors-ranked/#respond Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:01:00 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=45124 Which Dew should stay in the past and which one deserves another go?

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There has been so many good returning and new Mountain Dew flavors this year. And while we are excited for the new Mountain Dew flavors coming in 2025, we also want to take a moment to reflect back on the Mountain Dews of 2024—a Dew-wind, if you will. Which returning and new Mountain Dew flavors were the best and deserve another release, and which ones should stay in the past? I still have a can of each flavor that released in 2024, so let’s retry them ALL and rank ‘em! 

Mountain Dew Baja Blast (Honorable Mention)

While it didn’t feel right to include this in the ranking overall, I had to throw Baja Blast into the mix as it did drop permanently this year as part of its 20th anniversary celebration. Baja Blast is undeniably one of the greatest Dews of all time. Our sources tell us that it is singlehandedly the best selling flavor of Mountain Dew other than Original, and I can’t say that I am surprised. There is just something special about the tropical flavor you get when you crack open a Baja Blast. I can’t say that I have ever had a drink that is anything like it. It’s absolutely unique and its place on the permanent lineup is totally earned.

Mountain Dew Freedom Fusion

I’ll admit, the initial wave of excitement you get when you try a new flavor has worn off for the patriotic trio and I’m going to be a little harder on Freedom Fusion than when I initially tried it. Unlike my initial review, I now get a lot more of the lemonade flavor than I did when I first tasted this peach-lemonade Mountain Dew flavor. I think that makes it a little bit less desirable. While I think the flavor worked well as a Slurpee, I’m loving this one as much as I did initially.

Should it come back? I’d love to see the Freedom Fusion Slurpee make a return to 7-Eleven and Speedway. But as Pepsi cut the planned 2025 return for Freedom Fusion, I wouldn’t expect to see it any time soon.

Mountain Dew Infinite Swirl

While 7-Eleven Exclusive Infinite Swirl and its pineapple berry flavor are quite pleasant, I think the pineapple shines better in Baja Point Break Punch and I think the berry shines more in Star Spangled Splash. Pretty good, but other flavors got it done a little bit better.

Should it come back? As of now, Infinite Swirl is still an exclusive Mountain Dew flavor at 7-Eleven and Speedway, so you still have an opportunity to grab it.

Mountain Dew Baja Point Break Punch

Baja Point Break Punch is Baja Blast spinoffs of all time. It’s got a really great classic fruit punch flavor to it, combining the flavors of raspberries and pineapple really well. That said, when compared to all of the other 2024 flavors of Mountain Dew, I can’t say that it stands out.

Should it come back?
I think part of the charm of the Baja spinoffs is that Mountain Dew tries something new every year. Although I like this flavor, I’d rather see what’s next rather than this one again. (I’m personally hoping for a Tiger’s Blood Icee-inspired Baja Blast spinof—watermelon, strawberry, and coconut, for those not familiar.)

Mountain Dew Liberty Chill

While I love the Krabby Patty gummy-like flavor that the patriotic Dew presents, I don’t love that it promises 50 flavors in one Dew when it is definitely only one. That said, I’d definitely pick it up again.

Should it come back? Maybe in a few years, but I don’t think it needs to come back any time soon (and Pepsi seemingly agrees, having cancelled the planned 2025 release).

Mountain Dew Game Fuel Citrus Blackberry

I was disappointed that this ended up being raspberry blackberry instead of the purely blackberry flavor we’d initially heard we were going to get. While I certainly don’t dislike Game Fuel Citrus Blackberry and will happily drink it while it’s on shelves, it is very raspberry forward and reminds me much of Mountain Dew Spark.

Should it come back? I’d love to see a pure Blackberry Game Fuel. But as for Citrus Blackberry? I think it can stay in 2024.

Mountain Dew Baja Laguna Lemonade

If you’re not a mango fan, this Baja Blast spinoff definitely wasn’t for you as it was almost entirely mango. But I am a mango man, so I’m letting my bias show here. Laguna Lemonade was fantastic. To date, it is my favorite Baja spinoff of all time!

Should it come back? Baja spinoffs are sort of like VooDEW—they’re new every year, and I think repeating a flavor would take away from the fun of it. Laguna Lemonade was an absolute treat and I hope that next year’s Cabo Citrus tops it and stuns me once again!

Mountain Dew VooDEW 6.0

We were big fans of both the soda and Froster versions of the 2024 VooDEW. Sipping this VooDEW soda still gives me an incredible strawberry experience, which I think beats out every other VooDEW flavor (except for, perhaps, 2020’s Fruit Candy Explosion VooDEW aka Skittles).

Should it come back? By nature, it doesn’t really make sense for Mountain Dew to re-DEW a VooDEW flavor (particularly since VooDEW is not even getting a release in 2025). Will I miss it though? Absolutely.

Mountain Dew Star Spangled Splash

It pains me to my core that the 2025 release of Star Spangled Splash was cancelled. I originally spoke highly of Star Spangled Splash, and I am still just as hooked on it. The natural strawberry flavor combined with the hint of raspberry makes for the absolute perfect summer flavor. It’s easily the best patriotic DEW I have ever had. This is my favorite Mountain Dew release in the last decade that is not named Pitch Black or Citrus Cherry Game Fuel.

Should it come back? While it isn’t coming back in 2025, here’s hoping it returns one day. I would love to see it be made into a Slurpee a la Freedom Fusion at 7-Eleven.

Mountain Dew Game Fuel Citrus Cherry

Game Fuel Citrus Cherry has been in my personal top three best Mountain Dew flavors of all time basically since I first tasted it. That combination of cherry and citrus fuels you while you’re gaming (whether or not you’re actually playing World of Warcraft), and it leaves you wanting more. Though it’s a close fight between Citrus Cherry and Star Spangled Splash, Citrus Cherry is the best Mountain Dew flavor released in 2024.

Should it come back? It should come back and it will be back in 2025! Our sources have indicated that Game Fuel is likely to be back to the annual release status it had previously.

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Best Frozen Empanadas: Beef, Chicken, Veggie, and Vegan! https://sporked.com/article/best-frozen-empanadas/ https://sporked.com/article/best-frozen-empanadas/#comments Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:41:00 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=44986 These are the empanadas that will have you asking for más!

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If you’ve been forced to endure any kind of cocktail party, you’ve probably had an empanada. But if you haven’t, it’s a flaky pocket of pastry wrapped around a savory filling, like if a Hot Pocket was fancier and better in every way. They’re the perfect self-contained finger food for parties or just wolfing down while alone on your couch. Oh, and if you’d like to know more about them, we just happen to have a whole explainer article on empanadas

The only downside to these delicious treats is that they’re traditionally baked or fried, and who’s got the time for either? Luckily, there are a bunch of frozen pre-cooked empanadas that are both tasty and time-saving. To find the best frozen empanadas, we sampled a bunch, judging each on filling, pastry, and overall satisfaction. So, here are our picks for the five best frozen empanadas (including the best frozen mini empanadas, frozen beef empanadas, and frozen chicken empanadas) you can find at your local grocery store (or Amazon!). 

The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.


Goya Baked Beef Empanada

Best Baked Empanadas

Goya Baked Beef Empanada

The classic Goya Beef Empanada is the O.G. frozen empanada brand, having survived on store shelves for decades. But what makes these “baked” Goya empanadas so different? You don’t have to fry them yourselves! You can just throw these frozen beef empanadas in the microwave or air fryer without having to heat up all the pesky oil. Each box gives you four individually wrapped empanadas, giving you the option to cook them one at a time or all at once. As for the taste, these have basically the same classic filling of relatively mild spiced beef mixed with plenty of onion, garlic, and paprika. The pasty is good, but a little thin, so you’re not getting a lot of flavor from it. Overall, these frozen beef empanadas are a quick and tasty way to have a “classic” empanada. Plus, everything tastes better without those pesky oil burns.

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

6/10

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Emma Light & Co. Plant Based Mini-Empanadas!

Best Vegan Empanadas

Emma Light & Co. Plant Based Mini-Empanadas!

These vegan frozen mini empanadas are stuffed with Beyond Meat along with an organic tomato filling, mixed with Daiya dairy-free vegan cheddar (some of the best vegan cheese, if you ask us). And while that makes it sound kind of pizza-esque, it’s actually more salsa-flavored, with a spicy mix of tomatoes and jalapenos, spiced with onions, garlic, chipotle, and apple cider vinegar. It definitely gives plenty of kick, but without too much heat. The wheat flour wrapper toasts up nicely and even gives a bit of a crunch. And I couldn’t tell it wasn’t meat-based. It definitely deserves that exclamation mark.

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

7/10

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Goya Baked Spinach Empanada

Best Veggie Empanadas

Goya Baked Spinach Empanada

With a creamy filling of spinach and mozzarella, these Argentinean-style baked empanadas may not be vegan, but they are very delicious. One box gives you four individually wrapped pastries per box, with the only downside being that you have to thaw them before cooking, which takes away a little of the spontaneity. But the pastry’s good and you get plenty of spinach and cheese flavor. It’s definitely worth a little wait.

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

8/10

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Del Corazon Beef Empanadas

Best Beef Empanadas

Del Corazon Beef Empanadas

If you’re looking for a big, spicy, beefy taste, these are the ones for you. The beef is mixed with onion, garlic, bell pepper, and hints of cilantro, which give a classic Mexican flavor. But there are also some surprising ingredients, like raisins and capers, that add to its unique flavor and it also reminded me a little of Jamaican beef patties.  Each box offers three fairly small sized empanadas (they’re not frozen mini empanadas, but you can take them all down in one sitting). They add up to a good sized portion, and you even get some big chunks of potato to make them more filling. The flour wrapper is flaky and tasty. It’s just really good. 

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

8/10

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Del Corazon Chicken Empanadas

Best of the Best

Del Corazon Chicken Empanadas

These are similar to the last entry’s empanadas, only with a spiced chicken filling that gives you a good amount of heat through a mixture of red pepper and smoky chipotle. It’s the kind of heat that isn’t overpowering, but the spice lingers after each bite. The chicken is also tasty and juicy. These frozen chicken empanadas are the best frozen empanadas to buy, for sure.

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

9/10

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Other frozen empanadas we tried: Goya Baked Chicken Empanadas, Goya Beef Empanadas, Maspenadas Beef & Vegetables, Maspanadas Chicken & Vegetables, Maspanadas Pizza

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Vote for the Best New Snacks, Sodas, and More in the Sporked Awards! https://sporked.com/article/sporked-awards-readers-choice-2024/ https://sporked.com/article/sporked-awards-readers-choice-2024/#comments Fri, 29 Nov 2024 11:02:00 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=45117 The Sporked Awards are back for a third year, and once again Sporked’s editors will be celebrating all the best products we ate in 2024. But this year we’re doing things a little differently: Even though our opinions are flawless, we want to know what you think, too. Did a new Mountain Dew flavor really...

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The Sporked Awards are back for a third year, and once again Sporked’s editors will be celebrating all the best products we ate in 2024. But this year we’re doing things a little differently: Even though our opinions are flawless, we want to know what you think, too. Did a new Mountain Dew flavor really dew it for you? Did Takis Kaboom blow your mind? Tell us! 

Fill out the ballot now—the last day to vote is December 10—and then we’ll announce the winners of the readers’ ballot on December 23, the day our Sporked Awards winners start rolling out. Plus, by filling out the ballot, you’ll automatically be entered in a drawing to win a free piece of Sporked merch. May the best snacks win! 

By submitting your email address to participate in the Sporked Awards 2024 Readers Ballot, you are signing up to receive Sporked‘s bi-weekly email newsletter, as well as future emails regarding the Sporked Awards. Upon receiving your first email, you can unsubscribe by clicking “Unsubscribe” at the bottom.

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Best Frozen Pizza: Cheese, Pepperoni, Veggie, Thin Crust, and More https://sporked.com/article/best-frozen-pizza/ https://sporked.com/article/best-frozen-pizza/#comments Fri, 29 Nov 2024 04:58:12 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=627 Over the course of many, many taste tests we’ve found the best frozen pizzas.

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What is the best frozen pizza? If we’re being honest, the best frozen pizza is whatever frozen pizza happens to be in your freezer when you’re desperately hungry and nothing is open for delivery. 

But what about the best frozen pizza to buy in preparation for those moments. Over the course of many, many taste tests we’ve found the best frozen pizza brands making the best frozen pizzas, from the best veggie frozen pizza to the best frozen pepperoni pizza. 

Frozen pizza is good now. Maybe it used to be cardboard covered in sweet marinara and a stretchy blanket of cheese (and, yes, you can still buy it like that), but the best frozen pizzas are topped with real mozzarella that gets gooey, savory marinara sauce, and actual, yeasty pizza dough that rises in the oven. The toppings aren’t simply limited to sad sausage crumbles. You can get real, thinly sliced pepperoni, or vegetables that actually taste like vegetables, or even pineapple that doesn’t immediately dissolve into a puddle. And you have choices when it comes to crust. You can get Detroit style frozen pizza! Thin crust frozen pizza! Cauliflower crust frozen pizza! The choices are really overwhelming. 

Lucky for you, we’ve done a lot of tasting. We looked for gooey cheese, fresh toppings, and crispy-chewy crust you actually enjoy eating. At this point in the frozen pizza timeline, the best frozen pizza should be nearly as good as delivery or something you can make from scratch—but much cheaper and easier. Here’s the best rated frozen pizza you can buy at the grocery store.    

The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.


Red Baron Deep Dish Supreme

Best Personal Pan Pizza

Red Baron Deep Dish Supreme

This is not the best frozen deep dish pizza—that honor belongs to Uno Pizzeria’s pepperoni pizza, and we’ll discuss it later. In fact, I don’t think this really qualifies as deep dish pizza at all. But it’s still one of the best individually sized frozen pizzas that we tried. The crust is buttery and chewy. The sauce is flavorful and zesty. The toppings are plentiful and perfectly seasoned. Buy a box of these cheap Red Baron frozen pizzas, they deserve a spot in your freezer.

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

5.5/10

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Bagel Bites

Best Mini Pizza Bagels (Runner-Up)

Bagel Bites

It’s hard to have an objective opinion about Bagel Bites. I grew up eating trayfuls of microwaved Bagel Bites as afternoon snacks. So, to me, these taste like carefree adolescence. The sauce is sweet (and a touch slimy), the cheese is mild at best (flavorless at worst), and the bagel itself is chewy. But it all comes together to taste like the essence of pizza thanks to a hefty hit of oregano. It’s super satisfying in the same way that the best pizza rolls are satisfying. Nuke up a box the next time you’re feeling snacky at 1 a.m.

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

5.5/10

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Annie’s Mini Pizza Bagels

Best Mini Pizza Bagels:

Annie’s Mini Pizza Bagels

Bagel Bites super fans, please cover your ears: Annie’s makes better mini pizza bagels than Bagel Bites. Yes, Bagel Bites taste great—they taste like childhood in the ‘90s. But Annie’s Mini Pizza Bagels are better. They are extremely cheesy and you can actually taste the flavor of the cheese. The sauce is zingy and tomatoey and very savory. My only quibble is the lack of oregano, so you don’t get quite the same pizza-ness that you do from Bagel Bites. Even if you’re a Bagel Bites loyalist, I still think you should try these mini pizza bagels.

Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon

Rating:

6/10

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Red Baron French Bread Singles Supreme Pizzas

Best French Bread

Red Baron French Bread Singles Supreme Pizzas

If you think the best frozen pizza comes on a loaf of bread, then Red Baron is the best frozen pizza brand for you. It tastes like real French bread—crusty and chewy and a little tangy. It’s topped with fennel-tinged sausage crumbles, crazy good pepperoni, and red and green peppers for good measure. This frozen French bread pizza is so good, it made a convert out of die-hard Stouffer’s fan, managing editor Gwynedd Stuart.

Read the full ranking of the best frozen French bread pizza

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

6.5/10

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Trader Joe's Roasted Vegetable Pizza

Best Veggie

Trader Joe’s Organic Roasted Vegetable Pizza

Trader Joe’s might not be the best frozen pizza brand if you’re looking for a classic cheese or pepperoni, but the store’s frozen veggie or vegan pizzas are incredible. This is the best frozen veggie pizza, hands-down. It comes topped with red onions, eggplant spears, zucchini, and bell peppers—along with little dabs of cheese sauce. Yum. The veggies stay fresh and aren’t watery at all. It’s quite a feat of frozen pizza science.

Read the full ranking of the best frozen veggie pizza

Credit: Liv Averett

Rating:

6.5/10

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Uno Pizzeria Primo Pepperoni

Best Frozen Deep Dish

Uno Pizzeria Primo Pepperoni

Please take note: We are talking about frozen Uno Pizzeria Primo Pepperoni, not sausage. The sausage flavor can go kick rocks. But the pepperoni? It’s perfection. It’s hard to find frozen deep dish pizza if you’re not in the Chicagoland area. But I’ve been assured by former Chicagoan, Gwynedd, that this is a very good representation. The cheese is stretchy and sloppy. The sauce is straight up umami. And the pepperoni is tangy and just a little bit spicy. One piece of this frozen deep dish pizza will send you straight to bed in the best way possible.

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

7/10

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screamin' sicillian frozen pepperoni pizza

Best Pepperoni

Screamin’ Sicilian Original Holy Pepperoni Frozen Pizza

Take a peek into the window of this frozen pepperoni pizza’s packaging and you will see what you are in for: lots and lots and lots of savory, spicy pepperoni. That’s why it took the top spot in our best frozen pepperoni pizza taste test. It is all about those peps. It’s a pep squad. The sauce, crust, and cheese harken back to the pizzas from the arcade birthday parties of your past—but that’s not a bad thing. It all comes together to create one extremely satisfying bite and one of the best frozen pizzas out there.

Read the full ranking of the best frozen pepperoni pizza

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

7/10

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Mama Cozzi’s Cauliflower Pizza Pepperoni

Best Gluten Free Crust

Mama Cozzi’s Cauliflower Pizza Pepperoni

We previously ranked Banza as our number one best frozen gluten free pizza, but during our most recent taste test, this Aldi pizza ran away with that title. (It’s also the best frozen cauliflower crust pizza on this list.) The crispy, chewy crust is really satisfying—whether you’re gluten-free or not—and the cheese is so thick and gooey and there’s just so much of it. The pepperoni is thin and adds a touch of meaty spice. You really won’t miss the gluten with this frozen gluten free pizza.

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

7/10

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DiGiorno Veggie Loaded Ultra Thin

Best Thin Crust

DiGiorno Veggie Loaded Ultra Thin

DiGiorno Ultra Thin pizzas are the best thin crust frozen pizzas—but their veggie offering is particularly delicious. The diced veggies, cheese, and sauce go all the way to the edge of the crust, which is crispy and crunchy. If you like Domino’s thin crust pizza, this is definitely the best frozen pizza for you.

Read the full ranking of the best thin crust frozen pizza

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

7.5/10

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digiorno crispy pan pizza

Best Pan Pizza

DiGiorno Crispy Pan Pepperoni Pizza

This is not Detroit style pizza—nor does it claim to be. So don’t expect to find cheesy, buttery crust. This frozen pizza is all about a focaccia-style crust. It’s puffy, bready, chewy, and totally perfect for dipping into a side of ranch or marinara. The sauce is rich with tomato flavor and the cheese has a photo-worthy cheese pull. Gwynedd compared it to Pizza Hut pan pizza, which is pretty high praise. If that’s your platonic ideal of pizza, this is the best frozen pizza for you.

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

7.5/10

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Freschetta Canadian Style Bacon & Pineapple

Best Hawaiian

Freschetta Canadian Style Bacon & Pineapple

Freschetta frozen pizza is known for its crust—it puffs up in the oven and tastes fresh baked. But Freschetta should also get some credit for making the best frozen Hawaiian pizza on the market. The ham slices are thick with a tasty rind—like some of the best Canadian bacon we’ve tasted. And the pineapple is just bright and fruity enough. It stays in its lane. It adds a tangy pop without bleeding into every bite. This will not make a convert out of you if you don’t like Hawaiian pizza to begin with, but if you’re a fan of the sweet and the savory, this is the best frozen pizza for your balanced tastes.

Credit: Ryan Martin / Walmart

Rating:

8/10

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freschetta frozen pizza

Best Cheesy Crust

Freschetta Five Cheese

So many frozen pizzas have a sweet sauce. But not Freschetta. Freschetta’s tomato sauce is ultra savory and there is a lot of it. The crust bakes up fluffy and crusty. The cheese melts into a real topping—not just slightly melted shreds. And let’s talk more about that cheese. There are five different cheeses on this frozen pizza (mozzarella, asiago, parmesan, fontina, and provolone) and you can tell. You can taste the complexity. Even the crust is sprinkled with a couple of different cheeses (asiago and parmesan). It’s definitely the best frozen pizza for crust-hounds like myself who can’t wait to scoop up any crusts left behind and eat them like breadsticks.

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

8.5/10

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DiGiorno Stuffed Crust Five Cheese

Best Cheese

DiGiorno Stuffed Crust Five Cheese

Craving stuffed crust pizza? Buy this instead of ordering. The crust is stuffed with mozzarella that really tastes like good, creamy, gooey mozzarella—not just slightly sweaty string cheese. And cheese on the pizza is super savory and satisfying thanks to the cheddar. This is the best frozen pizza for not just cheese lovers but cheese obsessives.

Read the full ranking of the best frozen cheese pizza

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

9/10

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Chicago’s Home Run Inn Cheese Classic Pizza
home run inn frozen pizza

Best Indulgent

After initially publishing this article, there was an outcry from you, dear readers. Apparently, we screwed up. We didn’t include Home Run Inn pizza. How dare we. Well, we are always open to recommendations from passionate eaters, so we cooked up a cheese pie. And? I am pleased to say that we were, indeed, wrong to miss this pie. It is almost like a savory tart. The tomato-rich sauce and crispy-gooey cheese blanket a flaky pastry-esque crust. You were all correct and I thank you for bringing this pizza into my life. If you’ve never had this before, do yourself a favor and try it. It’s the best frozen pizza to have if you’re looking for true decadence. 

Credit: Liv Averett / Target

Rating:

9.5/10

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motor city pizza co. frozen pizza

Best of the Best

Motor City Detroit Style Supreme Deep Dish Pizza

In my humble opinion, Detroit-style pizza is the best thing to happen to pizza since ranch dressing. With its high, doughy crust and cheesy, crispy edges, it provides a perfect base for a mound of toppings and is just plain satisfying in a way thin crust pizza never is. I was extremely dubious that a frozen pizza would come close to the real thing. But Motor City has cracked it. It was the top rated frozen pizza in our frozen Detroit style pizza taste test and it’s the best tasting frozen pizza overall after three separate tastings. Pillowy and doughy? Check. Cheesy, crispy edges? Check. Generous topping distribution? Check. I’ve thought about this pizza multiple times since we tasted it. I will buy it with my own cash, which I earned by tasting this, the best frozen pizza.

Read the full ranking of the best frozen Detroit style pizza

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

9.5/10

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DiGiorno Original Rising Crust Four Cheese

In their blindfolded frozen pizza taste test on Good Mythical Morning, Rhett & Link both rated DiGiorno’s classic cheese pizza at the top, with Link giving it a nine out of 10 and Rhett giving it an eight. Both also guessed the brand correctly, citing its “signature dough” and “plumpification.” 

Other frozen pizzas we tried: Newman’s Own Thin & Crispy Pepperoni, California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken, Mama Cozzi Thin Crust, Jack’s Original Thin Crust Pepperoni Frozen Pizza, Red Baron, Marketside, One Bite 5 Cheese Stone Baked Pizza, Celeste Pepperoni, Microwave Pizza For One, Palermo’s Rising Crust Supreme Pizza, Quest Thin Crust Pizza Uncured Pepperoni, Tony’s Pizzeria Style Pizza, Mama Cozzi’s Rising Crust Pepperoni Pizza, Great Value Rising Crust Pepperoni Pizza, Tombstone Frozen Pepperoni Pizza, Sam’s Choice Rising Crust 7 Cheese Pizza Stuffed Crust, DiGiorno Original Rising Crust Four Cheese, Talia Di Napoli Gluten-Free Margherita, Surfer Boy, Palermo’s Rising Crust Hawaiian, Digiorno Hawaiian Style, Member’s Mark Mini Pizza Bagels, Rao’s Supreme, Red Barron BBQ Chicken, Surfer Boy, Uno Sausage, Red Barron Deep Dish Cheese, Pizza Cupcake, Trader Joe’s Pizza Bites, Tillamook BBQ Chicken 

Best Ranch Dressings

Best Ranch Dressings to Buy

A good ranch should strike the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and saltiness. What we found, however, is that there are many different interpretations of ranch dressing that range from incredibly delicious to truly heinous.

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The Best Christmas Appetizers Are Easy Christmas Appetizers https://sporked.com/article/best-christmas-appetizers/ https://sporked.com/article/best-christmas-appetizers/#respond Thu, 28 Nov 2024 19:47:06 +0000 https://sporked.com/?p=45102 Hot take: the best Christmas appetizers are better than the actual meal. Yep, I said what I said.

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If your family is anything like mine, you know a festive, delicious, downright showstopping spread of the best Christmas appetizers can be just as important as the actual meal itself. Dinner is gone in 15 minutes; Christmas appetizers feed the crowd for hours. And it’s important to keep the crowd fed, before someone gets too bored and starts talking about their new favorite podcast (that’s a slippery slope). Keep the snacks flowing, and you’ll keep the peace (and the holiday cheer) alive.

Oh, and don’t worry: We also know that the best Christmas appetizers are easy Christmas appetizers. They don’t take a lot of time to prepare and they distract your guests so you can keep working on the main course. Here are some of the best appetizers for Christmas at the grocery store—no recipes needed.

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Stonewall Kitchen Fig & Ginger Jam

Grab your favorite fancy crackers, peppered salami, one or two (or three) festive cheese logs, and this elegant fig and ginger jam by Stonewall Kitchen, because we’re assembling a charcuterie board in 15 minutes or less. And we’re doing it with Michael Bublé singing about chestnuts in the background. 

Read our full ranking of the best charcuterie jams 

Président Soft-Ripened Brie Wheel

It’s Christmas. A mere wedge of brie simply won’t do. Go big, or send everybody home. Simply take this giant Président Brie Wheel out of the fridge, lay a cluster of grapes on the side, and voila. Talk about easy Christmas appetizers! That said, if you do have some spare time, bake this with some cranberry marmalade, nuts, and a drizzle of honey until oozing. Just an idea!! Not a requirement! 

Read our full ranking of the best brie 

Marketside Spinach & Artichoke Dip

I’m sorry to say this, but you can’t have a spread of the best Christmas appetizers without a dip so good, it gives your family and friends yet another existential crisis to ponder this holiday season. This spinach and artichoke dip from Walmart (yes, Walmart!) features whole chunks of artichokes, an extra creamy texture from the cream cheese, three different cheeses (mozzarella, parmesan, and asiago), and a rustic, earthy flavor that makes it taste homemade. And hey, we won’t tell if you don’t. Also, in case spinach and artichoke dip isn’t the right choice for your Christmas party appetizers, don’t worry: We’ve got dips for days. Check them out! 

Read our full ranking of the best spinach dip

Trader Joe’s Cheesy Herby Biscuits 

I’m not telling you to skip dinner rolls in favor of these new biscuits from TJ’s. Dinner rolls are necessary—for the main course. Consider these pre-dinner dinner rolls. They have a buttermilk twang, a soft, flaky biscuit texture, pockets of melted cheese, and the perfect amount of herbs in the seasoning. The whole Sporked team stopped working to munch on these out of the oven, and since the best Christmas appetizers should bring people together and give them something to talk about, we know they’d make a great addition to your spread!

Read our ranking of the best store bought biscuits

Cuisine Adventures Puff Pastry Bites

No holiday party is complete without at least one kind of mini puff pastry on the snack table. Costco helps you satisfy that mandate by giving you four different flavors… in a huge variety pack. They come with Roasted Red Pepper & Cheddar, Spinach & Parmesan, Caramelized Onion & Ricotta, and Artichoke, Monterey Jack & Jalapeno. With a puff to please every person, it’s like these were made with the best easy Christmas appetizers and holiday party spreads in mind. 

Read our ranking of the best frozen mini appetizers

Vermont Creamery Goat Cheese

Vermont Creamery makes the GOAT of all goat cheese, and goat cheese is the GOAT of all holiday cheeses. This stuff is so versatile, fragrant, and flavorful. You can set it out with sliced green apple and crostini, whip up some goat cheese bruschetta, and even save what’s leftover for a showstopping dinner salad.  

Read our full ranking of the best goat cheese

IKEA Heart Waffles

How can waffles be one of the best Christmas appetizers, you ask? It’s simple: IKEA waffles lean into a savory flavor, pair beautifully with cream cheese and smoked salmon, take three minutes to bake from frozen, and even come in very cute, very festive heart shapes. They’re a unique savory option, but who says the best appetizer for Christmas can’t be sweet? Top with a dollop of whipped cream, strawberries with melted chocolate, a smear of strawberry jam, and you can’t go wrong. 

Kirkland Signature Shrimp Cocktail

A shrimp cocktail for Christmas appetizers might sound a little strange to some. Maybe it’s the Florida in me, but this is a staple in my house for all holiday gatherings—and it’s a complete and total crowd pleaser. People go nuts for a halfway decent shrimp cocktail—and this shrimp cocktail from Kirkland is the very best we tried. You get over a pound of plump, fresh shrimp (never frozen or thawed), a side of cocktail sauce, and a few slices of lemon in case you forget to buy some. You have to arrange it in a circle yourself, but hey, that’s why Michael Bublé is still on in the background. 

Read our full ranking of the best shrimp cocktail

Lindt Holiday Snickerdoodle White Chocolate Truffles

It’s easy to forget about the sweets, but the best Christmas party appetizers should keep some holiday chocolates and Christmas candy on display. (Peppermint bark can be more than a stocking stuffer!) Lindt’s Snickerdoodle White Chocolate Truffles have a smooth, buttery texture, rich white chocolate flavor, and cozy cinnamon-sugar vibes of a classic snickerdoodle cookie. These truffles melt in your mouth like Christmas magic and make a great addition to a sweet holiday snack platter. 

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