You know I have a soft spot for pizza, right? I even talked about my pizza addiction on my weight loss blog. I’m not kidding it’s bad, real bad. ;~)
Being in my, ummmm, 30’s (OMG I’m in my 30’S) I come to the realization that the love of pizza isn’t going away and I’m not going to live the rest of my life denying myself something I truly enjoy. So instead of scarfing down greasy, over cheesed, under nutritious slices at my local parlor (which I still do, just occasionally) I choose to make healthy pizzas at home. It’ truly is one of my favorite meals to make.
I’m still working on my own homemade whole grain dough but in the mean time I thank Trader Joe’s for their whole wheat pizza dough options.
The first one I discovered over a year ago in the refrigerator section. I was so excited when I found it I bought 5 bags and threw some in the freezer. I never saw whole-wheat dough before. It’s just dough, ready to go. You can do anything you like with it. Roll it out and make pizza, calzones, stromboli, even breadsticks. I know this only because I have made all of these things, each one just as good as the other. I love the fact that I can separate the dough and make individual pizzas. It helps me portion control and, more importantly, make different types of pizzas for me, the husband and the toddler. Everyone get’s what they want and I don’t overeat. Who could ask for more!
The second option pictured isn’t as much a dough as it is a crust. Think Boboli style. It was thick and and pre-made. It’s not my favorite style crust but this is definitely the option for speed. Tonight I came home, spread some leftover sauce, toppings, cheese and Viola! 10 minutes later dinner was served!
Both options have similar nutritional information. The dough is 120 calories, 2g of fat and 4g of fiber per serving and there are 8 servings in the package. The crust is 130 calories, 1.5g of fat and 4g of fiber for each of the 8 servings as well. However, the refrigerated dough is the only 100% whole wheat option. The crust, albeit “whole grain” isn’t 100% whole. It has lost of different grains listed like, rye, spelt, barley, oats and flaxseeds. I’m not saying this is necessarily bad but for those seeking 100% whole grain options you should be aware.
So the pizza you see pictured up there is made with the packaged crust. It really did literally take me 10 minutes to prepare. I sautéed some onion, zucchini, garlic and baby spinach leaves. I topped the crust with some leftover sauce, sprinkled with 3 oz of mozzarella cheese and added my veggies. It was DELISCIOUS (although I prefer a thinner crust)
Notice, the pizza is half veggies, half meat. Just guess whose half is whose. ;~)
Don't have a Trader Joe's near by? Click here to check out my homemade whole wheat pizza dough!
Not normally. I usually cook it on a cookie sheet in a 425 degree oven on the lowest rack without a problem. You can cook it first and then top, but I usually top the raw dough.
Quick question about the TJ dough. I used for the first time this weekend and after cooking my pizza for over 30 minutes (way over suggested time), it was STILL doughy! Does this happen for you? Should I cook the dough first before adding the toppings and then cook again? I am using a regular pizza pan. Thanks!
Thanks so much for the break down. I think I'll try both.
Kim,
Funny you should ask! I DO have my own...
https://greenlitebites.com/2008/03/11/thin-crust-whole-wheat-pizza-dough/
Hope that helps!
-Roni
Have you ever tried to make your own pizza dough? There isn't a Trader Joe's in Canada, so I keep looking for a good healthy (whole wheat) dough.
I stumbled onto your blog searching for home made whole wheat pizza dough recipes. I just turned 31 and am about 60lbs over weight. My downfall is Pizza, lots and lots of pizza. Well, I have gone a month without as much as a slice, which is hard since I walk past the parlor to and from work daily. Anyway, I have never been into a Trader Joe's. I want to thank you for introducing me to both Trader Joe's awesome store, and their pizza dough. Also, you blogs are amazing help for recipes and inspiration.
your half and half pizza reminds me of the pizzas I make/buy! Hubby is so picky that we buy a diGiorano pizza and he buys extra pepperoni and olives to put on it and unlike normal people we can't just buy a frozen pizza and put it in the oven....he rearranges and adds and minus ingredents it's like 10 minutes or more later before it goes int he oven! I am so use to it it barely fazes me I just know to buy other things as well when I buy frozen pizza lol
Too bad I don't have a traders joes around me but I love that dough idea! ummmm mini size pizzas...ohhhh so yummy! I too am obsessed with pizza or any form of reassemblance! which you have tons of on here!
rebekah - LOL yup! Except my husband isn't even a meat lover, he's just picky! ;~P
looks like you have the same ordeal as in my house...my husband is a major meatlover (does not eat anything green!) and i am a vegetarian...our pizzas are very similar to your photos!
Pizza obsession? Me? Never.
The crust option would probably be easier, but I feel like the dough would be a better option for me because I could make individual pizzas like you said. I think I'm going to have to make a special trip to Trader Joe's to pick some up!
Yum. I love all your pizza ideas.
I, too, am completely obsessed with pizza! I had some trouble keeping the dough in a nice shape once I rolled it out, so I am so excited to see this Trader Joe's crust option! I had never seen it in the store -- I must hunt it down now! Thanks, Roni!! 🙂