How To Transform A Frozen Pizza Into A Gourmet Masterpiece

From freezer, to party pleaser.

Frozen pizzas: the ultimate in sad snacking. But what if they didn't have to be?

With a few simple additions you can transform those frozen frisbees into culinary favorites. Stick to these helpful tips and you will be on your way to becoming a frozen pizza whiz:

1. Add something fresh: arugula, torn basil, spinach, fresh fruit, thyme

2. Add something crunchy: toasted nuts, garlic chips, bacon

3. Add something salty: prosciutto, blue cheese, shaved parmesan

4. Add something unexpected: fried eggs, balsamic, shaved asparagus, fresh lemon juice

5. For heartier toppings such as mushrooms, eggs or sausage, keep in mind you must cook your frozen pizza half way, add toppings, and finish cooking to ensure toppings and pizza are done cooking at the same time.

The four pizzas below all started with the same base (we used Walgreen's brand cheese pizza on sale for $4.99) and underwent extreme makeovers. These are just some of the infinite topping possibilities. A frozen pizza is your canvas for making the pie you always dreamed of, so don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite toppings. Simple additions will make all the difference.

Prosciutto, Melon, Arugula & Balsamic Pizza (AKA The Fancy Pants)

Follow directions printed on box to cook pizza until golden and crisp. Top with 10 slices of prosciutto and 5 thick slices of ripe cantaloupe with skin cut off (honeydew can also be used). Toss 1 cup of baby arugula with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (or use your favorite salad dressing). Garnish top of pizza with dressed arugula and finish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

Eggs Florentine Pizza (AKA Pizza For Breakfast)

Cook pizza half of time directed. Remove from oven and crack three extra large eggs directly on top of pizza. Return to oven and continue to cook for remaining amount of time (until pizza is thoroughly cooked and egg whites are firm but yolk is still soft). Top with 1/2 cup baby spinach and 2 tablespoons grated parmesan.

Roasted Mushroom & Parmesan Pizza (AKA The Savory Stunner)

Cook pizza half of time directed. As pizza is cooking, sautée 8 oz of sliced mushrooms (we used a blend of shitake, porcini and maitake; but sliced button mushrooms work just as well) with1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt and 1 tsp of chopped fresh thyme until browned and tender, about 7 minutes. Transfer cooked mushrooms onto top of half baked pizza in an even layer. Transfer pizza back into oven and cook remaining amount of time. Finish cooked pizza with 1/2 cup baby arugula and 1/4 cup shaved parmesan.

Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Pizza (AKA Pizza Margherita)

Cook pizza half of time directed. Top half baked pizza with 8 oz of sliced fresh mozzarella and 8-10 slices of tomato (from about 2 tomatoes). Transfer pizza back into oven and cook remaining amount of time. Garnish cooked pizza with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil.