Chris the Butcher is back, but with a twist! Due to recent life changes, he's shifting his content strategy. While delicious recipes will still appear, expect a more varied selection of videos, including vlogs, to keep the content flowing regularly. In this episode, he tackles a Lidl supermarket find: the Deluxe Rustica Stonebaked Italian Pizza. This isn't your average frozen pizza; it boasts a claim of being crafted in a small Northern Italian town using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. The packaging promises a generous topping of chicken breast, smoked ham, and colorful peppers, all finished with peppery rocket leaves. But does this budget-friendly pizza live up to the hype?
Chris puts the pizza to the test, sharing his honest opinions on the cooking process, the final look, and most importantly, the taste. He's prepared to be pleasantly surprised, or perhaps a little disappointed. Find out if this affordable Italian pizza is a steal or a miss in this honest and entertaining review. Get ready for a taste of Italy (and a dash of Chris's signature humor).
Pros And Cons
- Italian-made
- Generously topped with rubbed chicken breast, smoked ham, grilled peppers, and rocket leaves
- Baked in a traditional stone oven
- Good value for £1.90
- May not look exactly as pictured on the box
- Reviewer doesn't like green peppers, but they are a minor component of the flavor profile.
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Deluxe Rustica pizza arrived in its typical Lidl packaging, promising a delicious Italian experience. The box boldly advertised the pizza's ingredients: rubbed chicken breast, smoked ham, and a medley of grilled peppers. A garnish of peppery rocket leaves completed the picture. The price point of £1.80 caught my attention, hinting at a potential budget-friendly treat.
Upon opening the box, the pizza appeared visually appealing. The toppings looked generously spread and vibrant. The aroma was distinctly savory, hinting at the smoked ham and chicken. It certainly looked promising for a quick and easy meal.
Cooking Process and Observations
Following the instructions, I placed the frozen pizza in a preheated oven at 220 degrees Celsius. The cooking time was suggested to be 11-13 minutes. Given the slightly defrosted state of the pizza after 20 minutes at room temperature, I opted for 10 minutes.
During cooking, the cheese started to bubble and brown nicely. However, some parts browned faster than others. I carefully monitored to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. As always, maintaining a watchful eye on the cooking process is crucial to ensure the best results.
Taste Test and Final Verdict
The final product wasn't quite as picture-perfect as the packaging suggested. While the toppings were plentiful, a few slightly burnt spots were visible. The flavors, however, were surprisingly good. The balance of the chicken, ham, and peppers was well-executed, creating a satisfying savory flavor profile.
The base was crispy, and the cheese was perfectly melted. Considering the extremely low price of £1.90, this pizza exceeded my expectations. It's a fantastic budget-friendly option for a quick and delicious meal, particularly for those on a tight budget. Despite the minor imperfections in presentation, the taste more than compensates.