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How To Microwave Frozen Pizza

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Do you want to microwave a frozen pizza slice you stashed away for a rainy day? Can frozen pizza be cooked or reheated in the microwave? Are you searching for how to make a frozen pizza crispy in the microwave?

Good news because you can microwave frozen pizza! Microwaving frozen pizza is a fast, effective and occasionally the preferred method of cooking for some people.

Let’s discuss how to microwave frozen pizza, the best way to microwave frozen pizza, what you should not do when microwaving frozen pizza, how to make frozen pizza crispy and are there any frozen pizzas that microwave better to than others.

It’s noteworthy to mention that the microwave is not the most ideal way to cook frozen pizza. When you cook a frozen pizza in the microwave, the consistency varies and the finished results are rarely as desired.

The crust might be chewy and rubbery, soft and soggy or dry and hard. Furthermore, the cheese often melts unevenly and ends up becoming gooey mess that slides off the crust.

Pizza cravings are real! Preheating an oven and waiting 30 minutes to cook might not be the priority. Available access to an oven may be limited, or you simply don’t want to heat up the entire house for a simple pizza. Either way, a microwave can be a quick and easy solution to cook a frozen pizza.

Best Way To Microwave Frozen Pizza

Half eaten pizza that is topped with roasted tomato and sliced bell peppers

Is it OK to microwave frozen pizza? Yes, however there are some things you can do to avoid substandard results. To maximize the outcome, it’s recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions located on the side of the box. Pay close attention to cooking time and microwave power level in watts. This leaves you with the greatest chance for consistency and with all hope the frozen pizza will at least turn out to be edible.

Furthermore, consider purchasing a frozen pizza with microwave listed as the preferred cooking method. As a result, the box will include a built in microwave crisping paper, or susceptor, that is useful for browning foods and making a crunchy crust in the microwave. The results may vary, however by following the detailed instructions your pizza should cook evenly with melted cheese and a crispy crust.

Microwaves heat food by using radiation rather than direct contact. The radiation moves water molecules around inside the food causing it to warm quickly and turn into steam. Steam is trapped inside and eventually causes the food to become soggy, then dry out and eventually burn. When the pizza crust is in contact with the plate, the dough can become moist which leads to a mushy or rubbery result.

How to make a frozen pizza crispy in the microwave

To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, you can try using a microwave safe object to suspend the pizza off the plate. The steam has a chance to escape and the crust will not be waterlogged. A microwave crisper pan is a useful kitchen gadget to step your pizza cooking to the next level. Preheat the browning pan and cook the pizza evenly with a crunchy crust.

If you have a microwave and a stove, but no oven, then you can use a dual cooking method to make the frozen pizza crispy. Microwave the frozen pizza on a plate for a few minutes. Preheat a large pan with oil over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Remove the pizza from the microwave and place it into the hot pan to cook the crust for a few minutes. Return the pizza to the microwave and resume cooking for a few more minutes. Lastly, repeat the pan cooking to result in a frozen pizza that has a crispy crust, hot sauce and melted cheese.

This same method can also be used to microwave a frozen pizza slice.

In general, a frozen pizza cooked in the oven will result in a flakier crust with brown cheese and bubbly sauce. Furthermore, a pizza cooked in the oven may stay warmer longer than one cooked in the microwave.

How long to microwave frozen pizza

Saving time is the primary advantage to cooking a frozen pizza in the microwave. Follow the recommended cooking instructions included with your frozen pizza. How long do you cook a frozen pizza in the microwave if instructions were not included?

Recommended microwave-cooking times for frozen pizza:

  • 11-12 inch pizza – 7-11 minutes
  • 10-11 inch pizza – 5-7 minutes
  • 8-9 inch pizza – 4-6 minutes
  • French Bread Pizza, – 7-8 minutes
  • Mini Pizza Pack – 3-5 minutes
  • Pizza slice – 1-2 minutes

According to the USDA, leftover pizza is considered a potential food safety hazard and should be fully reheated to 165 °F.

Things to know about frozen pizza in the microwave

Although it is safe to microwave frozen pizza, there are some things you should know to improve the overall outcome and avoid having a soggy crust.

  • Do not use a pizza stone in the microwave because it will not work.
  • Do not use aluminum foil or metal objects in the microwave because it can spark, cause fire and potentially damage your appliance.
  • Do not use anything that is labeled “not for use in microwaves.”
  • Follow manufacturer recommendations for your microwave.
  • Follow cooking instructions included with the frozen pizza.
  • Consider using a microwave crisper pan to achieve a golden brown crunchy crust.

If you only have a microwave and frozen pizza is a common meal for you, then consider purchasing a toaster oven or countertop pizza maker. These items are not very expensive and work much better for cooking a frozen pizza with a crispy crust.

How to microwave frozen pizza

Toni Maritima

Sunday 15th of August 2021

Thanks for that helpful article on how to microwave a frozen pizza!

I'm looking forward to spending some time here to see what else you've been doing!