Pizza is a favorite dish of many. This delicious combination of carbohydrates and cheese with a long and notable history in Italy is cherished globally; however, several nations don’t miss the chance to add a unique touch to this mouthwatering delicacy.
Even better, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 13% of Americans munch on pizza daily (1).
We’re in the 21st century, and there’s nothing wrong with searching for ways to cut corners in this fast-paced lifestyle, which also applies to our eating habits.
This is why the quick and easy access to frozen food at grocery stores and dining establishments has paved for its increased consumption.
After all, what’s better than just needing to heat it and eat while on the go?
And when it comes to the most popular frozen food, pizza ticks all the boxes. Believe it or not, frozen pizza is like manna from heaven for the modern American family.
According to Statista, the average American has had a frozen pizza at some point (2). However, what should one do without access to a conventional oven?
Even though the microwave has made our lives much easier, there are still some things that you may be skeptical about, such as cooking frozen pizza in the microwave.
So, Can You Microwave Frozen Pizza?
The short answer is: yes, you can.
You have to microwave your frozen pizza to get the desired taste (more on this later!). Saving time is the most important benefit of using a microwave for any cooking chore.
But, there is always the possibility that microwaving might make the pizza either dry or soggy, which does not taste very good.
When it comes to preparing frozen pizza in the microwave, the process is straightforward; yet, it depends on your cooking style.
If you’re a frozen pizza lover, you’re at the right place. This guide provides all the information you need about preparing the ooey-gooey goodness.
Different Types of Frozen Pizza
Before proceeding any further, we must acknowledge the distinct types of frozen pizzas there are to choose from, given that they are all grouped together and referred to by the same name.
Suppose you prefer a more nutritious alternative for the pizza base.
In that case, some pizzas come with cauliflower, whole-wheat, and oat base, but if you want something more conventional, you may choose from various crust types—that too, with a wide selection of sauces and toppings.
Simply said, the wide variety of pizzas may be adapted to suit the needs and preferences of nearly all pizza lovers.
Several businesses have centered their whole brand on producing frozen pizza, while some include them as one of the star items in their product lineup. Although some frozen pizzas are superior to others, you have probably discovered your preferred brand via trial and error.
Some frozen pizzas come with cooking instructions on the side of the package, which can be used to prepare them carefully in the microwave.
However, if the pizza brand you typically purchase from does not include anything like that, don’t worry. It is not that you cannot prepare the pizza in the microwave just because the package does not provide any directions for doing so.
How to Microwave Frozen Pizza
If you’re planning to buy a frozen pizza from a supermarket, we recommend you get your hands on the one that includes all the instructions regarding cooking it in the microwave.
This way, you won’t have any trouble cooking it perfectly. Nevertheless, as discussed above, you can still prepare the ones that don’t come with standard microwave guidelines.
Just follow the instructions below.
- Unpack the frozen pizza and place it on a microwave-friendly plate
- Place parchment paper between the plate and the pizza for support
- Use 1100 watts of power or the highest setting on your microwave
- Put the pizza in the microwave for a few minutes until the cheese melts
- Transfer to the crisper or frying pan and repeat until the pizza gets crusty
Things to Consider Before Microwaving Frozen Pizza
Now that you know how simple it is to prepare frozen pizza in the microwave, it only seems right to move ahead and discuss some of the important factors to consider before doing so.
First things first, remember that any frozen pizza cooked in the microwave will have a distinct appearance and flavor from traditional oven-baked pizza.
Although microwaves are excellent for cooking food quickly, they do not possess all of the capabilities that an oven offers—ovens are more versatile.
Since microwaves don’t come with a browning function to give a flavorful brown-colored crust, you may notice some raw appearance on the dough.
In addition to not having a browned base, the pizza will also not have the same level of crispiness from the inside.
Also, if the lack of crispiness in the pizza is something that bothers you, a microwave crisper pan is all you need to do it right.
Besides the loss of crispness, microwave-cooked pizza is virtually indistinguishable from any other pizza type; however, due to the absence of crunch, it may not taste as good as regular pizza.
Nonetheless, many individuals won’t even notice a difference. At the end of the day, the change in flavor and texture is sometimes not a deal breaker because of the time and labor savings it offers.
Check also:
Some Microwave-Friendly Tips to Cook Frozen Pizza
- Refrain from using metal objects or aluminum foil inside the microwave
- Avoid using the pizza stone (a thin ceramic slab) since it doesn’t work
- If the pizza packaging clearly says “Not for Microwave,” don’t do it
- If the package has cooking instructions, always follow them as it is
- When heating pizza, follow the instructions labeled on the microwave
How to Defrost Frozen Pizza?
Pizzas sold frozen may vary in size, shape, and appearance.
Depending on the brand, it may be heated in the microwave if the proper procedure is followed. In addition, defrosting pizza in a microwave is a very simple process that can be completed in a few minutes.
The cooking time is merely eight to fifteen minutes; however, it all depends on the size of the pizza crust.
When defrosting a pizza, avoid the crust’s sogginess by utilizing a microwave-friendly stoneware dish. In addition, you can also buy microwave crisper pans that have been specifically designed for this function.
The process of defrosting does not involve any particular procedures. Simply just take the pizza out of the plastic wrap, place it on a plate to let the steam escape, and you’re good to go.
How Long Do You Microwave Frozen Pizza?
When microwaving a frozen pizza, you need to exercise extreme caution, or you may end up with a soggy disaster on your hands.
In most cases, the side of the microwave box includes all the necessary instructions. If there is, ensure that both the time spent on cooking and the microwave wave power level are measured in watts.
This will provide you with the appropriate consistency to cook up the pizza.
Nevertheless, the standard guideline for microwaving each frozen pizza type are as follows:
- Pizza Slice (1-2 Minutes)
- Mini Pizza Pack (3-5 Minutes)
- 8-9 Inches Pizza (4-6 Minutes)
- 10-11 Inches Pizza (5-7 Minutes)
- French Bread Pizza (7-8 Minutes)
- 11-12 Inches Pizza (7-11 Minutes)
* When reheating the leftover pizza, the temperature should be kept at 165°F (74°C).
Is Microwaving Frozen Pizza Bad?
In contrast to things like quick ramen or frozen veggies that can be steamed in a bag, pizza is not very conducive to being cooked in a microwave.
Therefore, the final results almost always seem to be a chewy crush, with cheese and oil sliding out in different directions. To understand why microwaving pizza is bad, first, you must pay attention to how the microwaving process actually works.
When it comes to microwaves, the food is cooked via radiation rather than direct heat.
The molecules in the meal are transferred due to the emitted radiation, causing the food to warm up. In addition, the water in the food is steamed by applying energy. As a result of the condensed steam, the food may become mushy, too dry, or bitter.
When a frozen pizza is microwaved, the sugar molecules present in the dough tend to melt and become excessively rigid later, making the crust overly hard.
The Final Cut
Over the years, pizza has developed into a universal food item found in every American home.
Although cooking with a microwave is not generally advised, it is understandable that not everyone has access to ovens. Since frozen pizzas are readily available, you can store them in the freezers and enjoy them whenever the mood hits.
However, if microwaved incorrectly, the crust and cheese may not turn out well. We hope now you know how to prepare them without losing the delicious taste.
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