When it comes to pizza, there is something for everyone. There is something for vegetarians, the meat lover, and the fruit lover. Its variety in taste, style, and toppings has made it a favorite for many of us.
Because we live in a time where we desire convenience (because it seems there is never enough time) the popularity of frozen pizza is no surprise.
Frozen pizza is a meal that we all enjoy, and all it requires is a few minutes to cook.
There are different methods you can use to cook your frozen pizza. And though the oven is considered the best of all methods out there, you can still pull off a crispy and tasty pizza with a microwave.
To get the best out of your frozen pizza in the microwave, you need to know the guidelines, and even more importantly, you need to stick to them.
Keep reading and get to know the right way to microwave frozen pizza.
Can you microwave frozen pizza?
Yes, frozen pizza can be cooked/ heated in a microwave. But it must be done right to avoid having a mess on your hands.
A microwave is very helpful when you have limited time for meal prep. And with frozen pizza that is what you want right? Tasty food that requires minimal cooking time.
While it is necessary to allow frozen food to thaw before putting it in the microwave, you do not need to do that with frozen pizza. Just remove the package, and any plastic wrap and place the frozen pizza in the microwave.
Bear in mind that the microwave is not capable of browning your pizza. For a golden brown and crispy texture to your frozen pizza, you will need to use a microwave crisper tray.
A microwave crisper tray or microwave crisper pan is specifically designed to brown food and make it crispy. It is perfect for bringing crispiness and freshness to certain foods. This is why it is highly recommended for reheating fries. It is also recommended when cooking frozen pizza in the microwave.
How to use microwave crisper pan/tray:
Preheat your crisper tray in the microwave before placing your pizza on it.
When preheated for at least 3 minutes, carefully bring out the crisper pan and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. If you do not have non-stick cooking spray, you can drizzle some olive oil on the pan.
Next, place your frozen pizza on the pan and place it in the microwave.
Before putting your crisper pan in the microwave, ensure the turntable in the microwave is well placed. This will ensure it rotates properly, which means the pizza will be evenly cooked. After that, set the microwave to high heat.
You can use a microwave pizza pan as an alternative to a microwave crisper pan to cook your frozen pizza.
Pizza pans are made with holes, and those are identical to a crisper pan. Whichever you choose, a crispy and even baked frozen pizza will be the outcome.
If you do not have a microwave crisper pan or microwave pizza pan, you can use your stovetop and microwave (a longer and somewhat tricky process) to achieve pizza crispiness.
First, you will cook the frozen pizza in the microwave for a period of time. Thereafter move it to a heated pan or skillet on your stovetop and let the browning and crisping commence.
How long does it take to microwave frozen pizza?
This depends on a number of factors. Most frozen pizzas come with cooking instructions, so everything you need to know about cooking time and temperature is made clear on the pack. And because of this time is not always identical.
If the frozen pizza you purchase does not have any cooking guide, or if it is homemade frozen pizza, you can use the width and size of the frozen pizza to determine its cooking time.
Below is a standard cooking time based on the pizza type:
- 12-inch Pizza — 7 – 10 minutes
- French bread or thick crust Pizza – 7 -8 minutes
- 10-inch Pizza — 5 – 7 minutes
- 8-inch Pizza — 4 – 6 minutes
- Mini Pizza — 3 -4 minutes
- Pizza slice — 1 -2 minutes
Note that frozen pizza should be cooked on high heat no matter its size or type.
Regardless of the cooking time listed for each pizza type, you need to check in on your frozen pizza as it cooks at regular intervals. This interval check could be every 30 seconds.
Checking in on your frozen pizza ensures that it doesn’t burn or dry out.
How to store leftover pizza:
When you have leftover pizza, how it is stored determines if it can be eaten another time around.
There are two ways you can go about this:
First:
- Let the leftover pizza cool to room temperature.
- Separate the slices and wrap each in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Place pizza slices in a storage container or freezer bag and put them in the freezer.
Another way to store leftover pizza is what I personally call the ‘stacking method’:
The leftover pizza slices are layered one on top of the other on a plate. In between each slice is a paper towel or parchment paper. So it goes, pizza. Paper towel or parchment paper. Then pizza again.
When you are done with all the pizza slices, wrap them firmly with plastic wrap and place them in your refrigerator.
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) you can store pizza for 2 to 3 days. Anything beyond this is considered unsafe.
Also important with leftover pizza is getting the right temperature when reheating. Because leftover pizza is considered a food safety hazard, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends leftover pizza be reheated at 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
How to cook frozen pizza with an oven:
The microwave is a convenient and quick way to cook your frozen pizza. And with the right tools and by following cooking instructions, you can achieve something delicious.
However, by and large, the oven is considered the best way to cook a frozen pizza. This is because the oven is known to cook the crust perfectly and perfectly crisp the pizza crust.
The major drawback of the oven is the time required to cook the frozen pizza.
You will need to allow 40 to 50 minutes of cooking time in the oven.
But if you do not have that kind of time on your hands, it is definitely not the best option for you.
Things to know about frozen pizza in the microwave:
As easy as frozen pizza is to come by, it is also easy to mess it up in the microwave if due process is not followed.
Before putting a frozen pizza in the microwave, be sure the frozen pizza purchased is specifically made for the microwave or has the microwave as a cooking option.
Most frozen pizzas come with cooking instructions on their packages; make sure to read through them carefully.
You do not need to give time for a frozen pizza to defrost before putting it in your microwave. This is because frozen pizza is meant to be cooked in its frozen form.
The microwave is not effective when it comes to browning pizza or crisping pizza crust. For this, you will need to use a microwave crisper tray or a microwave pizza pan.
The length of time for frozen pizza in the microwave varies because, for the most part, it depends on the manufacturer’s cooking guide and also on the size and width of the pizza.
Though the cooking time frame may vary, ensure to check your frozen pizza at regular intervals as it cooks in the microwave. This will prevent it from burning or drying out.
Final thoughts
So, there it is, some insight into the workings of frozen pizza in the microwave. Remember, frozen pizza is to be cooked on high heat in the microwave. If you do not have a microwave crisper tray or pizza pan to place your frozen pizza, make sure to use a microwave-safe dish.
FAQ
How can I cook frozen pizza in a microwave?
A: To cook frozen pizza in a microwave, first preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then take out the pizza from the box and remove all packaging materials. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and put it inside the microwave. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted, rotating once during cooking time.
What is the best way to get a crispy crust when cooking frozen pizzas?
A: The best way to get a crispy crust when cooking frozen pizzas is to use a pizza stone. The stone helps absorb moisture while also providing an even heat distribution throughout the crust, which will ensure that your pizza has an evenly cooked and crispier result. Additionally, place your pizza directly onto the stone and bake at high temperatures (425-450 degrees Fahrenheit).
Is microwaving frozen pizza safe?
A: Yes, microwaving frozen pizza is safe as long as you follow instructions properly. To safely reheat your food in a microwave make sure that it contains no metal pieces as this can spark inside of the oven causing fire hazards. Additionally, microwaves heat food from within so be mindful of not overcooking since this can cause uneven heating of ingredients and dryness of some areas on your food item.
What are some tips for making mini pizzas with my own frozen dough?
A: When making mini pizzas with your own frozen dough there are several things to consider first! First roll out the dough so it’s thin enough to fit into small circles or shapes that you want each individual mini-pizza to take form of (about 1/8 inch thick). Once you have done this cut out each mini-pizza shape using either kitchen scissors or a knife before transferring them onto parchment paper lined baking sheets. Finally bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 12 minutes or until golden brown before enjoying!”
How do you make mini pizzas from scratch?
Making mini pizzas from scratch is fairly easy! Start by making your own dough – combine flour with yeast, sugar, salt and olive oil in a bowl before kneading for about 5 minutes until elastic. Let it sit for 1 hour before rolling out into small circles (approx 4 inches). Then top with desired ingredients such as tomato sauce/puree, fresh veggies or cheese before baking at 350F until golden brown (about 15-20 minutes).
Can I reheat frozen pizza?
Yes! To reheat your own frozen pizza pop it in the oven at 375F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through – no need to defrost first! Alternatively you can use a skillet over medium heat – just brush some olive oil onto both sides of the slice before adding it to the pan – flip when one side is crisp and lightly golden brown (about 2-4 minutes). Keep an eye on it as overcooking can make your crust dry and brittle.
How do I cook a store bought frozen pizza in the microwave?
To cook a store bought frozen pizza in the microwave, you will need to follow the instructions on the package. Most microwaves are designed to cook food quickly, so start with a lower cooking time and increase until your desired temperature is reached. Make sure to use a microwave safe plate and rotate or move around pieces of pizza for even heat distribution. Additionally, adding some hot sauce can help keep cheese melted for an even better outcome!
Can I make my own pizza in the microwave oven?
Yes, you can make your own homemade pizza in the microwave oven with some simple ingredients such as dough, tomato sauce and cheese. Start by preheating your oven first then place your uncooked prepared dough onto a greased microwavable plate or dish before topping it off with tomato sauce and cheese. Lastly, set your microwave to medium-high power level before pressing start – this should take approximately 4-6 minutes, depending on power levels of your particular model.
What are the benefits of using an air fryer compared to microwaving a frozen pizza?
Using an air fryer instead of microwaving for frozen pizzas has its advantages over traditional methods due to its ability to use less oil while providing crispier texture as well as more flavor from vegetables added on top – all without having soggy results like what one may get from microwaving store-bought pizzas. Moreover, utilizing an air fryer also allows cooks greater control over temperature settings, which means they can achieve desired doneness quicker than when using other methods like regular ovens that require longer pre-heat times and slower bake times – making them perfect for quick meals!
What are some tips for someone who loves eating their own homemade pizzas but doesn’t have access to an oven?
No worries if you love making homemade pizzas but don’t have access to an oven! You still have options available – like using either a conventional or convection style microwave with turntables or opting for countertop appliances such as air fryers or electric grills/skillets that provide similar results without needing too much space or time commitment (for those living in dorms). Additionally, adding spices and sauces during preparation stages can help enhance flavors since these will not be cooked out later unlike when baking inside normal ovens – giving you more freedom over how you want each slice tasting!”