Pizza is a global favorite, and many people like to reheat it in the microwave, but learning how long to microwave frozen pizza is essential.
When in doubt about what to eat, pizza is a safe bet for a lot of individuals. And microwaves make it easier.
In fact, many in the food blogging and chef communities recommend this method to reduce prep time.
Now, the thing is that you can buy frozen pizza or freeze any leftovers for later use.
But, when you are ready to use it again, it is natural to wonder how long to cook a frozen pizza in the microwave.
How long you have to microwave frozen pizza usually depends on its size, but mostly you need to reheat an 8-9 inch pizza for no more than 4-6 minutes.
Frozen Pizza: A Well-Deserved Treat for All!
Due to its widespread appeal, many individuals stock their freezers with frozen pizzas for convenient eating whenever hunger strikes.
Although freezing is useful for this purpose, you must understand how to defrost and heat it safely.
Most frozen meals take time to thaw, which can be annoying when starving. That is when many people ask, “Can you microwave a frozen pizza?”
The truth is that the invention of the microwave oven is a godsend for all the pizza lovers who need their fix ASAP.
These versatile appliances are not limited to reheating meals; they can also be used to prepare new meals from scratch.
Fact: Microwave-cooked pizza may look slightly uncooked because your appliance does not have the browning function of an oven.
Microwaving Different Varieties of Frozen Pizzas
While they are all clubbed together under a single term, it is remarkable how many variations there are on pizza.
You can find them in a wide range of sizes and forms. But thankfully, almost all respond well to microwaving.
Still, it makes sense to consider exactly what they have packed in that seemingly simply pizza.
Some come with cauliflower crusts, and work just fine for those looking for a healthier pizza option.
But if you prefer a more classic crust, you also have a few options.
Some use unique sauces and toppings, making it a tad difficult to microwave them, but it can still work.
Buying and Microwaving Frozen Pizza
When thinking about different pizza types, you will also come across a number of brands selling frozen meal options only.
Those who have tried frozen pizza have probably settled on a favorite brand.
And if that is the case, you need to consider any cooking instructions you can find.
Whether or not you can reheat or cook frozen pizza often depends on whatever cooking instructions you find on the package.
But in case you do not see any instructions, it is usually okay to assume it will fare well in the microwave.
Fact: Microwaving frozen pizza maintains its taste, but keep in mind that it may sometimes lose its consistency because of its radiation.
How Long to Microwave Frozen Pizza Safely?
It is fine to reheat frozen pizza in the microwave, but there are steps you should take to ensure the best possible results.
As mentioned, following the directions on the back of the package will ensure the best possible results.
Take note of the time required to cook and the microwave’s heat settings.
This gives you the best shot at uniformity and the possibility that the frozen pizza will actually be edible.
But, it really does not mean you should bag the idea of microwaving frozen pizza if it lacks any cooking information.
The Time It Takes to Microwave Frozen Pizza
The time it takes to defrost and cook your frozen pizza usually varies based on size. It means you will have to microwave it for longer if it is larger in size.
Usually, you only need 5-6 minutes to reheat and cook a frozen pizza as big as 9 inches.
Be sure to heat the pizza continuously for the first 4 minutes. After that, you should stop after every 30 seconds to ensure it does not get overcooked and is soft enough to consume.
Similarly, the thickness of the crust is another factor to consider to determine the time it takes to cook a frozen pizza.
And do not forget to take into consideration the power of your microwave.
If you are microwaving a 12-inch pizza, the time may increase to 11 minutes in some cases.
For a pizza with thin-crust slices, you are usually done within a couple of minutes, especially if the pizza is small in size.
The Quick Way to Reheat Frozen Pizza
Here is how to reheat frozen pizza in the microwave:
- Take the frozen pizza out of your freezer and leave it for a couple of minutes.
- Now, remove whatever packaging is available.
- Take a microwavable dish and put your pizza in it.
- Place it inside the microwave and turn on the heat.
- Microwave the pizza for about 5 minutes considering its size.
Cooking Frozen Pizza Correctly When Microwaving
When cooking a frozen pizza, remember that you do not always need to defrost it.
You just need a microwave-safe plate and cook the pizza for about 5 minutes.
However, depending on how you like your pizza in terms of crispiness, you can make certain changes to the cooking method.
For instance, it is better to try a microwave crisper if you do not really like a soft crust.
Also, a microwave-safe rack can be used to separate the pizza from the plate and keep the crust from getting soggy during cooking.
With this method, the liquid may escape and the crust will not get soggy.
Fact: Some people think using a pizza stone in their microwave is useful, but it does not do anything in the cooking process.
Safety Concerns of Reheating Frozen Pizza
If you buy frozen pizza from the supermarket, it is usually safe to consume. But, even if you have leftover pizza, you can still reheat it later.
When cooked in accordance with USDA guidelines, frozen pizza can be safely reheated in the microwave.
When doing so, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165F before serving.
Sometimes, there may be different ingredients in your pizza that require a different heating temperature.
Therefore, you need to look for that information on the package to be on the safe side.
Again, no matter whether you use leftover pizza or cook frozen pizza from the supermarket, do not leave it in the microwave for too long.
Not keeping that in mind would leave you with burnt pizza.
The Best Alternatives to Microwaving Frozen Pizza
Pizza’s versatility means it can serve as a dinner for more than one person.
You may be wondering if microwaving your leftover pizza from the freezer is the only way to cook it. Turns out, it is not.
Most people will simply pop their pizza into the microwave because it is probably the simplest and fastest way to get it ready for eating.
But you can try other options too. For instance:
Grill
You may have already tried grilled pizza in the past, but remember that you can also do it at home.
- Before you do anything else, heat up the grill to medium-high.
- After that, throw it on the grill without any seasoning.
- Let it warm for about six minutes.
- The last step is to check the crust’s crispiness after taking it off the grill.
- Grill for a few more minutes if the crust still needs to be set.
Though highly effective, this strategy is not recommended on days with poor weather conditions.
Skillet
Some people argue that a skillet works perfectly for reheating pizza, and you can certainly give it a shot to decide if it works for you as well.
- The first step is to heat the skillet for a few minutes over medium heat.
- Be sure to cover the skillet with a few slices and heat it through.
- After six to eight minutes, take the pizza from the stove.
- Expect the leftover slices to have the same flavor as the original.
To ensure success with this technique, covering the skillet is essential.
The toppings, and cheese in particular, might remain a bit cold if you do not cover the griddle.
If you do not have a lid for your skillet, you can use foil to cover it.
Fact: Using metal inside the microwave is never a good idea because there is always a risk of sparks and damaging your appliance.
Takeaway
Learning how long to microwave frozen pizza can save you from ruining it in the oven.
Of course, you should consider any cooking instructions on the package.
But if reheating leftover pizza, you simply need a couple of minutes to achieve good results.
Keep in mind that it is better to check the pizza after a couple of minutes and heat it further only if needed.