Welcome back, pizza lovers!
It’s Christina from Mortadella Head, here to answer one of the most popular questions we get: Can you cook frozen pizza in the microwave?
Some of you might be thinking, “Cook pizza in the microwave? What?!” and some of you might admit you’ve already tried it…with likely some sad results.
Regardless, today we’re digging into whether or not you should cook frozen pizza in the microwave.
Whether you’ve just ordered one of our frozen pizzas shipped straight to your door or you’re trying to make a quick meal at home, I’ll guide you through what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to microwaving frozen pizza.
While cooking frozen pizza in a traditional oven or even an air fryer is the ideal way to get that bubbling, crispy crust and golden brown top we all love, there are moments when you just want something fast and easy, and the microwave seems like the best option.
But can you actually get a delicious pizza from the microwave? Let’s dive in!
What Happens When You Microwave Pizza?
First off, let’s talk about the science of how microwaving works. Microwaves heat food by causing water molecules in the food to vibrate, generating heat.
While this is great for some foods, it can be tricky for pizza. The bottom of the pizza and the crust might not get the crisper crust you’d expect from high heat in an oven.
Instead, microwaving tends to leave the crust a bit soggy or chewy, especially with thick, Roman-style pizzas like ours.
But don’t worry, I’ve got a few tricks to make your microwave pizza as good as it can be!
The Best Way to Cook Frozen Pizza
For the best results, I always recommend cooking frozen pizza in the oven or air fryer. It ensures an even cook, giving you that crispy crust and melted, bubbly cheese we all crave.
Whether you’re making our Mozzarella & Tomato Roman Pizza, Pepperoni Roman Pizza, or Roasted Onion & Pepper Roman Pizza, an oven—especially on the center rack—is going to give you the best outcome.
But sometimes you don’t have that kind of time, and the microwave is your only option. So, can you still cook frozen pizza in the microwave and get something decent?
Yes, but there are a few things you need to know to get the most out of it.
Microwave Instructions for Frozen Pizza
When you’re ready to microwave your frozen pizza, follow these steps:
Start with the right plate: Always use a microwave-safe plate. This is key to avoid any damage to your dish or microwave.
Prep the pizza: If the pizza is wrapped in plastic wrap, remove it first. You’ll also want to take off any extra toppings like olives or bell peppers that might burn during the cooking process. Set them aside and add them after the pizza is heated.
Place the pizza in the microwave: Lay your pizza flat on the microwave-safe plate.
Be careful not to stack slices if you’re reheating multiple pieces—this will lead to uneven heating and hot spots.
Microwave on high heat: Cook your pizza on high heat for 4-6 minutes. This is a general guideline and might vary depending on the type of pizza.
For thicker pizzas like our Roman Pizza, you may need to cook for 5-7 minutes.
Once the time is up, check if the cheese pizza is melted and the crust is heated through.
If not, microwave it for an additional couple of minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking.
The crisper trick: If you want a crisper crust, you can try using a pizza stone or pizza pan in the microwave, but the results may vary.
I’ve heard that some people like to put a glass of water in the microwave with the pizza to help with moisture distribution. I’ve not tried this myself, but it’s certainly an interesting take!
Microwaving Different Pizzas: What Works Best?
Not all pizzas are created equal when it comes to the microwave. Thin crust pizzas generally work better than deep dish or thick crust options, as they cook more evenly. Pizzas thathave lighter toppings and a thinner base will heat up faster and more evenly.
However, thicker pizzas like the Bolognese & Pecorino Roman Pizza or our Pepperoni Roman Pizza might take longer, and the crust may end up softer than you’d like.
In these cases, it’s best to finish them off in a toaster oven, in an air fryer, or on a pizza stone in a conventional oven for that crispy crust.
Alternatives to Microwaving: The Air Fryer & Toaster Oven
If you want a quicker way to cook your frozen pizza but still want that golden brown crust, the air fryer or toaster oven can be lifesavers.
These appliances circulate hot air around the pizza, giving it a crispy exterior similar to what you’d get in a regular oven, but in much less time.
Air Fryer: Pop your frozen pizza in the air fryer for about 4-6 minutes at 350°F. It’s perfect for smaller pizzas or slices, and you’ll get a crispy crust without waiting for the oven to preheat. Just make sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Toaster Oven: This is my favorite middle-ground option. Simply place your pizza on a baking sheet or pizza tray and cook at 375°F for 6-8 minutes. You’ll get the melted cheese and crispy crust without the sogginess that can happen in the microwave.
Can You Really Cook Pizza in the Microwave?
So, let’s answer the question at hand: Can you cook frozen pizza in the microwave? Yes, you can, but it’s important to manage expectations.
If you’re after that perfect frozen pizza experience where the crust is crunchy and the cheese i bubbling, the microwave isn’t going to deliver the same results as an oven or air fryer.
However, if you’re short on time and just need a quick meal, the microwave can be a lifesaver.
The key is to follow the microwave instructions carefully, use the right tools (like a microwave-safe plate), and consider finishing it off in a toaster oven for a better crust.
Next Time: Try the Oven
Next time you’re craving pizza and have a little more time, definitely give the traditional oven a try. Whether it’s our Pepperoni Roman Pizza or a delicious BBQ chicken pizza, the oven is always going to be the best way to achieve that perfect pizza crust. Pop your pizza on the center rack and bake according to our instructions for perfect results every time.
And remember, here at Mortadella Head, we ship our frozen pizzas all over the country. So whether you’re microwaving your pizza or using your pizzello oven, you can always enjoy a slice of Italy no matter where you are!
While the microwave oven isn’t the ideal way to cook frozen pizza, it can get the job done when you’re in a pinch. Just remember to adjust the cook times, keep a close eye on it, and maybe finish it off in a toaster oven or air fryer for the best results.
Until next time, enjoy your pizza however you cook it—and good luck!
