Why Can’t You Microwave Totino’s Pizza? | Safety and Taste Concerns

Why You Can’t Microwave Totino’s Pizza

Microwaving frozen pizza is a quick and easy way to satisfy your pizza cravings at home. However, some frozen pizzas don’t cook well in the microwave and can lead to disappointing results.

Totino’s pizza in particular should be avoided when using the microwave. In this article we will discuss in detail why you should not microwave totino’s pizza.

Why Microwaving Totino’s Pizza Doesn’t Work

There are a few reasons why Totino’s pizza does not microwave well:

• The crust doesn’t crisp up properly. Totino’s pizza uses a thin, crispy crust that gets soggy and mushy in the microwave. The microwave doesn’t provide the direct top-down heat that gives pizza crust its signature crunch.
• The cheese doesn’t melt right. Pizza cheese needs sustained high heat to melt and brown properly. The microwave tends to make pizza cheese rubbery and unmelted.
• Microwaves cook unevenly. They can create hot and cold spots, leading to uneven cooking. This can result in some bite-sized pieces being soggy while others are burnt.
• Microwaves produce inferior results. Overall, microwaved pizza lacks the flavor and texture you expect from fresh-baked pizza. The microwave’s rapid heating simply can’t replicate the effects of slow baking.

Tips for Cooking Totino’s Pizza

To enjoy Totino’s pizza with a crispy crust and melted cheese, avoid the microwave. Here are better ways to cook Totino’s frozen pizza:

Use the Oven

The traditional oven is ideal for cooking frozen pizzas like Totino’s. Preheat your oven to the temperature listed on the packaging (usually 400°F). Place the frozen pizza directly on the middle oven rack. Check frequently and remove once the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Use a Toaster Oven

A toaster oven can mimic a regular oven’s crisping and melting abilities in a smaller space. Cook your Totino’s pizza according to the toaster oven directions, checking it often to prevent burning.

Cook on the Stove

For a quick microwave alternative, you can cook Totino’s pizza in a skillet on the stovetop. Use medium-low heat to slowly crisp the crust before the toppings burn. Flip the pizza halfway through.

Try a Pizza Crisper

A pizza crisper accessory can give you crispy microwaved pizza. The crisper contains a hot plate or coil that simulates baking. Follow appliance directions carefully to avoid burning.

Finish in the Oven

If you do microwave Totino’s pizza, finish it in the oven for 5-10 minutes to improve texture. The oven’s heat will crisp the crust and finish melting the cheese.

Microwave Tips for Other Frozen Pizzas

While Totino’s doesn’t belong in the microwave, some frozen pizzas can turn out decent results if microwaved properly:

• Choose Rising Crust or Pan Pizzas. Their thicker crusts hold up better to microwaving than thin, crispy crusts.
• Always use a microwave-safe plate or paper towel. Never microwave pizza directly on the turntable.
• Microwave for 50% of the recommended time, flip, then microwave the remaining time. This prevents overcooking.
• Finish under the broiler if the crust or cheese needs more browning. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Let microwaved pizza rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting. This allows heat to evenly.
• Add extra toppings after microwaving, not before. Pre-added toppings will make the pizza soggy.
• Stick to single pizzas, not packs. Multi-packs will steam and get soggy if microwaved together.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Totino’s Pizza

For leftover Totino’s pizza, refrigeration is best for preserving texture and flavor. You can then reheat it in the oven when ready to eat.

To store Totino’s pizza:

• Let the pizza cool completely before refrigerating in a sealed container.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freezing for up to 2 months also works for longer storage.

To reheat:

• Place refrigerated pizza slices on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven. Or reheat a whole leftover pizza at 400°F.
• Bake until hot and edges are starting to crisp, 10-15 minutes. Check frequently to prevent drying out.
• For frozen reheating, add 5-10 extra minutes of baking time to compensate.
• Avoid microwaving refrigerated or frozen leftover pizza to preserve quality.

FAQs

Why can’t you microwave Totino’s pizza?

Microwaving Totino’s pizza may not result in the desired taste and texture. It can cause the pizza crust to become soggy and the toppings to dry out or not cook evenly.

How can I cook Totino’s pizza without it getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy texture, it is recommended to use an oven or toaster oven instead of a microwave. This will help ensure that the crust gets crispy and the toppings are evenly cooked.

Can I put Totino’s pizza in the microwave?

Yes, you can put Totino’s pizza in the microwave, but it may not yield the best results in terms of taste and texture.

How do I microwave frozen pizza?

To microwave frozen pizza, place it on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of pizza and the wattage of your microwave. Follow the instructions on the packaging for specific guidelines.

How long does it take to microwave Totino’s pizza?

The time needed to microwave Totino’s pizza will depend on the type and size of the pizza, as well as the wattage of your microwave. Follow the instructions on the packaging for recommended cooking times.

Can I microwave a Totino’s party pizza?

Yes, you can microwave a Totino’s party pizza, but keep in mind that the texture may not be as crispy as when cooked in an oven or toaster oven.

Can I microwave a Totino’s pizza on a plate?

A: Yes, you can microwave a Totino’s pizza on a microwave-safe plate, but be sure to follow the cooking instructions provided on the packaging.

How do I know when my Totino’s pizza has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit?

Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pizza. The USDA recommends that the internal temperature of pizza reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is safe to eat.

Can I use a microwave oven to cook Totino’s pizza?

Yes, you can use a microwave oven to cook Totino’s pizza, but be aware that the cooking time may be shorter compared to using a conventional oven.

How do I microwave Totino’s pizza stuffers?

Follow the instructions on the packaging for cooking guidelines specific to Totino’s pizza stuffers. Remember to use a microwave-safe plate and adjust the cooking time based on your microwave wattage.

Conclusion

Microwaving may seem like the quickest cooking method for Totino’s pizza, but it will lead to lackluster results. For best results, take the extra time to bake your Totino’s pizza in the oven. Or use alternative quick cooking methods like the stovetop or toaster oven.

This will give you the crispy crust and melted cheese that makes frozen pizza truly satisfying.