We all want something quick, delicious, and easy to eat when we’re in a hurry. For many of us, that means grabbing some pizza on our way home from work or school.
However, that can sometimes mean dealing with soggy crusts or cold toppings.
But what if you could get your pizza piping hot without turning on your oven? And if that is possible, are there any microwave-safe pizzas on the market? These are questions we’ve all asked ourselves at one point or another.
Can you microwave totinos pizza?
Luckily, Totino’s Pizza has various options for those nights when you just don’t have time to bake your pie. However, although possible, microwaving these pizzas will result in soggy crusts and cold toppings.
But why is that?
In this post, we seek to address all of your questions about microwaving Totino’s pizza, including how it affects taste and texture. We’ll also provide a step-by-step guide on microwaving your pizza safely and share some tips.
Read on to learn more.
Can You Microwave Totinos Pizza Safely?
Totino’s is a popular frozen pizza brand with extensive flavors. Most people are familiar with their popular Totino’s party pizza.
They do, however, offer other varieties such as pizza rolls, pizza stuffers, mini snack bites, and party pizza multi-packs.
Each product has its distinct flavor, so you can find something to suit your taste. A glance at Totino’s website reveals that they only use high-quality ingredients in their products. In fact, they pride themselves on using 100% real cheese in all of their pizzas.
However, there is a debate about whether or not you can microwave Totino’s pizzas. This has led to misinformation, causing confusion among consumers.
So, what’s true and what’s not when it comes to microwaving Totino’s frozen pizza?
There are two viable answers to this question: yes and no. These two responses may appear contradictory, but they both hold a lot of truth.
For starters, microwaves do not evenly heat food. As a result, some of your food will cook while others remain cold. That means your pizza will have some soggy parts and charred spots. The crust is especially susceptible to uneven heating, so you’ll end up with an undercooked center.
However, in some cases, such as when you’re pressed for time, microwaving Totino’s frozen pizza is permissible. Although the instructions on their packages advise against microwaving their products, you can get away with it if you’re careful.
The bottom line is that while microwaving a Totino’s pizza is possible, it is not recommended. There are better ways to reheat your frozen pizzas, such as using an oven or toaster oven.
How Long To Microwave Totino’s Pizza
As previously stated, there are various Totino’s Pizza products, each made of different ingredients. Some include dairy products such as milk and cheese, while others do not.
Others contain meat or seafood that should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consumption.
Therefore, the time you need to microwave your pizza will depend on which type you choose.
For example, meat or seafood-based Totino’s Pizza should be cooked for not less than 3 minutes and 30 seconds. You want to make sure it’s cooked thoroughly so that there is no risk of foodborne illness.
The same is true for dairy-based Totino’s Pizzas. It is recommended that you cook these products for a minimum of 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Although it may take less time than meat-based, we recommend using a food thermometer to ensure your pizza has reached an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
However, apart from the type of pizza you choose, other factors can affect how long you microwave your Totino’s pizza.
- First, remember that microwave wattages vary. If you have a lower-wattage microwave, your pizza will take longer to cook than a higher-wattage microwave.
- Second, thicker pizzas will take longer to cook than thinner ones. Some pizzas contain more toppings than others. If you have a thick pizza with lots of toppings, you may need to microwave it for an additional minute or two before consumption.
- Third, if your Totino’s pizza is frozen, it will take slightly longer to cook than if it is thawed. It’s best to plan and allow enough time for your Totino’s pizza to defrost thoroughly before microwaving.
A good rule of thumb is to microwave your Totino’s pizza in short bursts, preferably 30 seconds. This allows you to monitor its progress without overcooking or undercooking, resulting in a soggy crust or uncooked toppings.
Tips and Tricks to Microwave Totino’s Pizza
It may surprise some people, but yes, you can microwave Totino’s frozen pizza. However, as previously stated, the texture and flavor may fall short of your expectations, leaving you with a soggy crust or chewy center.
Here are a few tips and tricks for getting better results from your microwaved Totino’s pizza:
1. Defrost Your Totino’s Pizza ahead of time
If you don’t defrost your Totino’s pizza first, it will take longer to cook and become soggy and rubbery. You can either let it sit on your countertop overnight or zap it in the microwave for 30 seconds to get things started.
Just be sure not to nuke it too long, or else you’ll cook it instead of defrosting it.
2. Use only Microwave-safe Containers/Dishes
If you’re using a plastic container or dish, make sure that it’s microwave safe and will not melt or warp under high heat. Some plastics can leach chemicals into your food when heated in a microwave, so be careful about what you use.
3. Slice Your Pizza into Bite-Sized Pieces
Another common mistake people make when microwaving pizza is trying to cook a whole pie at once. Not only does that make for uneven cooking, but it also makes your pizza prone to drying out.
To avoid these problems, cut your pizza into bite-sized pieces before popping it in the microwave to prevent over-drying. Use a knife or pair of kitchen shears to do so.
4. Don’t Over-Microwave
The most common mistake people make when microwaving pizza is to overdo it. To preserve as much of your pizza’s crispiness as possible, you’ll want to avoid nuking it for too long at a time.
A good rule of thumb is to start with one minute on high and then check back in 30-second increments until done. This way, you won’t have a rubbery crust or an overcooked center.
5. Flip It Halfway Through
Make sure to flip the pizza halfway through cooking so that both sides receive equal heat exposure. If you don’t do this, your pizza will cook unevenly, resulting in mushy toppings and a wet crust. If your microwave has a rotating tray, use it—it makes flipping much easier.
6. Don’t Cover Your Pizza
It may seem counterintuitive, but covering your pizza while microwaving it can actually dry out your toppings and crust. Instead, place your Totino’s pizza on a plate and let it stand uncovered during cooking. This way, moisture won’t build up and cause sogginess.
7. Heat Thoroughly
It may seem like an obvious tip, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to check if their pizza is done. Undercooked pizza can harbor harmful bacteria, so use a meat thermometer to ensure that your Totino’s pizza has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) before eating.
How To Microwave Totino’s Pizza (Three Methods)
Although microwaving Totino’s pizza is not recommended, there are several methods you can use. Your goal is to quickly reheat or cook your Totino’s pizza while avoiding soggy crust and overcooked toppings.
Below we’ll go over each method and find which one works best.
Method 1: Put a Mug of Water in with Your Totino’s Pizza
If you don’t want your Totino’s Pizza soggy and limp, try microwaving it next to a mug of water. The steam from the water will help keep it crispy and prevent drying out.
Just make sure to use microwave-safe dishes. For best results, use ceramic or glass containers rather than plastic or metal ones. This is because some plastics can leach chemicals into your food when heated.
Here is a step-by-step guide to microwaving your Totino’s Pizza.
- Remove plastic wrap from the pizza and place it on a microwave-safe plate. If frozen, thaw for about 30 minutes before microwaving.
- Place a mug of water in your microwave next to your pizza for added moisture during cooking. The mug should also be microwave-safe.
- Slice your pizza and nuke in 30-second increments until warm. Microwaving for too long will cause your water to boil rather than produce steam.
- Flip your pizza halfway through cooking to ensure even heating and avoid soggy spots. This is after a minute or two of microwaving.
- Monitor your pizza while it microwaves to see how browned and crispy it becomes. You want it nice and warm but not overcooked or burnt.
- Allow cooling for at least 2 minutes before eating to ensure that it’s not too hot when you bite into it.
Method 2. Dual Cooking Method (Stovetop and Microwave)
It is among the most popular methods of cooking pizza at home. The dual cooking method allows you to defrost your favorite frozen pizza in a short time while keeping it crispy on top.
This method involves three stages: thawing your frozen pizza in the microwave; secondly, cooking it on a non-stick pan or skillet; and thirdly, transferring it back into the microwave oven for a few minutes.
Follow these steps to cook Totino’s Pizza using a dual cooking method.
- Start by thawing your Totino’s pizza in your microwave for about 2-3 minutes. While that is happening, heat a pan on medium heat with some oil or butter to cook your Totino’s pizza on the stovetop.
- Remove your now thawed Totino’s pizza from your microwave and place it on your heated pan. Cook for a few minutes until browned, then flip over and repeat. This will allow you to crisp up both sides of your Totino’s pizza while keeping it nice and hot inside.
- Return to your microwave for another 2-3 minutes and ensure all cheese has melted.
You’ll notice that your Totino’s pizza will be crispier using this method than if you just used your microwave. However, when nuking your pizza, make sure to use a microwave-safe container.
Method 3: Use a Crisper Pan or Tray
Last but not least, use a crisper pan or tray for cooking your Totino’s pizza. These pans are designed to keep food warm and crispy while in your microwave. If yours lacks one of these pans, you can buy them separately at any kitchen store.
- Remove your frozen Totino’s pizza from its packaging and defrost it in your microwave for about 2-3 minutes on low.
- Set the crisper pan in your microwave and preheat it for about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove your pan from your microwave and drizzle some oil or butter on top of it to prevent sticking.
- Place your defrosted Totino’s pizza on top of your crisper pan and microwave for about 2-4 minutes until browned, then flip over and repeat.
- Allow your pizza to cool for about 1-2 minutes before eating to ensure that it is not too hot when you bite into it.
Note that these methods are from a series of tests conducted on different types of frozen pizzas. They are not affiliated with Totino’s or any other pizza company.
Can You Reheat Frozen Totino’s Pizza
Although you can reheat your frozen Totino’s pizza multiple times, we don’t recommend it. For starters, reheating your Totino’s pizza in the microwave can alter its texture and make it less appealing to eat.
Furthermore, microwaves aren’t designed for reheating food and tend to leave some parts of your food cold while others are overcooked.
Nevertheless, the recommended method for reheating Totino’s pizzas is to use an oven or a toaster oven. If you have no choice but to use a microwave, expect a soggy crust with either undercooked or burned pieces. It’s not going to be pretty.
Can you store Frozen Totino’s Pizza?
Refrigerating or freezing your pizza is an excellent way to preserve it for later use. However, you want to make sure that you take all necessary precautions with frozen pizza so that its quality isn’t compromised when you eat it again.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- First, you’ll want to make sure that your Totino Pizza is heated or cooked to a safe internal temperature before storing it. This will prevent any foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria and other microorganisms from developing.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends heating frozen pizza to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Do not store pizza that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours, as doing so can increase your risk of foodborne illness. Make sure you refrigerate any leftovers immediately after cooking or reheating.
- Place a layer of parchment paper between each frozen pizza, as doing so will help prevent them from sticking together. This is especially important if you’re planning on storing your pizzas for an extended period.
- If you’re planning on storing your pizza in a refrigerator, make sure that you wrap it tightly and place it in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. This will prevent any moisture from seeping into your pizza and causing mold growth.
- Similarly, if you plan on freezing your pizza, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer bag or airtight container. This will prevent freezer burn, which can affect its taste and texture.
If you follow these guidelines, your leftover Totino’s Pizza should last for up to two months in a freezer and 3-4 days in a refrigerator.
Bottom Line
Totino’s Pizzas are truly delicious. The crust is crispy and flavorful, and they have a variety of toppings that make them stand out from other frozen pizzas. However, microwaving these tasty treats can be problematic.
While the manufacturer does not recommend microwaving these pizzas, you can but at risk. The quality of your final product will be significantly reduced and may result in a soggy crust and an unevenly cooked pizza.
Our verdict: if you absolutely cannot wait and need a quick pizza fix, microwaving your Totino’s pizza may be an option. However, the best and most recommended method for making these pizzas is in an oven or toaster oven.
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