Making pizza in a microwave might sound unconventional, but it’s a fantastic way to enjoy this beloved dish quickly without an oven. Whether you’re pressed for time, living in a dorm, or just craving a quick snack, microwave pizza can be surprisingly delicious and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into how you can make pizza in your microwave with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Why Make Pizza in a Microwave?
Microwaves cook food by heating water molecules, which means they heat quickly but don’t brown or crisp food like a conventional oven. However, with the right technique and ingredients, you can still achieve a tasty pizza with melted cheese and a soft, fluffy crust in minutes. Plus, it’s super convenient and perfect for small portions or last-minute cravings.
What You Need to Make Microwave Pizza
Before starting, gather these essentials:
– Microwave-safe plate or pizza pan: A flat surface that can handle microwave heat.
– Dough: You can use pre-made pizza dough, a tortilla, pita bread, or make a quick homemade dough.
– Sauce: Tomato sauce, pesto, or even barbecue sauce works well.
– Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix in cheddar, feta, or vegan cheese.
– Toppings: Vegetables, pepperoni, cooked sausage, olives, or anything you like.
Optional but helpful items include parchment paper to prevent sticking and a rolling pin if you’re shaping dough.
Quick Homemade Microwave Pizza Dough Recipe
If you want to make dough from scratch, here’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require yeast and cooks quickly in the microwave:
– 50g (about ⅓ cup) self-raising flour (or all-purpose flour + ½ tsp baking powder)
– 30g (2 tbsp) milk (add a little more if dough is dry)
– A pinch of salt
How to Make the Dough
- Mix the flour, salt, and milk in a bowl until a dough forms.
- Knead for about a minute until smooth. Add a bit more milk if it feels dry.
- Roll out the dough on parchment paper to about 5 inches (12-13 cm) in diameter.
- Poke holes in the dough with a fork to help it cook evenly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pizza in the Microwave
Step 1: Pre-cook the Dough
Place your rolled-out dough on a microwave-safe plate or parchment paper. Microwave it for about 45 seconds to 1 minute until it starts to puff up slightly. This step helps the dough set before adding toppings.
Step 2: Add Sauce and Cheese
Spread a thin layer of your chosen sauce over the partially cooked dough. Don’t overdo it to avoid sogginess. Then sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the sauce.
Step 3: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Add toppings that don’t need long cooking times, like pre-cooked meats, sliced vegetables, or olives. Avoid raw meats or watery veggies unless pre-cooked, as the microwave’s short cooking time won’t cook them thoroughly.
Step 4: Microwave to Finish Cooking
Microwave the assembled pizza for another 45 seconds to 1 minute, or until the cheese melts and bubbles. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave’s power, so keep an eye on it.
Optional Tip for a Crispier Crust
Microwaving alone won’t brown or crisp your crust. For a crisper base, you can try placing a cup of water in the microwave alongside the pizza to absorb moisture, or briefly transfer the pizza to a toaster oven or skillet to crisp the bottom after microwaving.
Tips for the Best Microwave Pizza Experience
– Don’t overload toppings: Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy and unevenly cooked.
– Use pre-cooked or quick-cooking toppings: This ensures everything is heated through.
– Experiment with different bases: Tortillas, pita bread, or English muffins make great quick pizza crusts.
– Let it rest: After microwaving, let your pizza sit for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to set and the pizza to cool slightly.
Why Not Just Use a Regular Oven?
While conventional ovens provide that classic crispy crust and browned cheese, microwave pizza is unbeatable for speed and convenience. It’s ideal for single servings, quick snacks, or when you don’t have access to an oven.
Final Thoughts
Making pizza in the microwave is a quick, fun, and easy way to satisfy your pizza cravings without the wait. With a simple dough recipe, your favorite toppings, and a few minutes in the microwave, you can enjoy a tasty homemade pizza anytime. Give it a try and discover how delicious microwave pizza can be!
Enjoy your speedy slice!