Microwave Totino’s Pizza: 3 Easy Heating Methods that Can Prevent Sogginess

Published Categorized as Pizza, Guide

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When it comes to pizza, there are various ways to make it. You can order from your favourite pizza place, create your own at home with fresh ingredients, or even microwave frozen pizzas. Some may scoff at the absurdity of cooking pizza from frozen, especially in a microwave! We’re here to tell you that there’s nothing about microwaving a pizza that is out of the ordinary. And if you’re wondering how to microwave Totino’s pizza, you’ve come to the right place for guidance!

Table of Contents

What is Totino’s Pizza?

Totino’s are a brand of frozen pizza owned by General Mills. Ranging from an entire pizza, to pizza rolls these bite-sized pockets are great for snacking on, and a common favourite amongst many pizza lovers. But the real question is, are they microwavable?

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Can You Microwave Totino’s Pizza?

Firstly, the instructions of the packaging forbids microwaving the pizza. Microwaving the pizza can result in undercooked areas, as microwaves aren’t equipped with the browning function, which is responsible for cooking the pizza thoroughly. For this reason, the pizza is not baked enough to crisp, resulting in a very soggy and undercooked pizza. It can be hard to slice the pizza especially if the crust is soggy.

If you are adamant in microwaving your frozen box of Totino’s pizza, without fussing over the potential sogginess of the pizza, then transfer your Totino’s pizza to a microwavable plate and microwave it for around 3 to 4 minutes. Refrain from microwaving your Totino’s pizza in its box, instead place the frozen pizza on a plate or container.

Does Microwaving Pizza Make it Soggy?

When reheating a slice of pizza, it’s advised to place a cup of water with the slice of pizza so that it vaporises the water molecules in the pizza, that normally permeate the crust making it soggy. But does this concept apply to frozen pizzas?

When popping frozen pizza in to the microwave, although the overall taste of the pizza remains the same, the consistency will definitely change. This is because,. microwaves use radiation, and not heat, resulting in a soggy or dry pizza.

Can You Microwave Frozen Pizza?

Cooking pizza in a microwave is probably the quickest and easiest way to have your pizza ready in a matter of minutes. While 6 to 10 minutes might seem a little longer than normal to have something cooked in the microwave, it would take much longer to cook the pizza from frozen in the oven.

How Long to Cook Totino’s Pizza in the Microwave?

Cooking a Totino’s frozen pizza in the microwave takes three to four minutes max. Microwaving your pizza is a great way to save some time, especially if you’re in a rush. Although it is not entirely advised to use a microwave to cook your Totino’s pizza, as you won’t be able to enjoy the pizza if it’s all soggy. Regardless when microwaving a pizza it is important to follow these necessary steps:

  • When microwaving your pizza its important to remain attentive to the microwave
  • Take a microwavable plate and put your pizza on top of it before cooking, placing it in the centre
  • For a thousand-watt microwaves, set your microwave on a 2 minute to 2 minute 40 timer to heat and cook your refrigerated Totino’s pizza.
  • If the pizza is frozen, cook it for two to three minutes, though the cooking time may vary depending on the type of microwave

Microwave Totino’s Pizza Instructions

Microwaving any type of pizza can be both efficient and disappointing, no one appreciates a soggy pizza, but if you find that microwaving your frozen pizza is an absolute necessity, then you may want to take some notes. Bear in mind that your microwave wattage may vary, meaning that the cooking times can vary. You should check your pizza after a minute or two, adding more time if required. Let’s take a look at the type of Totino’s microwavable pizza:

  • Totino’s Mini Snack Bites
  • Totino’s Pizza Rolls
  • Totino’s Pizza Stuffers

Totino’s Mini Snack Bites

Totino’s mini snacks, can be microwaved or cooked in the oven, with both techniques producing the same result, you’re not missing much.

  1. Start by placing 13 of the snack bites on a microwavable plate
  2. Ensure that they are all laying in a single file so that they cook thoroughly
  3. Microwave on high for 1 minute and 10 seconds
  4. Let it stand in the microwave for 2 minutes after the time is up
  5. Check the bites to see if they are hot and crispy, being careful when biting into them as the filling can be extremely hot. If they need more time, continue microwaving them for an extra 15 seconds until they reach the desired crispiness

Totino’s Pizza Rolls

For the pizza rolls, there are four recommended options and these include, oven, toaster, microwave and air fryer. But let’s focus on the microwavable instructions:

  1. Line up your pizza rolls in a single layer on a microwavable plate
  2. For microwaving up to 6 rolls, microwave for 1 minute and 15 seconds. For microwaving up to 12 rolls, set the timer to 2 minutes. Despite the number of pizza rolls you plan to place in the microwave, they need to be set on high
  3. Once all your pizza rolls have been microwaved, let them stand in the microwave for 2 minutes to help spread the heat throughout the pizza rolls more evenly.
  4. If you feel like the pizza’s aren’t hot enough, then microwave them for 15 seconds longer
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Totino’s Pizza Stuffers

These pizza stuffers are made for the microwave.

  1. Remove the pizza stuffer from its packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate
  2. If you want to microwave 1 pizza stuffer, microwave it on high for a minute. Flip it over and microwave it for another minute and 30 seconds
  3. If you want to microwave two pizza stuffers, microwave them on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Flip them over and microwave on high for a further 1 minute and 30 seconds
  4. After microwaving, let the pizza stuffers stand in the microwave for a couple minutes
  5. If you find that your pizza stuffers haven’t been cooked thoroughly, put them back in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds at a time until they reach your desired temperature

How to Microwave Totino’s Party Pizza Without it Getting Soggy?

There are some methods that can prevent the stomach churning sogginess of a microwaved Totino’s pizza, while keeping the crust relatively crispy, though it won’t hold the same crispiness as an oven cooked pizza. The following methods may help:

  • Cup of Water
  • Use Your Stove
  • Use a Crisper Pan

Cup of Water

This method is quite possibly the simplest of them all. All you need to do is place a mug of tap water next to the pizza in the microwave and then heat it in short intervals. You don’t want to heat your pizza with the mug of water for too long, or it’ll boil the water, and fill your microwave with water vapour that could make the crust soggy.

Slice the pizza into 4 pieces before microwaving it and then heat in 35 to 45 second pauses. In between these pauses, take your pizza out of the microwave, rotate each slice and place it back into the microwave repeating the process until the pizza is cooked to your liking.

Use Your Stove

Using your stove first and then microwaving the pizza is a popular dual cooking method, especially if you don’t have access to an oven. Start by microwaving the pizza on a defrost setting for 2 to 3 minutes. During that time, preheat a large pan on the stove at medium heat. You want the pan to be warm enough but not too hot. Spray some oil on the pan so that the pizza doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Then take your microwaved pizza out of the microwave and put it in the preheated pan for a few minutes. This will allow the crust to caramelise. After that, the pizza should become a little stiff, take it out of the pan and pop it back into the microwave.

Continue microwaving the pizza for another 2 to 3 minutes to cook the toppings and melt the cheese. Using this method, you’ll find the pizza is more crisp than if you had microwaved it without cooking it on a stove.

Use a Crisper Pan

The last and probably the most effective method to crisp up your Totino’s party pizza in the microwave, is by using a crisper pan or a crisper tray. It is specifically designed to keep the outside crispy while having your microwave heat the pizza from the bottom of the pan.

If your microwave happens to have a crisp setting, then it may come with a crisper pan, if not you can buy one separately.

  1. Start by defrosting your Totino’s pizza in the microwave, setting it to defrost for 2 to 3 minutes
  2. Place the crisper tray into the microwave and preheat it at high for 1 to 2 minutes
  3. Take the tray out of the microwave and spray with some non-stick cooking oil
  4. Gently place your Totino’s pizza on the crisper pan
  5. Put the tray in the microwave and cook it at high for 2 to 4 minutes
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How Long do you Microwave Frozen Pizza?

Here are the recommended times for cooking pizza in the microwave depending on the size of the frozen pizza.

Pizza SizePackage WeightMicrowave Time (High)
8 to 9 inches8 to 9 ounces4 to 6 minutes
10 to 11 inches11 to 15 ounces5 to 7 minutes
11 inches15 to 18 ounces6 to 8 minutes
11 to 12 inches20 to 25 ounces7 to 11 minutes

Can You Cook a Fresh Pizza in the Microwave?

You can microwave your fresh pizza in the microwave. Simply set the temperature to high and microwave the pizza for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the toppings have cooked thoroughly, and are bubbling. Allow the pizza to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing, so the temperature of the ingredients can equalise throughout the pizza.

How to Fix a Soggy Pizza Crust?

To prevent your pizza crust from becoming soggy, try using a preheated browning dish, or warm the pizza in the microwave till the cheese melts. Then transfer the pizza to a deep frying pan and heat it on a stove for a few minutes.

Are Totino’s Pizza’s Already Cooked?

Truthfully, all frozen pizzas have ingredients that are essentially uncooked before you bake them. These pizzas are frozen to help preserve the dough, pizza sauce, cheese and toppings until you put them into the oven.

Can You Eat Pizza That is Still Frozen?

If the pizza is completely thawed, warmed to room temperature or left out of the fridge for more than 2 hours, throw the food away. You can cook and eat thawed but still cold foods, like casseroles, pot pies, frozen dinners, or pizzas but refrain from refreezing them.

Other Ways to Cook Totino’s Pizza

Depending on how much of a rush you’re in, you may opt to discard the idea of microwaving your Totino’s pizzas entirely. Using an oven, toaster oven, or an air fryer may help you achieve better, and more delicious results. Alternatively, there’s always the option of using a stove to cook some other bits, as Totino’s pizzas are super easy to cook from frozen. Let’s take a look at the different methods of cooking the pizzas:

  • Totino’s Pizza in the Oven
  • Totino’s Pizza in a Toaster Oven
  • Totino’s Pizza in an Air Fryer
  • Totino’s Pizza on the Stove

Totino’s Pizza in the Oven

Heat your oven in between 450F to 500F which is the best temperature to cook your pizza. Take out your Totino’s pizza and place it on a baking tray for about 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted into the centre of your pizza.

Totino’s Pizza in a Toaster Oven

Essentially, the process of cooking your pizza in a toaster oven is pretty similar to cooking your Totino’s pizza in a regular oven. The only thing you shouldn’t do is to not bake the pizza on the toaster oven rack. Remember to use an oven tray.

Totino’s Pizza in an Air Fryer

Air frying is one of the healthiest ways to bake your favourite snacks. When cooking your pizza in the air fryer you’ll find that it cooks it much quicker than having cooked it in an oven. Simply pop your Totino’s pizza in the air fryer basket and cook it for 7 to 8 minutes at 450F.

Totino’s Pizza on the Stove

As strange as this sounds, it works a treat! Cooking your pizza on the stove can create a result in a deliciously cheesy and gooey pizza. Simply place your Totino’s pizza in a pan and cook it on medium-high heat. Cook on a well-seasoned pan for impeccable results.

How to Make Totino’s Pizza Crispy?

Whether you prefer a soft, thick crust, or a thin and crunchy one. The important thing is, that it must be crisp and crunchy. Totino’s pizza can offer you a crisp crust if you follow some simple steps:

  • Avoid microwaving your Totino’s pizza, as this will destroy the crisp elements of your pizza, rendering your overall meal soggy
  • Use an oven, stovetop, or air fryer for cooking your pizza.
  • Don’t forget to put the pizza in the oven on a baking tray, placing it in the centre of the oven rack, for maximum heat circulation.
  • Bake the pizza for around 15 minutes or until the centre of the pizza has melted into a gooey mess.
  • Preheating your oven will guarantee a crispy result

Shelf Life of Totino’s Pizza

Before consuming any type of food, you should make yourself aware of the shelf life. So you might be wondering, how long Totino’s pizzas last. Simply put, Totino’s pizzas have a shelf life of 186 days, and the best way to figure this out is by subtracting the number from the date displayed on the frozen pizza package. That being said you should consume the pizza before the 186 days of the production date.

What to Serve With Totino’s Pizza

How you enjoy a couple of slices of Totino’s pizza is completely up to you. You can pair it with some crunchy French fries, and your favourite drink. Some people prefer to cook it and fold it in half, tucking straight into their meal. If you’re wondering what to have with your frozen Totino’s pizza, then you might want to opt for these delicious sides:

  • Roasted Lemony Asparagus
  • Caramelised Brussels Sprouts
  • Citrus Salad
  • Salami Olive and Salad
  • Simple Carrot Slaw

Roasted Lemony Asparagus

The hints of lemon will compliment your cheesy pizza beautifully. Pizza can sometimes be the heavy component, with its thick crust, and heavy sauce with a cheese and delicious topping-filled body. Lightening the load with a little side of crispy asparagus, helps brighten the plate, and contrasts the robust flavours of the meal.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:

  • Fresh asparagus
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wash the asparagus. Cut the thick, tough bottoms off, and toss them into the bin. Place the asparagus stalks in a shallow baking dish, and coat them in some olive oil. Add the salt and pepper. Roast the asparagus for 20 minutes, tossing once in the midst of its cooking time. Pull the asparagus from the oven and sprinkle some lemon over the top. Enjoy this with your delicious slice of pizza.

Microwave Totino's Pizza

Caramelised Brussels Sprouts

Bright little globes of brilliant green, these Sweet caramelised brussels sprouts will make a wonderful, flavourful addition to your meal. Slow cooking the vegetables in a skillet provides them with that beautiful light brown colour.

  • 1 pound of fresh Brussels sprouts, cut in half
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries
  • Zest of one lemon
  • Salt and pepper

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When its warm, add the Brussels sprouts. Stir the vegetables every few minutes to ensure that they have browned evenly. The slow, low heat will allow the Brussels sprouts to develop that wonderful caramel hue. After about 10 minutes, once the Brussels sprouts are tender, stir in the dried cranberries and cook for another minute.

Turn the heat off, and squeeze a little lemon over the top, with a dash of salt and pepper over the top.

Citrus Salad

Refreshing flavours of citrus salad, compliment your pizza perfectly. Use this side dish as a way to brighten your meal and accompany your main dish with overpowering it. You’ll need to gather these ingredients:

  • 5 cups lettuce
  • 2 oranges, peeled and sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup roasted pecans, chopped
  • 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 shallot diced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Wash the lettuce and dry, pulling it apart into smaller pieces and place it into a large salad bowl. Toss the sliced oranges on top, along with some goat cheese, and pecans. In a small bowl, mix the vinegar, diced shallot, olive oil, salt and pepper, Whisk with a fork until well combined. Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss until it has thoroughly coated.

Salami Olive and Salad

A hearty plate of spinach salad is a brilliant accompaniment to your pizza. Combine it with a sweet, crisp taste of fresh peppers, and you’ve created a salad that provides the perfect contrast in textures and flavours. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

  • 6 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup whole wheat bread cubes
  • 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • Your choice of balsamic vinegar dressing

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Toss the bread cubes with the olive oil and minced garlic. Lay the bread cubes out on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until the cubes are crispy. Set the cubes aside to cool, they’ll happily wilt the spinach. While they cool, toss the clean spinach into a large salad bowl. Add the bell pepper, red onion, and about four to five tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Toss until well coated.

Simple Carrot Slaw

Allow your taste buds to travel to Italy with this delicious salad, begging to be served with pizza, adding a perfect balance to your meal. It’s always great to have heartier meals paired with a light and simply impeccable salad, that’ll have you perfectly satiated.

For this recipe you’ll need:

  • 5 cups lettuce
  • 2 hard boiled eggs chopped in small pieces
  • 1/2 cup salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup olives thinly sliced
  • 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper

Wash the lettuce and pat it dry, then add it to a large bowl. Add the chopped egg, salami, red onion, and olives. In a small bowl add olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk with a fork until thoroughly combined. Pour this over the salad, and toss until well coated, and serve immediately.

Microwaving Totino’s Pizza

Although microwaving your pizza isn’t entirely frowned upon, it doesn’t provide the overall crunch you’d expect when biting into its soggy depth. This is why it is normally recommended to cook your pizza in an oven or an air fryer.

FAQs

Can Totino’s Pizza be Put in the Microwave?

When in a hurry and don’t have an oven, then you can definitely use a microwave to cook your Totino’s pizza. Although it won’t turn out crisp, rather it’ll have a soggy and watery texture, but decent enough to eat.

How Long to Cook a Totino’s Pizza in the Microwave?

Cook your Totino’s pizza on high in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes. Check if the cheese and toppings have bubbled, which would indicate whether it is cooked or not.