Can I Bake Pizza in Microwave?
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Microwave ovens are a common appliance found in many kitchens but their capabilities often need to be considered. While they’re great for reheating leftovers and boiling water, can they bake a pizza? The answer might surprise you.
can you bake a pizza in a microwave?
The short answer is no, you cannot bake a pizza in a microwave. Microwaves produce waves that cause water molecules in the food to vibrate, creating heat. However, pizza dough needs to be cooked by dry heat to rise and become crispy.
what types of meals can be prepared in a microwave?
Here are seven legit meals that you can make in a microwave to save you time and money:
- Macaroni and cheese – 5 minutes
- Omelette in a mug – 3 minutes
- Chicken quesadilla – 4 minutes
- Loaded baked potato – 5 minutes
- Spaghetti squash and meatballs – 7 minutes
- Egg ‘fried’ rice – 5 minutes
- BBQ chicken nachos – 6 minutes
But wait, there’s more! Many newer models of microwaves come with a convection mode. This mode transforms your microwave into a convection oven, using a heating element and a fan to distribute heat evenly throughout the appliance. This allows you to roast, bake, and even brown foods in your microwave. So while you can’t bake a pizza in a microwave, you can use the convection mode for baking other dishes.
can you put cardboard in the microwave?
The answer could be clearer. If the cardboard is pure cellulose and is labelled as microwave-safe, you can microwave it for short periods (between 60 and 120 seconds). However, checking the cardboard every 30 seconds is important to prevent overheating. On the other hand, if the cardboard is not labelled as microwave-safe or has metal or plastic coatings, it’s best to avoid microwaving it to prevent fires or other accidents.
Final thought
while it’s not possible to bake a pizza in a microwave, there are still plenty of tasty meals that you can make with this handy kitchen appliance. And with the added convection mode in some models, you can expand your cooking capabilities. Just be sure to use caution when microwaving unfamiliar materials like cardboard to avoid accidents.
Written by Maya Khan, a food writer and former chef holding a degree in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education. Maya leverages her extensive culinary background, having worked in professional kitchens for years, to inform her expert product reviews. Her articles have been featured on renowned platforms, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Taste of Home, and more. In our quest for thoroughness, recipe testers Emily Reynolds and Michael Anderson dedicated hours in the test kitchen, putting each pizza oven through its paces. To add another layer of culinary wisdom, we consulted former pizzaiolo and food writer Christopher Smith. Christopher is a respected figure in the food industry, with his work gracing the pages of publications like Serious Eats, Thrillist, and The New York Times' Dining section.
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