Cheap Microwave Instant Mashed Potato Pizza Recipe

What if we told you a pizza craving could be conquered with instant mashed potatoes and a microwave? This quirky hack costs under $2 per serving and transforms pantry staples into a crispy, cheesy meal ready in under 10 minutes—no oven needed.

Skip the delivery app markup. We’re making emergency pizza cravings laughably affordable (and oddly satisfying).

Below, we’ll break down ingredients, microwave tricks to avoid sogginess, and creative topping swaps to keep this budget-friendly.

What is Instant Mashed Potato Pizza?

Imagine my grandma’s raised eyebrow when I first described this dish at our chaotic post-holiday party. Instant mashed potato pizza is exactly what it sounds like: a crispy, savory base made from rehydrated potato flakes, topped with sauce, cheese, and whatever leftovers lurk in your fridge. We invented it one snowy night when Sarah (age 7) demanded pizza, but our dough was MIA.

It’s a Frankenstein of comfort foods—part fluffy mashed potato, part gooey pizza. The microwave transforms the potato mix into a surprisingly sturdy crust in minutes. Timmy (my picky 10-year-old) declared it “weird but awesome,” which we’ll take as a win.

What Does Microwave Mashed Potato Pizza Taste Like?

Picture biting into a crispy-edged potato pancake layered with marinara and molten cheese. The base has a subtle buttery richness from the instant mash, while microwaving creates a lightly golden texture. It’s creamier than traditional dough but holds up to toppings like sautéed mushrooms or pepperoni. For a quicker and fun alternative, try a microwave pancake recipe that offers a delightful twist. This simple recipe allows you to enjoy fluffy pancakes in just a few minutes, perfect for any breakfast or snack craving.

Sarah insists it tastes like “pizza and Thanksgiving had a baby.” The beauty? Toppings dictate the vibe. Swap marinara for pesto, add spinach, and suddenly it’s a fancy Florentine situation. Budget-friendly, yes—but bland? Never. Just ask Timmy, who now requests “potato pizza night” weekly.

Ready to turn pantry staples into a crispy, cheesy miracle? Let’s explore the ingredients that make this oddball dish work. For a quick and delightful snack, consider making microwave parmesan crisps. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy cheese in a crunchy form with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Microwave Instant Mashed Potato Pizza

Grab these staples from your pantry or dollar store haul. Our base recipe serves one hungry human or two snackers: You can also use these ingredients to create a tasty batch of crunchy veggie chips. Microwaving your veggie chips is a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthy snack without the oil.

• Instant mashed potatoes (1/2 cup dry flakes)
• Water or milk (3/4 cup, boiling)
• Shredded cheese (1/3 cup – cheddar/mozzarella blend works best)
• Pizza sauce (2 tbsp – jarred or ketchup mixed with oregano in a pinch)
• Toppings (leftover veggies, deli meats, or crushed chips for crunch)

Instant Mashed Potato Base Substitutes

Out of instant spuds? Grate 1 medium raw potato, microwave it for 3 minutes, then mash. For low-carb fans, mix 1/4 cup cauliflower rice with 1 tbsp cornstarch. Last week, I used leftover baked potato skins – crispy rebellion at its finest! For a quick and easy meal, consider making a 2-minute microwave cheesy cauliflower rice keto dish that is both delicious and satisfying.

Cheese and Topping Alternatives

Cheese budget blown? American slices or cream cheese dollops add gooeyness without shredding. Top with fried spam cubes (Timmy’s favorite), pickled jalapeños, or canned pineapple tidbits. Our “clean the fridge” version once featured stale popcorn – surprisingly legit crunch. For those seeking easy meals, there’s nothing quite like lazy microwave boxed mac cheese or a simple can of chili to pair with it. These quick options make dinner a breeze while still satisfying cravings.

Also See: Quick Microwave Blueberry Lemon Mug Cake in Minutes!

How to Make Microwave Instant Mashed Potato Pizza

I’ve burned enough potato bases to perfect this method. Follow these steps for crispy success: You can also achieve a delightful crispiness by experimenting with a microwave potato chips recipe, which allows for a quick and easy snack. This method not only saves time but can also reduce the amount of oil used in traditional frying.

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potato Base

Mix 1/2 cup instant flakes with 3/4 cup boiling water in a large bowl. Let sit 1 minute. Stir in 1 tbsp flour or 1 egg if your potatoes lack stickiness. Too runny? Add cornstarch 1 tsp at a time until it molds like Play-Doh. A quick and delicious way to enjoy potatoes is by following a microwave baked potato recipe. This method not only saves time but also yields fluffy, perfect potatoes ready to be topped with your favorite ingredients.

Step 2: Shape and Layer the Base

Grab a microwave-safe plate. Spread the mash into a 1/4-inch thick circle. Leave 1-inch edges – it expands! Microwave 1 minute at 800W to set the shape. Poke air bubbles with a fork to prevent volcanic cheese eruptions later. When it comes to preparing hash browns, knowing how to microwave them can save time and ensure they’re perfectly crispy. A helpful guide on microwaving hash browns offers tips for timing and techniques to get the best results.

Step 3: Add Toppings and Cheese

Spread sauce thinly – watery marinara = sogginess. Layer cheese UNDER toppings to act as glue. My kids fight over “cheese tunnels” (pepperoni tents over shredded mozzarella). For crispier results, finish with a cheese halo around the edge. If looking for a quicker option, quick microwave mozzarella sticks can be a fun addition to your meal. They melt perfectly and offer a gooey, cheesy treat that’s ready in minutes.

Step 4: Microwave Cooking Tips

Nuke at 800W for 2 minutes. Stop at 1 minute to blot grease with a paper towel. If cheese isn’t bubbly, go 15-second bursts. Let it rest 90 seconds – molten cheese lava is real. I learned this after Sarah branded her tongue “pizza casualty 2022.”

Also See: 2-minute Microwave S’mores Dip – No Campfire Needed!

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

We’ve suffered the culinary crimes so you don’t have to:

Soggy Potato Base Solutions

If your crust resembles wet cardboard, blame excess moisture. Next time, reduce water by 2 tbsp and add 1 tsp olive oil. Salvage a soggy base by microwaving it solo for 45 seconds post-toppings. Pro tip: Place it on a coffee filter to absorb steam. For a quick solution, there’s a 10-second trick that can revitalize your microwave pizza and make it taste fresh again.

Preventing Overcooked Cheese

Rubbery cheese happens at 1000W+. Use 50-70% power and cover with a vented lid (paper towel works). If edges brown too fast, shape toppings into a central “bullseye.” My fail-safe? Sprinkle 1 tsp water around the plate’s edge before microwaving. Melting cheese in the microwave is a great way to achieve a creamy texture without the hassle of stovetop cooking. With the right settings, you can enjoy perfectly melted cheese in just a few minutes!

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s talk keeping leftovers edible (because cold potato pizza exists between meals).

How to Store Microwave Mashed Potato Pizza

Let’s be real – leftovers rarely survive my kids’ midnight snack raids. But when they do, cool your potato pizza completely before storing. Trapped steam turns crispy edges into sad sponges. I learned this after Timmy declared last week’s leftovers “tasted like wet socks.”

For fridge storage (up to 3 days), place slices on a plate lined with parchment paper. Layer with another parchment sheet if stacking. Skip airtight containers – they trap moisture. Our $1 store-bought mesh food cover works wonders for airflow. Sarah’s science fair project confirmed it reduces sogginess by 62% (her data, not ours).

Freezing? Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil. Label with dates – frozen potato bases last 1 month at 0°F. Reheat straight from frozen: microwave 60 seconds at 50% power, flip, then 30 seconds full power. Add fresh cheese to revive the “just-made” illusion. For those who enjoy an easy meal, cheap microwave instant mashed potato cheese is a fantastic option to consider for quick and satisfying dishes. Not only do they save time, but they also deliver a creamy, cheesy flavor that complements any meal.

Pro tip: Store toppings separately if possible. Our bacon bit and onion jar (repurposed pickle container) stays crispy for days. Leftover sauce? Freeze in ice cube trays – future you will high-five past you.

Mastered storage? Let’s remix your leftovers into new budget-friendly creations…

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip It Up!

We’ve walked through every step—from crafting that fluffy mashed potato base to nailing the perfect microwave timing. This quirky pizza hybrid proves comfort food doesn’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen.

Grab your mug, microwave, and leftover mashed potatoes—your next carb-loaded masterpiece is just minutes away. Tell us how your creation turned out!