When you cook pizza in microwave oven why does the cheese not melt?

Microwave ovens heat food primarily through a process called dielectric heating. This means that microwaves agitate water molecules in the food, causing them to vibrate and generate heat.

Here's why cheese doesn't melt well in a microwave:

* Low Water Content: Cheese, especially hard cheeses, has a relatively low water content. This means there are fewer water molecules for the microwaves to agitate, resulting in less heat generation.

* Fat Content: While cheese does contain some water, it's also rich in fat. Fat molecules are not as easily agitated by microwaves as water molecules, further limiting heat generation.

* Uneven Heating: Microwaves can heat food unevenly. This can lead to some parts of the cheese becoming too hot and potentially burning, while other parts remain cold and unmelted.

To melt cheese in a microwave, you can try the following:

* Use a lower power setting: This will help to prevent the cheese from burning before it melts.

* Add a small amount of water: This will increase the water content and help the cheese to heat more evenly.

* Cover the cheese with a damp paper towel: This will help to trap steam and prevent the cheese from drying out.

* Use a microwave-safe dish with a lid: This will help to prevent the cheese from splattering.

However, it's important to note that melting cheese in a microwave can be tricky and the results may not be as good as using a conventional oven or stovetop.