Self-Venting Microwave Heating Package

A package for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven, comprising:

• a base configured to underlie a food item for heating in a microwave oven;
• an upper portion adapted to overlie the food item, the upper portion including a sealed area configured to weaken in response to thermal energy;
• and
• a susceptor disposed within the sealed area, the susceptor being operative for converting microwave energy into thermal energy for weakening the sealed area.

A method of preparing a food item in a microwave oven, comprising:

• providing a package for receiving the food item, the package including
• a base for underlying the food item,
• an upper portion for overlying the food item, the upper portion including a sealed area that weakens in response to thermal energy, and
• a susceptor disposed within the sealed area;
• exposing the food item in the package to microwave energy, whereby the susceptor converts at least a portion of the microwave energy to thermal energy, whereby the thermal energy weakens the seal and creates a venting opening.