Leftover pizza is a delicious treat, but reheating it properly is key to enjoying it as much as you did the first time. Forget about sad, soggy slices! With the right techniques, you can bring your pizza back to its crispy-crusted, gooey-topped glory. Let’s explore the best methods for How To Reheat Pizza, ranking them from least to most effective, so you can always enjoy a perfect slice.
#4 The Microwave: Quick but Compromised
Yes, microwaving pizza might bring back memories of less-than-ideal reheated slices. However, if speed is your priority or you lack other kitchen appliances, the microwave is a viable option for reheating pizza. If you’re in a rush and need a warm slice of pizza pronto, or if the microwave is your only tool, it will certainly get the job done.
While it’s not the best method for achieving crispy perfection, a microwave offers undeniable convenience.
- PROS: Extremely fast and easy, melts cheese beautifully for a gooey texture.
- CONS: The crust will likely become soggy, and the outer edges can turn hard and chewy as they cool down.
- HOW TO DO IT: Place your pizza slice on a microwave-safe plate or a paper towel. Microwave on HIGH for 30 to 60 seconds. Check for doneness when the cheese is melted and the pizza is heated through.
- BONUS TIP!: Place a mug of water in the microwave alongside your pizza. The water helps to distribute heat more evenly, preventing the crust edges from becoming overly hard as the pizza cools slightly.
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#3 The Oven or Toaster Oven: Near-Fresh Quality
Reheating pizza in a conventional oven or a toaster oven yields results remarkably close to fresh pizza. In fact, many pizza aficionados argue that oven-reheated delivery pizza is even better than it was upon arrival! This method is excellent for reheating multiple slices simultaneously. The oven’s heat ensures the cheese and toppings become bubbly and hot, while the bottom crust regains much of its original crispiness. If your delivery pizza arrives a bit soggy, transferring it from the box directly into the oven can revive its texture.
The main drawback of using an oven is the time factor. Preheating a standard oven takes around 15 minutes, and then reheating the pizza slices adds another 10 minutes. This longer reheating time might diminish the appeal of leftover pizza for a quick meal.
- PROS: Provides a taste and texture very similar to freshly made pizza; efficient for reheating several slices at once.
- CONS: Requires significant time for preheating and baking; thin-crust pizzas may become overly dry if reheated for too long.
- HOW TO DO IT: Position an oven rack in the center and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange your pizza slices on a large sheet of aluminum foil and place it directly on the center rack. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown and crispy. If using a toaster oven, reduce the baking time to 3 to 4 minutes and keep a close watch to prevent burning.
- BONUS TIP!: For the crispiest possible crust, use aluminum foil. However, a baking sheet also works well. For an even crispier bottom, preheat the baking sheet in the oven and place the pizza slices directly onto the hot pan. Alternatively, use an oven-safe cooling rack placed over the baking sheet to elevate the pizza slices and promote air circulation underneath.
#2 The Air Fryer: Crispy Crust Champion
If achieving a crispy crust is your primary goal when reheating pizza – and it should be! – then the air fryer is your secret weapon. This appliance excels at making foods crispy, making it particularly effective for reheating pizza. Air fryers are especially fantastic for thin-crust pizza, transforming it into a delightful, cracker-like texture.
The limitations of an air fryer are its capacity and availability. Air fryers aren’t in every kitchen, and their size usually restricts you to reheating one or perhaps two triangular slices at a time. While perfect for a snack, this can be less convenient when reheating pizza for a whole meal.
- PROS: Creates an exceptionally crispy, cracker-like crust and evenly heats toppings; very rapid reheating time.
- CONS: Often limited to reheating only one slice at a time.
- HOW TO DO IT: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slice in the air fryer basket, ensuring it lies flat and is centered. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, checking for doneness after 2 minutes to avoid burning. Reheating times can vary depending on your specific air fryer model. Cook until the cheese is melted and the bottom crust is crispy.
- BONUS TIP!: Make sure your pizza slice is positioned flat and in the center of the air fryer basket for even cooking. Start checking for doneness around the 2-minute mark to prevent overcooking or burning.
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#1 The Stovetop: The Gold Standard for Reheating Pizza
For many pizza lovers, reheating pizza on the stovetop is unequivocally the best method. It strikes the perfect balance – delivering both a fantastically crispy crust and piping hot toppings, all while being quicker and more convenient than using a full-sized oven, and allowing you to reheat several slices at once. It’s truly the Goldilocks solution for how to reheat pizza.
While there are slight variations in stovetop reheating techniques, a consistently effective method involves arranging the pizza slices in a skillet in a single layer, covering the skillet with a lid, and warming over medium heat until the bottom crust is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and gooey. While a cast iron skillet can enhance crispiness, stainless steel or even nonstick pans work remarkably well.
- PROS: Simple, fast, and convenient; achieves piping hot toppings and a deliciously crispy, browned underside.
- CONS: Most effective when reheating for one or two people; larger quantities require reheating in batches.
- HOW TO DO IT: Place your pizza slices in a single layer in a skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for approximately 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bottom crust is crispy to your liking.
- BONUS TIP!: For enhanced cheesiness, try warming the slices uncovered for the first couple of minutes. Then, add a teaspoon or two of water to the side of the pan (not directly on the pizza), quickly cover with the lid, and continue heating until the cheese is perfectly melted. This creates steam that helps melt the cheese while maintaining crust crispiness.
