How to Reheat Pizza in Oven

If you’re like me, leftover pizza is a treasure worth savoring. But there’s a fine line between enjoying a delicious reheated slice and ending up with a disappointing, soggy mess. In this guide, we’ll explore the best methods to reheat pizza so that it tastes as fresh as the day it was delivered. Whether you prefer a crispy crust or a softer one, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

The Best Way to Reheat Pizza: Reheat Pizza in an Oven

When it comes to how to reheat pizza, we know of two equally-satisfying oven methods:

How to Reheat Pizza in Oven

How to Reheat Pizza in Oven: On a Hot Tray

  1. Place a baking tray in your oven and set the temperature to 450 degrees. (No pizza yet!)
  2. When the oven finishes preheating, put the pizza slices on the hot tray and return it to the oven.
  3. Bake for five minutes on the middle rack.
  4. Remove from the oven and let cool.

How to Reheat Pizza in Oven: On Tin Foil

  1. Place a piece of tin foil directly on your oven rack.
  2. Put the pizza on the foil.
  3. Bake for five minutes at 450 degrees. For a softer crust, try ten minutes at 350 degrees.
  4. For a softer crust, reheat pizza for ten minutes at 350 degrees.

How to Reheat Pizza in a Microwave

Microwaving pizza all the way through isn’t ideal, as it can result in a rubbery crust. However, you can use a microwave-oven combination approach to save time:

  1. Microwave pizza for 30 seconds.
  2. Place pizza on a tray, and into a cold oven.
  3. Set the oven to 350 degrees.
  4. Take out the pizza when the oven finishes preheating.

Next, we’ll show you our overall favorite method for how to reheat pizza: in a pan.

How to Reheat Pizza in a Pan

Reheating pizza in a pan can yield a perfectly crispy crust and gooey cheese when done right. Here’s how:

  1. Place the cold pizza on a non-stick pan.
  2. Heat for two minutes over medium-low heat, or until the bottom of the slice is pleasantly crisp.
  3. Wet your fingers under the faucet, and sprinkle a couple drops of water (less than a teaspoon) into the pan. The water will sizzle as soon as it hits the hot pan, so don’t stand too close.
  4. Cover the pan with a lid so that the evaporating water droplets can rehydrate the cheese.
  5. Turn the heat to low and heat for another minute.

How To Reheat Pizza So It Tastes As Fresh As Day One

If you’re a pizza enthusiast like me, you understand the urge to enjoy leftover pizza for breakfast. But cold pizza can’t compare to the hot, crispy, and melty goodness of a freshly reheated slice. Here are some methods to make your reheated pizza taste just as good as it did on day one.

How To Reheat Pizza In The Oven

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  2. Once it’s up to temp, place the tray into the oven for a few minutes.
  3. Then, throw the pizza onto the hot tray for about 10-15 minutes to get a fresh slice.

How To Reheat Pizza On The Stove

  1. Put a non-stick pan over medium heat and let it warm up for a few minutes.
  2. Add your pizza slice and give it another few minutes to get crispy.
  3. Listen for the sizzle to know it’s working, then add a few drops of water to the pan, and cover it with a lid to melt the cheese.

How To Reheat Pizza In An Air Fryer

  1. Line the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. Air fry your slice at about 360 degrees F for three to six minutes.

Pizza is a culinary delight, and reheating it can be an art. While classics like cheese and pepperoni pizzas are perfect for reheating, pizzas with fresh, raw toppings may not fare as well. Consider the thickness of the crust and adjust your reheating time accordingly.

How do you reheat a pizza in the oven?

Reheating pizza in the oven is the easiest and most effective way to bring it back to life. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Preheat the oven to about 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place a baking sheet in it to heat up.
  2. Once the baking sheet is hot, place your leftover pizza slices on it.
  3. Cook for 7-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slice. Thin-crust pizza may take 5-7 minutes, while thicker crust or deep-dish pizza may take 7-9 minutes.
  4. Check for doneness by picking up the slice – the cheese should be bubbly and sizzling, and the crust should be toasted to your liking.

How do you reheat a pizza on the stovetop?

Reheating pizza on the stovetop is another excellent method. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Place your pizza slices in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Let them warm up for a few minutes until the bottom of the slice becomes pleasantly crisp.
  3. Add a few drops of water around the pizza, not on top of it, and cover the skillet with a lid.
  4. This step will create steam to melt the cheese.
  5. Continue heating for another minute.

Using a cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving a crispy crust. Keep an eye on your toppings, especially if they’re sensitive to high heat.

This Is the Best Way to Reheat Pizza in the Oven

Reheating pizza in the oven is undeniably the best way to bring back that fresh taste and crispy texture. If done correctly, you’ll enjoy slices that are as good as they were on day one.

 

Factors to Consider

When reheating pizza in the oven, factors like the heating time and whether you preheated the pan or not can impact the taste and texture.

For a Crispy Crust:

If you’re aiming for a crispy crust, the key is to heat the pizza on a hot surface. Placing it on a preheated baking sheet can eliminate excess moisture from the crust, resulting in a crispiness that mimics the original baking process.

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
  2. Place the sheet in the oven for a few minutes until it’s hot, then add your cold pizza.
  3. Cook until the cheese is bubbly and melted, typically 5-7 minutes for thin-crust and 7-9 minutes for thicker or deep-dish pizza.

If You Like a Softer Crust:

For those who prefer a softer crust with more chew, skip preheating the baking sheet. Just place the lined sheet in the preheated oven and follow the same steps as above.

Thick or Thin:

The good news is that you can use these tips to reheat any type of pizza, regardless of its toppings or source. The key is to adjust the heating time based on the thickness of the crust.

The Toaster Oven

If you only need to reheat a couple of slices, using a toaster oven is a quicker and more energy-efficient option. Preheat the toaster oven and baking sheet as usual, and keep a close eye on the slices. Since the pizza is closer to the heating elements, it may take only three to four minutes to reheat. Some toaster ovens even have a “pizza” setting for added convenience.

Storing Leftover Pizza

To extend the freshness of your leftover pizza, avoid storing it in the delivery box, as it can make the slices dry and leathery. Instead, use resealable plastic bags or double-wrap the slices in plastic and foil before refrigerating. This ensures that you’ll always have perfectly reheatable pizza ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

Reheating pizza in the oven is a skill worth mastering. Whether you prefer a crispy or soft crust, following these expert tips will help you savor every bite of your leftover pizza. So, the next time you have pizza leftovers, don’t settle for mediocrity—reheat it to perfection!