Pizza is one of those meals that tastes amazing fresh out of the oven, but let’s face it, leftovers are inevitable. Whether you ordered too much for a party or just treated yourself to a solo pizza night, knowing how to reheat pizza properly is key to enjoying that same delicious taste and texture as when it was delivered. Improper reheating can lead to soggy crusts, dry cheese, or uneven heating that ruins your pizza experience.
In this blog, we’ll go over several foolproof methods to reheat pizza like a pro, so you can enjoy that crispy crust, melty cheese, and perfect flavor every time.
The Best Methods for Reheating Pizza
- Reheat Pizza in the Oven
The oven is often considered the best method for reheating pizza because it can evenly warm the slice, making the crust crispy while keeping the toppings perfectly heated. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). The preheating process ensures that the pizza heats consistently.
- Place your slices directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil. If you want an extra-crispy crust, put the pizza straight on the rack.
- Bake for about 5-8 minutes. Keep an eye on the pizza to avoid overcooking it.
- Optional: For an extra touch, brush the crust with a little olive oil or garlic butter before reheating.
This method works well for both thick and thin crust pizzas and ensures a balanced mix of crispy crust and gooey cheese.
- Reheat Pizza on the Stovetop
For those who want to avoid turning on the oven, using a skillet on the stovetop is a fantastic option. This method can give you a crispy bottom crust while keeping the toppings soft and warm. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, place the pizza slice in the skillet and heat for 2 minutes without covering it. This allows the bottom crust to crisp up.
- After 2 minutes, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat slightly. Let it cook for another 2-4 minutes. The lid helps trap heat, allowing the cheese to melt without drying out.
This method is quick and works great for reheating individual slices.
- Reheat Pizza in a Toaster Oven
The toaster oven combines the best of both worlds by giving you oven-quality reheating without the lengthy preheating process. It’s perfect if you only have a slice or two to reheat. Here’s how:
- Preheat the toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pizza slice on the rack or a small tray.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy.
Toaster ovens are efficient and heat up quickly, making them a go-to for smaller portions.
- Reheat Pizza in the Air Fryer
Air fryers have gained popularity for their ability to reheat food while maintaining crispiness, and pizza is no exception. Here’s how to reheat pizza in an air fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place your pizza slice in the basket. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; it’s best to reheat one or two slices at a time.
- Heat for 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the crust or cheese.
The air fryer works particularly well for thin crust pizzas, giving them that satisfying crunch.
- Reheat Pizza in the Microwave with a Twist
The microwave is the quickest way to reheat pizza, but it often results in a soft, soggy crust. Fortunately, there’s a trick to prevent this from happening:
- Place your pizza slice on a microwave-safe plate.
- Put a small cup of water in the microwave with the pizza. The water will help absorb some of the microwave’s energy, preventing the crust from getting rubbery.
- Heat for 30-60 seconds, depending on the power of your microwave.
While this method isn’t perfect, it’s a good option when you’re in a hurry and want your pizza ready in under a minute.
Tips to Avoid Soggy Pizza
No one likes soggy pizza, especially when the goal is to bring back that crispy, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. Here are some additional tips to avoid a soggy crust:
- Avoid reheating pizza in the box. Not only is it a fire hazard in the oven, but the cardboard can make your pizza soft and soggy.
- Don’t cover the pizza with foil while reheating. This traps moisture, leading to a soft, less crispy crust.
- Use parchment paper or place your pizza directly on the oven rack to maintain a firm, crispy base.
Storing Leftover Pizza Properly
How you store your pizza can also affect how well it reheats. If you know you won’t eat your pizza right away, here’s the best way to store it:
- Place slices on a plate and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cover the plate with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze pizza and reheat using any of the methods mentioned above.
Conclusion
No matter how you like your pizza—whether it’s thin and crispy or thick and chewy—reheating it correctly can make all the difference. By using the right method, you can enjoy pizza leftovers that taste just as good (or even better) as they did when they first arrived.
At Pizza Fellas, we take pride in delivering fresh, high-quality pizzas right to your door. Whether you’re looking for pizza delivery in Berwick or pizza in Cranbourne North, we’ve got you covered. Place your online pizza order today, and remember, with these reheating tips, you can enjoy every last slice as if it were fresh from our oven!