Pizza is a beloved food that brings joy to many. But what happens when you have leftovers? Cold pizza can be tasty, but sometimes you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste again. That’s where reheating comes in.
The best way to reheat pizza depends on what tools you have and how much time you can spare.
I’ve tried many methods over the years, from using the microwave to firing up the oven. Each approach has its pros and cons.
In this article, I’ll share my top 12 ways to warm up pizza so you can enjoy a slice that tastes almost as good as when it was first made.
1. Microwave on Medium Power with a Glass of Water
I’ve found a great trick for reheating pizza in the microwave. It keeps the crust crispy and the cheese melty.
First, I put a microwave-safe glass of water next to my pizza slice. This helps keep the crust from getting soggy.
Next, I set the microwave to medium power. This is usually 50-70% of total energy. High heat can make the pizza rubbery, so medium is best.
I heat the pizza for about 45 seconds. If it’s not hot enough, I add 10-15 seconds until it’s right.
Sometimes, I put a damp paper towel over the pizza. It helps the cheese melt evenly without getting complicated.
This method works great for 1-2 slices. For more, I might need to adjust the time a bit. But with practice, I get perfect reheated pizza every time!
Pro tip: I sprinkle a few drops of water on the pizza before heating. This keeps the crust moist and tasty.
2. Preheat Oven to 375°f and Use a Baking Sheet
I love using my oven to reheat pizza. It gives the crust that perfect crunch while melting the cheese just right.
First, I preheat my oven to 375°F, which is great for most pizzas. While the oven heats up, I line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Next, I put the baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes. This step is critical – it helps crisp up the bottom of the pizza.
Once the sheet is hot, I carefully place my cold pizza slices on it, leaving some space between each slice.
I pop the sheet back in the oven for about 10 minutes. The exact time can vary, so I keep an eye on it. I’m looking for bubbly cheese and a crispy crust.
When it’s done, I use oven mitts to remove the hot baking sheet. Then, I let the pizza cool for a minute before digging in. Yum!
3. Skillet Method Over Medium Heat with a Lid
I love using a skillet to reheat pizza. It’s quick and easy, and it always yields great results.
- First, I put my skillet on the stove over medium heat. I don’t add any oil – the pizza already has enough fat.
- Next, I place a slice or two of pizza in the skillet. If I’m reheating multiple slices, I make sure they’re not touching.
- Then comes the secret: I cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. This traps the heat and helps melt the cheese.
- I let it cook for about 6-8 minutes. The bottom gets crispy while the cheese melts perfectly.
- For extra crispiness, I sometimes remove the lid and increase the heat for the last minute or two.
When it’s done, I have a slice of pizza that’s almost as good as fresh! The crust is crispy, the cheese is gooey, and the toppings are heated through.
This method works sumptuousfor pizza with a thin or thick crust. It’s also my go-to way to reheat leftover slices.
4. Toaster Oven with Parchment Paper
I love using my toaster oven to reheat pizza. It’s quick and easy. Plus, it gives me that perfect crispy crust.
Here’s my favorite trick: I use parchment paper. It’s a game-changer!
- First, I preheat the toaster oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, I grab a piece of parchment paper.
- I place my pizza slice on the parchment paper. This keeps things clean and prevents sticking.
- Next, I put the pizza in the toaster oven and usually let it warm up for 8-10 minutes.
- The parchment paper helps the crust get nice and crispy. It also makes cleanup a breeze!
- I watch the cheese. When it starts to bubble, I know it’s almost ready.
When it’s done, I carefully remove the pizza. The parchment paper makes it easy to slide onto my plate.
This method gives me hot, crispy pizza every time. It’s like having fresh pizza all over again!
Pro tip: For an extra crispy crust, spray the pizza with a thin mist of water before heating it.
5. Cast Iron Pan with a Sprinkle of Oil
I love using my cast iron pan to reheat pizza. It’s quick and easy, giving me a crispy crust every time.
- First, I sprinkle a little oil in the pan. This helps prevent sticking and adds extra crispiness.
- I place the pan on medium heat and let it warm for a minute. Then, I put my pizza slice in and covered the pan.
- After about 5 minutes, I check on my pizza. The cheese should be melty and the crust crispy.
- I let it cook for another minute or two if it needs more time. Cast iron pans are great for reheating pizza because they distribute heat evenly.
This method works best for 1-2 slices at a time. It’s perfect for a quick snack without turning on the oven.
The result? It’s a slice that tastes almost as good as when fresh out of the pizzeria oven!
6. Air Fryer at 350°f for 5 Minutes
I love using my air fryer to reheat pizza. It’s quick and gives fantastic results.
To start, I preheat the air fryer to 350°F. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
Once it’s hot, I place a slice or two of pizza in the basket, making sure not to overlap them. This lets the hot air circulate correctly.
I set the timer for 3-5 minutes. The exact time depends on the type of pizza. Thin crust takes about 3 minutes, while thick crust takes 4 minutes.
When the timer dings, I check if the cheese is melty and the crust is crispy. If needed, I add an extra minute.
The result? Pizza that tastes almost as good as fresh! The crust gets crispy again, and the cheese melts perfectly.
This method works great for most types of pizza. It’s my go-to when I want to enjoy leftover pizza quickly.
7. Grill on Low Heat with a Closed Lid
I love using my grill to reheat pizza. It gives the crust a crispy texture while warming the toppings perfectly.
- First, I preheat the grill on low heat. This is critical – too high, and the pizza will burn before it warms through.
- Next, I place the pizza slices directly on the clean grates. I close the lid to trap the heat inside.
- After about 6 minutes, I check on the pizza. The cheese should be melty and the crust crisp. If it needs more time, I give it another minute or two.
For extra smoky flavor, I sometimes add wood chips to the grill. It makes the pizza taste like it just came out of a wood-fired oven!
Grilling pizza works best for thinner crusts. Thick or deep-dish pizzas might need lower heat and more time.
8. Use a Pizza Stone in the Oven
I love using a pizza stone to warm up my leftover pizza. It’s a game-changer! First, I place the stone in a cold oven. This step is crucial to prevent cracking.
Next, I crank the heat to 500°F and let the stone preheat for about 30 minutes. While waiting, I take my pizza from the fridge to let it come to room temperature.
Once the stone is hot, I sprinkle cornmeal on a pizza peel. This helps the pizza slide off quickly. Then, I carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot stone.
I watch my pizza as it reheats. Getting that perfect crispy crust and bubbly cheese usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The key is to watch for the cheese to start melting and the crust to turn golden brown.
When done, I use the peel to slide the pizza off the stone. The result? A slice that’s almost as good as fresh out of the pizzeria oven!
9. Broiler for a Quick Crisp
I love using my oven’s broiler for a quick pizza reheat. It’s super fast and gives the crust a fantastic crispy texture.
To start, I preheat the broiler on high. While heating up, I put a cast-iron skillet on the stove over high heat for about 10 minutes.
Once the skillet is hot, I carefully place my pizza slice. Then, I pop the whole skillet under the broiler.
It only takes 3-5 minutes for the cheese to get all melty and the crust to turn crispy. I keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
This method is excellent when I’m in a hurry. The high heat from all directions makes the pizza taste almost as good as when fresh.
Pro tip: If I’m worried about the cheese melting too fast, I cover the pizza loosely with foil for the first half of cooking.
10. Waffle Iron for a Crispy Texture
I’ve discovered a fun way to reheat pizza that gives it a unique crispy texture – using a waffle iron! It might sound weird, but trust me, it works great.
First, I preheat my waffle iron. While it’s heating up, I cut the pizza slice into smaller pieces that will fit inside.
Once the iron is hot, I place a pizza piece inside and close the lid. I let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, depending on how crispy I want it.
The waffle iron presses the pizza, creating a crispy exterior and warming the inside. It’s like having a pizza waffle!
I love how the cheese gets all melty, and the crust becomes super crunchy. It’s a different pizza experience.
This method is perfect when I want to change the texture of my leftover pizza. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a crispy slice!
One tip: I first put a piece of parchment paper on the waffle iron. This helps prevent any cheese from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
11. Reheat in a Slow Cooker on Low
I never thought a slow cooker could warm up pizza, but I was pleasantly surprised! This method is perfect for reheating multiple slices without much effort.
First, I line the slow cooker with parchment paper. This prevents the pizza from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Next, I place the pizza slices in a single layer. If I need to stack them, I put parchment paper between each layer.
I set the slow cooker low and let it work its magic for about an hour. The exact time can vary depending on how many slices I’m reheating.
When done, the cheese is melted and gooey, and the crust is warm without being soggy. It’s not as crispy as other methods but still tasty.
This technique is excellent for parties or when I’m busy with other tasks. I can set it and forget it while the pizza warms up.
One tip: I avoid using this method for thin-crust pizzas. They tend to dry out more quickly in the slow cooker.
12. Steam in a Bamboo Steamer for a Few Minutes
I love using my bamboo steamer to warm up pizza! It’s a unique method that gives fantastic results. First, I fill a wok with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer.
Then, I place my bamboo steamer on top of the wok, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the steamer. This is key for perfect steaming.
Next, I line the steamer with parchment paper or cabbage leaves, which prevents the pizza from sticking. I then put my pizza slice on top and cover it with the steamer lid.
I let it steam for 2-3 minutes. The steam warms the pizza evenly and keeps the crust from getting soggy—it’s like magic!
When I remove the lid, I’m greeted by a perfectly warmed slice. The cheese is gooey, and the crust is soft but not mushy. It tastes almost as good as fresh out of the oven.
This method works great for thin-crust pizzas. For thicker crusts, I might need to steam a bit longer. It’s a fun way to breathe new life into leftover pizza!
Extra Tips for Maintaining Crispiness
It can be tricky to keep pizza crispy when reheating. I’ve found some great ways to maintain that perfect crunch. Let me share my favorite tips with you.
Use a Baking Sheet
A baking sheet can be a game-changer for reheating pizza. Here’s how I use it:
- I preheat the oven to 375°F with the baking sheet inside.
- Once hot, I carefully place my pizza slices on the sheet.
- The hot surface crisps up the crust instantly.
I’ve found this method works best for thin-crust pizzas. For thicker crusts, I lower the temperature to 350°F and bake a bit longer.
Pro tip: I sometimes add a sprinkle of water to the baking sheet before putting the pizza on. This creates steam, helping to melt the cheese perfectly.
Avoid Using Microwaves
I never use the microwave if I want crispy pizza. Here’s why:
- Microwaves make the crust soggy and chewy.
- They heat unevenly, leaving cold spots.
- The cheese often becomes rubbery.
Instead, I prefer using a skillet on the stovetop. I heat it over medium, add the slice, and cover for a minute. This method always gives me melty cheese and a crispy bottom.
Safe Storage Practices
Proper storage is critical to enjoying leftover pizza safely. I’ll share some tips to keep your slices fresh and tasty.
Refrigeration Tips
I always put leftover pizza in the fridge within 2 hours of it cooling down. It’s best to use airtight containers or wrap slices tightly in plastic or aluminum foil. This keeps the pizza from drying out and prevents it from picking up other food smells.
Stacking slices? I put wax paper between them to stop them from sticking together.
Pizza stays good in the fridge for 3-4 days. After that, it’s time to toss it. Before eating, I check for signs of spoilage, like mold or weird smells.
Pro tip: Keep pizza away from raw meats in the fridge to avoid cross-contamination.
Freezing Pizza
When I want to keep pizza longer, I freeze it. This method can last up to two months!
I wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then foil. This double-wrapping method helps prevent freezer burn. I label the package with the date to know when I froze it.
To thaw, I move slices to the fridge overnight. For a quick thaw, I use the microwave on 50% power.
Frozen pizza might lose some texture, but it’s still yummy. I’ve found toppings like veggies and meats freeze better than plain cheese pizza.
Best Equipment for Reheating Pizza
I’ve tried many ways to warm up leftover pizza and found that the right tools make a big difference. Here are some of the best options I’ve discovered:
- Oven or Toaster Oven: This is my go-to for crispy crust. I like to use a baking sheet or pizza stone to get that perfect texture.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: I love using a skillet for quick results. It’s also great for maintaining the integrity of the pizza’s taste and texture.
- Air Fryer: This newer gadget is fantastic for reheating pizza. It gives me consistent heat from all directions, resulting in a crispy crust and melty cheese.
- Microwave: While not my top choice, it’s handy in a hurry. I always use a microwave-safe plate and a damp paper towel to prevent the crust from getting soggy.
- Pizza Stone: This is perfect for recreating that fresh-from-the-pizzeria taste. I preheat it in the oven for the best results.
Jesmin Bithi, the co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a culinary maestro who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the platform. Jesmin’s journey in the food world started in her home kitchen, experimenting with different recipes and flavors. Her passion for cooking soon transcended the boundaries of her kitchen, leading her to become a professional chef.
