Best Way to Reheat Pizza: A Guide to Enjoying Leftovers Perfectly

Reheating pizza can be a tricky task, as you want to maintain the perfect balance of crispy crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings. Luckily, there are a few tried-and-true strategies that can help you achieve the best results when warming up a slice or two at home.

I’ve got the top methods for reviving leftover pizza, including reheating in the oven, on the stove, or even using a gas grill. Each technique offers its advantages, so consider your preferences and resources when deciding which one to use. As you explore these methods, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, restaurant-quality pizza from the comfort of your home.

Oven Method

Reheating with Aluminum Foil in the Oven

When using aluminum foil to reheat pizza in the oven, first preheat your oven to 375°F. While waiting for the oven to heat, line a baking tray or pizza pan with foil and place it in the oven for a few, three to four minutes, to heat up.

Once the oven and foil-lined tray are ready, carefully place your cold pizza onto the preheated tray, ensuring that the pizza slices don’t overlap. This method helps keep the crust crispy by zapping the extra moisture from the crust as the pizza heats up. Bake the pizza for approximately 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

Reheating Pizza in the Oven on the Rack

Another way to reheat pizza in the oven is by placing it directly on the oven rack. First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the oven is ready, you can:

Place the pizza directly on the oven rack for an even heating on both the top and bottom. Be sure to put a piece of foil underneath to catch any drippings and make cleanup easier.
Bake the pizza for around 10 minutes or until you see that the cheese is melted and it feels warm throughout.

Remember to keep an eye on your pizza to avoid overcooking or burning the crust.

Stovetop Methods

Using a Nonstick Skillet

To reheat pizza using a nonstick skillet, first heat it over medium heat. You don’t need to add oil, as the oil from the pizza will help crisp the crust. Place a pizza slice in the pan and let it cook for about one or two slices minutes or until the crust is nice and crisp. To make the cheese melty, sprinkle a few drops of water in the pan around the slice, avoiding the slice itself. This method helps you achieve a crispy crust and gooey cheese.

Using a Cast-Iron Skillet

Reheating pizza in a cast iron pan is also quite effective. Begin by preheating the skillet on medium to low heat. Once the skillet is hot, place your pizza slice onto the hot surface. Let the pizza cook for a couple of minutes until the crust becomes crispy.

To help melt the cheese, you can add a lid to the skillet, briefly covering it for 30 seconds to a minute. The trapped steam will heat the toppings and melt the cheese. Be careful not to leave the lid on for too long, or your pizza will become soggy.

Using a Stainless Steel Skillet

If you’re using a stainless steel skillet, the process is similar to the cast-iron skillet method. Preheat the skillet to medium heat and add your pizza slice. You may want to put a small amount of oil in the pan before adding the pizza to prevent sticking.

Cook the slice for a couple of minutes to achieve a crispy crust, then add a few drops of water to the pan and cover with a lid for about a minute. The steam created by the water will help melt the cheese and heat the toppings. Again, be cautious not to over-steam your pizza to maintain that perfect crispiness and texture.

Alternative Methods

Using a Toaster Oven

A toaster oven can be a quick and convenient option for reheating pizza. Simply preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C), place the slices on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack for a crispier result, and heat for 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pizza. Keep an eye on the pizza to make sure it doesn’t overcook or burn. This method ensures a crispy crust and melted cheese without drying out the toppings.

Using an Air Fryer

An air fryer is another effective method to reheat pizza and achieve a crispy crust. Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) and place the pizza slices in the basket, being careful not to overlap them. Reheat for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. This method works well if you prefer a slightly crispier crust compared to the toaster oven method.

Reheating in the Microwave

While using a microwave to reheat pizza may not result in the crispiest crust, it is definitely the quickest option. To make the crust slightly crispier in the microwave, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap the steam.

Microwave at full power for 30-45 seconds, then check to see if it’s heated through, adjusting the time as needed. Keep in mind that this method could lead to a softer crust, but it’s still a great option if you’re in a hurry.

What is My Favorite Way to Reheat Cold Pizza

Reheating leftover pizza on the stovetop using a nonstick or cast iron skillet gives my leftover slices a golden underside and gooey top. Place the slice in, add drops of water for steam, and cover. Heat on medium-low. No soggy crust with his method! It crisps the base while melting the cheese perfectly, reviving the pizza with a perfectly crispy crust. Quick, easy, and delicious!

How Will You Reheat Your Leftover Pizza?

So what is the best way to reheat pizza? You can take numerous paths to reheat leftover pizza, each with its unique benefits and potential drawbacks.

Whether you;

opt for the crispness imparted by an oven or a skillet on the stovetop
the convenience of a toaster oven
the innovative air frying technique, or even
the speed of a microwave

the goal remains the same: to revive your pizza slice to its former glory.

Each method serves to coax out the textures and flavors that made the pizza so enjoyable when it was fresh, ensuring that not a single slice goes to waste.

The best way to reheat your pizza comes down to how you like your crust and toppings, the tools you have at your disposal, and the time you’re willing to invest.

Whichever method you choose, with these guidelines, you’re equipped to bring your leftovers back to life and savor your pizza as if it’s straight from the pizzeria.