The Best Absolute Way to Reheat Leftover Pizza
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There is nothing better than opening the fridge to leftover pizza. Below are 3 surefire methods for reheating pizza so it tastes almost as fresh as it did when you got it! Whether you are using the microwave, the oven, or a skillet on the stove, there is a method for you in this quick guide to reheating pizza.
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Table of Contents
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Does it matter how you reheat pizza?
How you reheat pizza is a matter of personal preference and it depends on what’s important to you when it comes to leftover pizza. Are you looking for speed? And extra crispy crust? The best-tasting leftover pizza? Do you just want the easiest method possible for reheating pizza? We’ve got you covered with 3 foolproof methods for reheating pizza.
Reheating Pizza in the Oven
Reheating pizza in the oven is an all-around great option. The crust is crispy, the cheese is gooey, and the toppings are sizzling. It will taste very similar to a fresh pizza, and it is a fairly easy method as well.
- Heat your oven to 350°F.
- Either preheat a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven and place the leftover pizza on the hot stone, or place the pizza on a piece of foil and put it directly on the rack in the oven. Any of these methods will heat the pizza evenly from both sides and lead to a crispy crust.
- Heat the pizza for 10 minutes until the pizza is warmed through, the crust is crispy, and the cheese is melted. For a crisper slice of pizza continue to cook the pizza to your desired doneness.
Tip: You can also use a toaster oven if you are only working with a few slices.
Pros and Cons of Reheating in the Oven
Pros:
- Crispy crust
- Tastes like fresh
- Easy and hands-off
- Gooey melted cheese
- Easy to reheat large portions
Cons:
- Takes longer than the other methods
- Heats up your house
- Heating a whole oven is a lot for a few slices
Reheating Pizza in the Microwave
Using the microwave to reheat pizza is for sure the fastest and easiest method for reheating leftover pizza. There isn’t much to say about this method other than its best used when you need pizza fast! It makes the crust a little soggy and chewy, the topping doesn’t get crispy and sizzling, but the cheese does get melted and gooey.
- Place the pizza on a microwave-safe plate.
- Place a cup of water inside the microwave next to the plate to help heat the pizza evenly.
- Cook on high for 45-second intervals until the pizza is warmed to your liking.
Pros and Cons of Reheating in the Microwave
Pros:
- Super fast and convenient
- Works if you are only cooking a few slices
Cons:
- Soggy crust chewy crust
- Microwave can dry out the pizza
- Doesn’t taste like fresh pizza
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Reheating Pizza on the Stove
Stovetop reheating is an underrated method for heating up leftover pizza. It’s perfect for heating a slice or two, the crust gets crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. It also doesn’t take very long to heat pizza on the stove.
- Heat a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add slices of pizza crust side down and cook uncovered for a few minutes.
- Once the bottom crust is crispy, carefully add a few drops of water to the pan, making sure not to get it on the pizza itself.
- Quickly cover the pan to trap the steam and melt the cheese.
Pros and Cons of reheating on the Stove
Pros:
- Great for heating up a few slices
- The bottom crust the crispy
- The steaming help make the cheese soft and gooey
- Easy clean up with only one pan used
Cons:
- A more hands on method than the other two
- The cheese won’t crisp and bubble like in the oven
- Doesn’t taste exactly like a fresh pizza although quite delicious.
The Best Way to Store Leftover Pizza
To keep leftover pizza fresh during storage, avoid putting the box of pizza straight into the fridge. Instead transfer the pizza to an airtight container or wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating Pizza FAQs
Which method has the crispiest crust?
Using the oven to reheat pizza leads to the crispiest overall crust, with the stovetop coming in a close second
Which method for reheating pizza is the fastest?
The microwave is by far the fastest method for reheating pizza, although it does leave something to be desired in terms of freshness and crispy crust.
How do I reheat a deep dish or stuffed crust pizza?
Deep dish and stuffed crust pizza can be reheated using any of the 3 methods, although cooking times will vary.
How can I make leftover pizza taste better?
To make leftover pizza taste almost as good as it was when it was fresh, add some fresh cheese and toppings before reheating in the oven.
Can you freeze leftover pizza?
Leftover pizza can be frozen in a resealable bag for up to 2 months. The longer it is frozen the less fresh it will taste.
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The Best Absolute Way to Reheat Leftover Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 slice pizza
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Instructions
Reheating Pizza in the Oven:
- Heat your oven to 350°F.
- Either preheat a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven and place the leftover pizza on the hot stone, or place the pizza on a piece of foil and put it directly on the rack in the oven. Any of these methods will heat the pizza evenly from both sides and lead to a crispy crust.
- Heat the pizza for 10 minutes until the pizza is warmed through, the crust is crispy, and the cheese is melted. For a crisper slice of pizza continue to cook the pizza to your desired doneness.
Reheating Pizza in the Microwave
- Place the pizza on a microwave safe plate.
- Place a cup of water inside the microwave next to the plate to help heat the pizza evenly.
- Cook on high for 45 seconds intervals until the pizza is warmed to your liking.
Reheating Pizza on the Stove
- Heat a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add slices of pizza crust side down and cook uncovered for a few minutes.
- Once the bottom crust is crispy, carefully add a few drops of water to the pan, making sure not to get it on the pizza itself.
- Quickly cover the pan to trap the steam and melt the cheese.