Can You Put Pizza Box In Oven?

Reheating leftover pizza in the oven seems simple, but using a pizza box in the oven can be dangerous.

Cardboard pizza boxes are combustible and may catch fire at high temperatures, especially in a preheated oven. Worse, cardboard in the oven can release toxic chemicals from adhesives or inks.

Before deciding to pop that cardboard container into your oven, you can have a look on what pizza boxes are made of and how ovens create heat.

Composition of Pizza Boxes

Pizza boxes are typically made of cardboard, which is highly flammable when exposed to heat.

Most boxes are constructed from corrugated cardboard with a thin outer layer that might have grease-resistant coatings or ink printing. These materials aren't designed to withstand high temperatures.

The glues holding the box together can melt at oven temperatures. Many pizza boxes also contain chemicals and inks that might release toxic chemicals when heated. These substances can potentially contaminate your food when exposed to heat.

Some boxes have plastic or metal elements that pose additional hazards in a hot oven.

Some pizza boxes are treated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to prevent grease from seeping through. These chemicals can leach into your pizza when exposed to heat.

The heating process can also create unpleasant odors that affect the taste of your pizza. Nobody wants their pepperoni slice to taste like heated cardboard and ink!

How Ovens Work

Your oven creates heat through electric elements or gas flames that can reach temperatures between 350 degrees fahrenheit and 500 degrees fahrenheit for normal cooking.

This is well above the ignition point for cardboard, which can catch fire around 450°F. Ovens circulate hot air throughout the enclosed space, which means even at lower temperatures, prolonged exposure can gradually heat cardboard to dangerous levels.

The confined space of an oven creates perfect conditions for fire to spread quickly if cardboard ignites.

A pizza box is particularly dangerous because its flat, thin structure provides plenty of oxygen access. Even at lower temperatures (150-200°F), keeping cardboard in your oven creates an unnecessary fire hazard that isn't worth the risk.

Fire Hazards Associated With Cardboard

Instead of using the original box, transfer your pizza to:

• An oven-safe baking sheet
• Pizza stone
• Aluminum foil
• A dedicated pizza pan

This simple step greatly reduces your risk of an accidental kitchen fire.

Using a Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet

The oven is your best friend for reheating frozen pizza.

Preheat your oven to 375°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside while it heats up. Once hot, place your cold pizza directly on the stone or sheet.

This method helps crisp up the bottom crust while reheating the toppings evenly. For best results, bake for 5-10 minutes depending on the thickness of your slice. Watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese or toppings.

The pizza stone works especially well because it absorbs moisture from the crust, helping restore that fresh-baked texture you loved on day one.

Reheating on the Stovetop

Start with a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-low heat. Place your cold pizza in the pan and cover with a lid or aluminum foil.

This creates a mini-oven effect – the bottom gets crispy from direct contact with the pan, while the lid traps heat to melt the cheese on top. Let it heat for about 2-3 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure the bottom isn't burning.

Your pizza will be ready when the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp.

Microwave Reheating Tips

While not ideal for crispy crust, the microwave can work in a pinch with some clever tricks.

Place a paper towel under your slice to absorb excess moisture. Then, put a microwave-safe cup of water in with your pizza.

Heat on 50% power for 1 minute, check, and continue in 30-second intervals until warm. The water creates steam that helps prevent your cheese from becoming rubbery.

For better results, try the "microwave-to-skillet" combo: partially warm in the microwave for 30 seconds, then finish in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes to crisp up the crust.

Keeping Pizza Warm When it Delivered

When your pizza arrives hot and fresh, you want to keep it that way. There are several methods to maintain that just-delivered warmth.

Oven-Based Strategies

You can use your oven to keep pizza warm at low temperatures.

Set your oven to around 170°F (75°C) - this is warm enough to maintain heat without cooking the pizza further.

Using the box method:

While it's technically possible to put a pizza box in an oven at very low temperatures (around 170°F), it's not the safest option.

A better approach is to remove the pizza from the box and place it on a baking sheet. For best results, cover the pizza loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. This helps trap moisture while allowing some air circulation.

Alternatives to Using an Oven

If you don't want to use your oven, you have other options for keeping pizza warm.

An insulated pizza delivery bag works well and can maintain heat for 30-45 minutes. You can also try wrapping individual slices in aluminum foil. This traps heat effectively and makes for easy reheating later.

Electric warming trays are another good choice for keeping pizza at serving temperature during parties. They typically maintain a consistent low heat that won't overcook your pizza.

Microwave-safe warming plates can be heated first, then used as a base for your pizza plate. The stored heat transfers to your pizza, keeping it warm for 15-20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pizza boxes and ovens are a common source of confusion for many people. Here are answers to the most common questions about using pizza boxes with heat sources.

Is it safe to warm a pizza box in the oven at a low temperature?

No, it's not safe to warm a pizza box in the oven even at low temperatures. While some people suggest 170°F is okay, cardboard can still ignite at this temperature if left long enough.

Pizza boxes contain inks, glues, and chemicals that can release harmful fumes when heated. These substances aren't meant to be heated and could contaminate your food.

What's the maximum temperature to keep a pizza warm in its box inside the oven?

There is no safe temperature to put a pizza box in the oven. Even at the lowest setting (usually 170°F), the cardboard can eventually catch fire or release harmful chemicals.

The ignition point of cardboard is around 400-450°F, but problems can occur at much lower temperatures. The oils from the pizza that soak into the box can make it more flammable.

How do you properly use an oven to keep pizza warm without removing it from the box?

You shouldn't use an oven to warm pizza while it's still in the box.

Instead, remove the pizza from the box and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone. If you need to keep pizza warm for a short time, turn off the oven completely and use only residual heat with the door slightly open. Even this method isn't recommended for cardboard boxes.

Are there any risks of putting a cardboard pizza box in the oven?

Yes, there are serious risks. The most significant danger is fire, as cardboard can ignite in the oven.

The box may release toxic fumes from inks, glues, and coatings when heated. These chemicals aren't food-safe when heated and could contaminate your pizza. The box could also smoke before catching fire, which would ruin your pizza and potentially damage your oven.

What are the alternatives to using an oven for keeping pizza hot if the box can't be used?

Use an insulated pizza delivery bag if you have one. These bags are designed to keep pizza hot without additional heating.

A kitchen towel can work in a pinch. Wrap the pizza (on a plate, not in the box) in a clean kitchen towel to maintain heat.

Use a warming drawer if your kitchen has one. These are designed for keeping food warm at safe temperatures.

Try aluminum foil as a simple solution. Remove the pizza from the box, place it on a plate, and cover lightly with foil to retain heat without using the oven.