Can You Reheat Pizza in the Oven? How to Do It?
There's nothing quite like a hot, fresh slice of pizza straight out of the oven. But what about those leftover slices from last night's delivery?
In this article, we'll walk you through the simple steps to reheat pizza in the oven for optimal results every time.
Your pizza oven is the best tool for the job. So preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy a slice that tastes almost as good as the day it was delivered. Let's get started!
Key Takeaways:
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Pizza oven can be used for more than just making pizzas. It can also be used to reheat pre-made pizzas.
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Pizza can also be heated using microwaves, toaster ovens, etc.
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Not all pizzas are tasty reheating.
How to Reheating Pizza in Oven
Using an oven is one of the best ways to reheat pizza for rviving a crispy crust and gooey melted cheese. Using a hot baking sheet for a crispier result or covering the pizza for a softer crust allows you to customize it to your preference. With a little patience, your leftover pizza will taste almost as good as fresh!
For a Crispy Crisp Thin-Crust Pizza :
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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place it in the oven to get hot.
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Once the baking sheet is hot, carefully take it out and place the cold pizza slices on it. The direct contact with the hot surface will help crisp the bottom of the crust.
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Put the baking sheet with the pizza back in the oven and bake for 7-10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp. Thinner crust pizza will take less time than thicker crust or deep dish.
For a Softer Crust:
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Preheat the oven to 275°F. Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
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Cover the baking sheet tightly with more foil, making sure it doesn't touch the pizza.
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Place the covered baking sheet on the lowest rack of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. This allows the pizza to warm up more gradually and keeps the crust from getting too crisp.
*Additional Tips:
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Let the oven preheat fully before putting the pizza in for best results.
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Check the pizza frequently towards the end of the baking time to avoid burning.
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Thicker crust pizzas and those with more toppings will take longer to reheat than thin crust.
Alternative Methods for Reheating Leftover Pizza
Reheating Pizza in a Skillet/Stovetop:
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Place a slice or two of cold pizza in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
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Let the pizza heat for a couple of minutes until the bottom crust is crispy.
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Add a couple drops of water to the side of the pan (not on the pizza) and cover with a lid.
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Let steam for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and toppings are hot.
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For extra gooey cheese, flip the slice over briefly to sizzle the cheese directly on the pan.
Reheating Pizza in the Microwave:
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Place a slice of pizza on a microwave-safe plate along with a mug of water.
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Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds in intervals until the pizza is heated through.
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The water helps prevent the crust from getting soggy by absorbing some of the microwaves.
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Finish in a skillet on the stove for 1-2 minutes to re-crisp the crust if desired.
Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer:
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Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
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Place pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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Air fry for 3-4 minutes, checking frequently, until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
Reheating Pizza in a Toaster Oven:
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Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F. You don't need to wait for it to preheat fully before adding the pizza.
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Place the pizza slices in a single layer on the tray or rack in the toaster oven.
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Bake the pizza for 3-4 minutes if it's a thin crust or 5-8 minutes for a thicker crust or more toppings. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
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For extra melty cheese, you can sprinkle a few drops of water on the pizza before reheating. The steam will help melt the cheese without making the crust soggy.
Notes: If your toaster oven has a "reheat" or "leftovers" function, use that as it's designed to warm food without browning. Set it to 325°F if you have temperature control.
For a toaster oven with a convection fan, set it to 325°F with the fan on. This circulates the hot air and helps crisp the crust.
Pizza for Reheating
Best Pizzas for Reheating:
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Classic cheese pizza, pepperoni pizza, and meat-heavy pizzas. The toppings can withstand the extra heat and will get warm and gooey again.
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Pizzas with a thicker crust or deep dish style tend to reheat better than thin crust, as they are less likely to become soggy or overcooked.
Pizzas Less Suitable for Reheating:
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Pizzas topped with fresh, raw ingredients like greens or herbs won't fare as well. Salad pizza or pizzas with arugula and prosciutto are best eaten cold or at room temperature, as the greens will likely wilt when reheated.
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Thin-crust pizzas can easily become burnt or soggy when reheated if you aren't careful. They require a shorter reheating time and more attention.