The best way to reheat leftover pizza? The oven.
Simply popping slices in the microwave often leaves pizza soggy, while takeout boxes result in a reheated mess.
But following a few simple steps for how to reheat pizza in oven guarantees crisped crust and melted cheese – for perfect results.
From preheating temperatures to cook times and rack positioning, this complete guide covers exactly how to reheat pizza in oven like a pro so you can enjoy that new pizza flavor without effort.
What is a Good Temperature to Reheat Pizza in the Oven?
The optimal temperature range to reheat pizza in the oven is between 350 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
The higher end of this range is best for crunchy crust lovers while lower temperatures around 350 produce softer crusts.
Either way, preheat the oven for at least 10 minutes before adding the pizza on a foil lined baking sheet.
For most pizza varieties, 10 to 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal – bringing the cheese and toppings back up to temperature while crisping the crust edges with a bit of chewiness in the center.
How Long Does it Take to Reheat Pizza in the Oven at 350?
Reheating pizza in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit typically takes between 8 to 15 minutes depending on the type and amount of toppings.
For single layer thin crust pizza with lighter toppings like cheese or pepperoni, count on around 8 to 10 minutes.
Thicker crusts with more toppings such as vegetables, meat and multiple cheeses will require 11 to 15 minutes of bake time.
During this period, periodically remove the pizza from the oven and, using oven mitts, lift up a section to check if the cheese is melted and bubbling.
When the crust has reached your desired crispness and the toppings are hot throughout, the pizza is ready.
The internal temperature of the reheated pizza slices should be around 165 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Reheat Pizza in the Oven
Here is a step-by-step guide for reheating pizza in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher the temperature, the faster the crust will crisp up.
- Place the leftover pizza directly onto a foil lined baking sheet. The foil will catch any melted cheese and oil for easy cleanup.
- If the pizza is in its original cardboard box, transfer the slices to the baking sheet. Baking the pizza directly in the box is not recommended.
- Bake the pizza for 8 to 15 minutes depending on the type of pizza and desired crispness. Check the pizza every few minutes, lifting up an edge with oven mitts to see if the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- For more even heating, turn the pizza slices over halfway through the baking time.
- When the crust is crisp and the toppings are hot throughout, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the pizza rest on the sheet for 1 to 2 minutes before slicing. This allows the pizza to firm up to avoid cheese pull.
- Test the internal temperature of the pizza with an instant read thermometer. It should reach 165 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit for proper reheating.
- Slice and serve the pizza immediately. Top with extra oregano, parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Does this more detailed, step-by-step walkthrough provide enough context and clarity on effectively reheating pizza in the oven for optimum results.
How to Reheat Pizza the Toaster Oven
Here are the basic steps for reheating pizza in a toaster oven:
- Preheat the toaster oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Small countertop ovens heat up quickly so only preheat for about 5 minutes.
- Place the leftover pizza directly on the rack of the toaster oven or on a foil lined baking pan for easier cleanup.
- Bake the pizza for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the size and number of slices. Check the pizza every couple of minutes by lifting an edge with oven mitts to see if the cheese is melting.
- For thin crust pizza, rotate or flip the slices halfway through for more even heating. Thicker crusts likely don’t need to be flipped.
- The pizza is done when the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Remove it from the oven and let rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Test the internal temperature with a thermometer. It should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for proper reheating.
- Slice and serve the pizza, garnishing with extra toppings if desired. Toaster ovens create crispy crusts and melty cheese in half the time of a full size oven.
Hope this overview provides a helpful guide to reheating leftover pizza in a countertop toaster oven!
How to Reheat Pizza in the Oven Without Drying Out?
Here are some key tips for reheating pizza in the oven without drying it out:
- Cover the pizza with foil for the first half of the baking time. This will trap steam and help keep the crust moist. Remove the foil for the second half to allow the crust to crisp up.
- Use a lower oven temperature, around 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The extra bake time at a gentler heat will re-soften the crust and melt the cheese without making the crust overly dry.
- Periodically lift up an edge of the pizza to check the progress. Remove it from the oven as soon as the cheese is melty and the crust is semi-firm. The longer it bakes, the more moisture will evaporate.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the moisture to redistribute and settle back into the crust. This will make it taste fresher.
- Lightly brush or sprinkle the crust with oil before baking. The extra fat and moisture will help keep the crust from becoming brittle as it reheats.
- Add a damp paper towel to the baking sheet. The moisture from the towel will create steam in the oven and help the pizza crust retain moisture instead of drying out.
- Resist the urge to crisp the crust completely. Aim for a semi-firm, slightly chewy crust for optimal moisture content and fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture.
With these tricks, you can enjoy reheated pizza in the oven that tastes almost as good as the first time around – without suffering from a dried out crust and stale leftovers.
How to Reheat Other Types of Pizza
Reheating pizza is a great way to enjoy your favorite pizza leftovers. However, different types of pizza require different methods for reheating to maintain their texture and taste. Look more Here!
Other Ways to Reheat Pizza
The oven isn’t your only option for reheating leftover pizza. When time is short or you need a fast fix, try these oven-free methods that still deliver satisfying results:
Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer
Here are the steps to reheat pizza in an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal for crisping the crust while melting the cheese.
- Place the leftover pizza directly on the air fryer basket or tray, fitting as many slices as will fit in a single layer.
- Cook the pizza for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the type of crust and amount of toppings. Check the progress every few minutes by lifting up an edge with pot holders.
- For more even cooking, shake or rotate the pizza halfway through the cooking time. Crusty or thick-crust pizza will likely need to be flipped or rotated.
- The pizza is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling and the crust is crisped to your desired texture. Resist overcooking to avoid a dry crust.
- Remove the pizza from the air fryer and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes before serving. This allows the slices to firm up and the cheese to set.
- For thinner crust pizza slices, spritz the top with olive oil or cooking spray halfway through cooking for an extra crispy finish.
- Enjoy your crispy, melty air-fried pizza! The convection heat and quick cook time of an air fryer make it an excellent alternative to traditional oven reheating.
Hope this overview provides a helpful guide for reheating leftover pizza in an air fryer.
Reheat Pizza in a Microwave
Here are the steps to properly reheat pizza in a microwave:
- Remove any metal pans or covers from the pizza. Only microwave-safe containers and plates should be used.
- Place the pizza on a microwave-safe plate or in a greased glass dish. Do not fold the pizza in half or stack slices.
- Microwave the pizza in 30-second increments, checking and rotating the plate between each interval. Cooking times will vary depending on the microwave wattage and number of slices.
- During the first 30 seconds, the crust will lose some of its crispiness. After that, heat in 10-15 second bursts to avoid making the crust too soggy.
- Allow the pizza to rest for 1-2 minutes after microwaving to allow the steam to dissipate and the crust to become crisp again.
- For an extra crispier crust, brush or spray olive oil on the crust edges before microwaving. You can also lay paper towels over the pizza to absorb excess moisture.
- Toppings like vegetables may require a bit longer microwaving to reach an optimal temperature. Check these items carefully during the heating process.
- Avoid letting cheese pool or form large globs. Gently break up any major cheese pockets with a spatula between heating intervals.
With these techniques, microwaving can provide an edible – though not ideal – solution for reheating leftover pizza.
The best flavor comes from oven reheating, but the microwave is a decent option for a quick, no-hassle meal when time is limited.
Reheat Pizza on a Skillet or Frying Pan
Here are the steps to reheat pizza on a skillet or frying pan:
- Place a skillet or frying pan over medium heat on the stove. Nonstick skillets work best for easy release.
- Lay the leftover pizza slices directly in the pan. You can also place the slices on a silicone mat or greased foil for easy removal.
- Cook the pizza until the underside is warmed through and the cheese starts to melt, about 2 to 4 minutes. Rotate the slices to an even color on the bottom.
- Using a spatula, carefully flip each slice. Cook the second side until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes more. Rotate the slices as needed for even cooking.
- For a panini-style reheated pizza, place a heavier pan or plate over the cooking slices and weigh it down with cans or a filled pan. This will press the pizza perfectly flat.
- Cook undisturbed until the cheese is fully melted and the crust is crisp, 2 to 4 minutes more. Remove the weights and flip again if desired.
- Transfer the pizza slices to a platter and allow to rest for 1 to 2 minutes before serving. The rest time reabsorbs moisture for a crisp-chewy texture.
- For an extra crispy pizza crust, lightly brush or spray the surface with oil before cooking and periodically during the process.
The stovetop method produces a crust that is more evenly heated and crisp on both sides compared to the microwave.
However, it does require a bit more supervision and manual flipping of the slices.
Conclusion
Since a young age, my love for pizza has only grown stronger. As a writer, I am dedicated my career to exploring the art behind a perfect pie. From the crisp crunch of the crust to the perfect blend of savory sauce and gooey cheese, I dedicated to captures the essence of what makes pizza so beloved. With each article, I hopes to inspire others to share in my passion for this timeless dish.