How to Reheat Pizza
Cold pizza can be a treat, but sometimes you just want that hot, crispy, cheesy slice like it was fresh from the oven. The good news? You can reheat pizza so it tastes almost like fresh. No soggy crust or rubbery cheese! Keep reading to learn the best ways to reheat pizza, whether you've got one slice or a whole pie.
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Why Reheating Pizza the Right Way Matters
Not all reheating methods are created equal. Done wrong, you'll end up with a soggy base, soft crust or dried-out sauce and toppings. Done right, the crust stays crisp (not burnt), the cheese melts evenly and the toppings taste fresh again. Choosing the right method can make the difference between just decent and truly amazing!
These methods work whether you're reheating homemade pizza or Friday night's delivery.
How to Reheat Pizza in the Oven
This is the most reliable way to get pizza close to its original texture.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place the pizza directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crisp. For extra-crispy crust, place the pizza on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone.
How to Reheat Pizza in a Skillet
Great for reheating 1-2 slices and keeping the crust perfectly crisp. This works well for thin-crust pizza.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the pizza and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes, until the crust starts to crisp.
- Add a few drops of water to the pan (away from the pizza), then cover for 1-2 minutes. The steam will melt the cheese without making the crust soggy.
How to Reheat Pizza in the Air Fryer
This method is fast and convenient, with results similar to the oven.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the pizza in a single layer in the basket.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, checking at the 3-minute mark.
Tip: If the crust is browning too quickly, lower the temperature to 325°F and extend the time slightly.
How to Reheat Pizza in the Microwave
The microwave is the quickest option, but it's also the easiest way to ruin the texture. The trick? Use a mug of water.
- Place your pizza on a microwave-safe plate.
- Put a microwave-safe mug of water in the microwave next to it.
- Heat for 30-45 seconds. The steam from the water helps keep the crust from getting chewy. This won't make the crust crispy, but it works in a pinch!
How to Reheat Frozen Pizza Slices
If you've frozen leftover pizza, there's no need to thaw first.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place frozen slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until hot and crisp.
Quick Pizza Reheating Tips
- Low and slow wins! Don't blast the pizza at high heat or the crust will burn before the cheese melts.
- Don't stack slices while reheating. The steam will make them soggy.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the cheese from sticking.
- Skip the microwave if you want crispiness. It's best for quick reheats only.
- If the pizza hasn't been sliced yet, or is mostly whole, reheat it in the oven for the cheesiest results.
The Verdict
- The oven gives the most consistent, crispy results.
- A cast iron skillet works for a crisp crust on just a slice or two.
- Air fryers are quick and reliable, with minimal cleanup.
- The microwave with water trick works for speed, but won't crisp the crust.
- For frozen pizza, bake directly from frozen at 375°F until hot and crisp.
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