We’ve all been there. You just ordered pizza, and you were so sure that you would finish everything before your movie night ended. Alas, you still got a slice or two left.
Having leftover pizza, of course, never goes wrong. It makes a delicious, quick breakfast the next day. If you’re not a fan of eating cold pizza, you might be wondering: what is the best way to heat up leftover pizza without it getting soggy?
We got you covered. In this article, you’ll find out the easy and proper techniques to reheat your leftover pies, so it stays crisp and delicious as day one! So, keep reading.
Can You Reheat Pizza?
Many people can eat pizza at any temperature; warm, cold, or at room temperature. Some people won’t mind having a cold slice of pepperoni pizza for breakfast. It’s quick, tasty, and fulfilling.
If you’re not a fan of cold pizza, you might be wondering how to heat up leftovers, so they are as delicious as ever.
Before reheating the good stuff, let’s check whether it is safe to do. Keep in mind that regardless of the toppings, pizza is perishable. That means you need to keep it refrigerated as soon as possible. If that’s not the case, better safe than sorry.
Check our ultimate guide to reheat leftover pizza, so the base stays crispy, and the cheese topping melts perfectly!
How To Heat Up Pizza On A Skillet
This technique is by far the go-to one when it comes to reheating the cold pie. It is simple, quick, and gives the closest result to freshly-baked slices with a crispy bottom and fully melted cheese.
Here is how you should do it.
1. Use a non-stick skillet that is large enough to allow the entire crust to sit on the pan to let the heat disperses evenly.
2. Place a slice on the pan.
3. Heat on low – medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Once the crust is crisp enough, add a few drops of water into the hot pan, but not on the pizza itself.
5. Turn the heat to low.
6. Cover the pan with a lid for one minute and let the steam melt the cheese perfectly.
7. Done!
How To Warm Up Pizza In An Toaster Oven
This method is suitable for warming up 1 to 2 pizza slices at a time because of its small capacity.
1. Preheat the toaster to 400 to 425 °F.
2. Splash a few drops of water to the top of the slice.
3. Place it directly on the rack.
4. Leave it for 7 to 10 minutes until it is thoroughly heated and the cheese has melted.
How To Reheat Pizza In An Oven
While the stovetop or toaster-oven methods are perfect for reheating one slice or two, those won’t be the best option if you have more pieces to handle. Thus, reheating pizza in oven is your best bet. The oven is also the best way to reheat frozen pizza.
It takes extra time, but it is totally worth the wait. The crust turns out crispy, and the cheese will melt to perfection. Here is how to do it.
1. Set the temperature to 350 to 375 °F.
2. Place the slices on a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Cover the top with aluminum foil.
4. Place on the bottom rack of a cold oven.
5. Bake for 10 minutes or until they are thoroughly heated. If you prefer a crispier crust, bake for another few minutes.
6. Done!
How To Rewarm Pizza In A Microwave
Reheating pizza in a microwave might be the easiest and fastest option. But, this no-brainer technique doesn’t produce the best tasting slices. The crust will end up soggy and chewy.
If you’re in a hurry, but not a fan of cold pizza, reheating in a microwave is still a decent way. But, if you care for a crispier crust, consider finishing it on a skillet. Here is how to do it.
1. Place a slice of pizza on a plate or a microwave-safe dish.
2. Reheat for 30 to 45 seconds or until it is piping hot again.
3. For a crispy crust, finish it on a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
How To Reheat Pizza In An Air Fryer
If you are a fan of air frying everything, you might try it as well with reheating leftover pizza. It is fast and easy, but the end result will not be the best. It is pretty similar as you would have done with a microwave.
Here is how to reheat leftover pizza in an air fryer:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 320 to 350 °F.
2. Place the slices in a single layer.
3. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until each slice is heated through and the cheese melts perfectly.
FAQs
Can you eat day-old pizza?
Yes, suppose it is refrigerated properly. Although it’s not always the case, leaving out pizza overnight might make you sick. According to the USDA, leftover pizza can last for 3 to 4 days if properly refrigerated.
Do you need to refrigerate pizza?
Yes. Regardless of the topping, always refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Make sure to wrap the slices properly and keep them in an airtight container to preserve maximum freshness. Don’t store them in the box they came in. Otherwise, they will go stale and dry quickly.
Can you eat cold pizza?
Yes. As long as it is refrigerated within 2 hours max, it should be fine to eat for up to 3 – 4 days.
Can you eat pizza left out overnight if you reheat it?
According to the USDA, doing so might give you food poisoning. Reheating does kill bacteria. However, when food is left out for too long, some harmful bacteria may grow and produce toxins. These toxins are not destroyed through heating.
Summary
You can reheat leftover pizza in an oven, non-stick skillet, toaster oven, microwave, or air fryer. For a crisp base and perfect ooey-gooey cheese, choose an oven or non-stick skillet. But, if you’re in a hurry and don’t mind with less-crunch crust, other methods are wonderful options too.
Follow our tips for the best ways to heat up leftover pizza so it tastes as good as a freshly-baked one! Don’t forget to make these sides for pizza when serving.
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
