The Best Way to Reheat Pizza
Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD
| 3 min read
Opening the fridge and spotting leftover pizza is always a small victory — but reheating it the wrong way can quickly turn it into a soggy disappointment. Too much time in the microwave can leave the crust rubbery, while the oven can sometimes dry out the toppings if you’re not careful. With a few simple techniques, you can bring leftover pizza back to life.
Here’s how to reheat pizza properly using three common methods: the microwave, stovetop and oven.
The best microwave method (fastest option)
The microwave is the quickest way to reheat pizza, but it’s also the method most likely to ruin the texture if you’re not careful. Microwaves heat unevenly and can turn crust chewy. The trick is to use water to balance the moisture.
Steps:
- Place your slice of pizza on a microwave-safe plate.
- Fill a small microwave-safe cup with water.
- Put the cup next to the pizza in the microwave.
- Heat for 30 to 45 seconds.
- Check the slice and add 10 to 15 seconds if needed.
The water absorbs some of the microwave energy, helping prevent the crust from becoming rubbery while keeping the cheese soft and melty.
Best for:
- One or two slices
- Quick lunches or late-night snacks
- When you’re in a hurry
The stovetop method (best overall)
If you want crispy crust and gooey cheese, the stovetop method is widely considered the best way to revive leftover pizza. It takes a few minutes longer than the microwave, but the results are far superior.
Steps
- Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Place the pizza slice in the pan (no oil needed).
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom becomes crispy.
- Add a few drops of water to the pan away from the pizza.
- Immediately cover with a lid.
- Let the slice steam for about one minute until the cheese melts.
The pan crisps the crust while the steam melts the cheese without drying out the toppings.
Best for:
- One to three slices
- Getting that “fresh out of the oven” texture
- Crispy crust lovers
The oven method (best for multiple slices)
When reheating several slices or an entire pizza, the oven is your best option. It evenly warms everything and restores the crust’s structure.
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place pizza slices directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Heat for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove once the cheese bubbles and the crust is crisp.
Tips for perfect reheated pizza
1. Avoid reheating pizza multiple times. Repeated reheating dries out the crust and toughens the cheese.
2. Store pizza properly first. Place slices in an airtight container or wrap them in foil before refrigerating.
3. Let pizza sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before reheating. This helps it heat more evenly.
With these techniques, yesterday’s pizza can taste almost as satisfying as the first slice.
