Do you have leftover pizza from last night and want to reheat it for your next meal? The oven is a great way to warm it up. But how long should you keep it in the oven to get that crispy crust and melty cheese without burning it? Here’s how.
Why Choose the Oven to Reheat Pizza?
The oven is one of the best methods for reheating pizza because it evenly distributes heat which will give you that crispy crust and warm toppings. Other methods, like microwaving, often result in a chewy crust.
How to Reheat Leftover Pizza in the Oven
Step 1: Take your pizza out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for up to 10 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat your electric oven (not a toaster oven) to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If you don’t have a baking sheet, you can use aluminum foil directly on the oven rack. You can also place the pizza directly on the oven rack if you prefer a crispier crust.
Step 4: Pop the cold slice into the oven and heat for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it after 8 minutes.
Step 5: Check the pizza. The cheese should be bubbly and the crust should be crispy. If it needs more time, leave it in for another minute or two.
Step 6: Once the pizza looks perfect, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it sit for a minute before digging in.
How Long Should You Reheat Pizza in the Oven?
Generally, you should reheat your pizza for 8 to 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). If you like your pizza on the softer side, check it around the 7-minute mark. If you want a crispier bite, leave it in for the full 10 minutes. If your pizza has a thin crust, this process will take much less time.
How to Avoid a Dry Crust
Before placing your pizza in the oven, lightly mist the crust with a bit of water, or place a small oven-safe dish of water on the rack next to the pizza. This will create steam, which will keep the crust from drying out while it heats. You can also cover the pizza loosely with aluminum foil for the first half of the reheating time to trap moisture.
Signs Your Pizza Is Properly Reheated
Look for these signs:
- The cheese is fully melted and starting to bubble slightly.
- The crust feels firm to the touch and has regained its crispiness.
- The pizza should be hot all the way through, including the toppings.
What Else Can You Use Instead of an Oven?
The oven is the best way to reheat pizza but if you don’t feel like using one, there are a few other ways you can reheat your slices:
Stovetop (in a hot pan): Heat a cast iron pan over medium heat, add the cold pizza slice, and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes to get the crust crispy, then lower the heat and let it cook for another minute or two until the cheese is melted.
Microwave (with a twist): The microwave is a quick option, but it can leave your pizza soggy. To avoid that, place a cup of water in the microwave along with your pizza slice. The water absorbs some of the microwave’s energy, so the pizza heats up more evenly and stays less soggy. Microwave for 30 seconds to a minute.
Air fryer: An air fryer is another great option. It’s fast, and it crisps up the crust nicely. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), and heat your leftover slices for about 3-4 minutes.
Summary
And there you have it – a quick and easy way to reheat your pizza in the oven so it tastes just as good as when it first arrived!
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