There’s nothing quite like leftover pizza. But a cold, soggy slice from the fridge is a sad shadow of its former self. If you want to know how to reheat a pizza in oven, you’re in the right place. This method is the best way to bring back that crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese you love. It beats the microwave every single time.
Using your oven is simple and gives you the most control over the final result. Whether you have one slice or a whole pie, the principles are the same. You just need a little heat, a little time, and the right technique. Let’s get your pizza back to its hot and delicious best.
How to Reheat a Pizza in Oven
This is the classic method for reheating pizza. It works for any type of pizza, from thin crust to deep dish. The goal is to warm the toppings through while making the crust crispy again. You don’t need any special equipment, just a standard kitchen oven and a baking sheet.
Here’s what you’ll need:
* Your leftover pizza
* A baking sheet or oven-safe pan
* Aluminum foil (optional)
* Parchment paper (optional)
* Oven
Step-by-Step Oven Reheating:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by turning your oven on. Set it to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is high enough to crisp the crust but not so high that it will burn the toppings before the inside is warm. Let the oven fully preheat; this is key for even heating.
2. Prepare Your Pan: While the oven heats, get your baking sheet ready. You can place the pizza directly on the sheet. For easier cleanup, you can line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Some people prefer a bare sheet for a slightly crisper bottom.
3. Arrange the Pizza: Place your pizza slices on the sheet. Make sure they aren’t touching or overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate around each slice, which helps everything get crispy. If you’re reheating a whole pizza, you can put it on the sheet all at once.
4. Heat It Up: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. The reheating time will vary. For one or two slices, start checking at about 5-7 minutes. For a whole pizza or more slices, it may take 8-12 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly and the edges of the crust to look crisp.
5. Serve Immediately: Once your pizza looks perfect, carefully take it out of the oven. Let it cool for just a minute on the sheet—the cheese will be extremely hot. Then, transfer it to a plate and enjoy right away. Reheated pizza is best eaten fresh from the oven.
This method consistently delivers great results. The even, dry heat of the oven refreshes the pizza beautifully. It’s the closest you’ll get to that fresh-from-the-pizzeria experience at home.
Why the Oven is the Best Reheating Method
You might wonder why we don’t just use the microwave. It’s faster, right? While speed is good, the results are not. The microwave heats by exciting water molecules, which steams your food. For pizza, this means a soggy, limp crust and rubbery cheese.
The oven uses radiant and convection heat. This means it heats the surface of the pizza evenly, melting the cheese and warming the toppings from the outside in. Most importantly, it removes moisture from the crust, making it crispy again. The dry heat is what makes all the difference. It preserves the texture that makes pizza so good in the first place.
Another benefit is flexibility. You can reheat any amount, from a single slice to multiple pies, with the same great outcome. You also have more control. If you like your crust extra crispy, you can leave it in for a minute or two longer. If you just want it warm and soft, you can take it out sooner.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Reheated Slice
Once you’ve mastered the basic oven method, a few extra tricks can make your pizza even better. These tips address common problems like dry crust or unevenly heated toppings.
* The Skillet Start: For an incredible crust, start your slice in a non-stick skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid. This will crisp the bottom and warm the toppings through steam. Then, finish it under the oven broiler for 30-60 seconds to melt and bubble the cheese on top. It’s a two-step process, but the results are fantastic.
* Add a Bit of Moisture: If you’re worried about the crust drying out, you can add a tiny bit of moisture. Before putting the pizza in the oven, lightly sprinkle a few drops of water around the crust on the baking sheet, not on the pizza itself. The steam created will help keep the crust tender as it heats.
* Revive Stale Crust: For crust that has gone very hard in the fridge, try this. Run the very edge of the crust under the tap for a quick second, just to wet it. Then, reheat as normal in the oven. The water will create steam inside the crust, helping to soften it from the inside out as it warms.
* Broiler Finish: If your cheese isn’t as bubbly and golden as you’d like after reheating, switch your oven to the broil setting for the last minute. Watch it closely! The broiler’s intense top heat will quickly brown the cheese and toppings, giving it a fresh-baked look.
Reheating Different Types of Pizza
Not all pizzas are created equal. Different styles may need slight adjustments to the standard oven method.
Thin Crust & New York Style: These are perfect for the standard 375°F method. They reheat quickly because they are thin. Keep a close eye on them after the 5-minute mark to prevent over-crisping or burning.
Deep Dish & Sicilian Style: These thicker, doughier pizzas need more time. You might want to lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and extend the heating time to 12-15 minutes. This allows the heat to penetrate all the way to the center without burning the top. Covering loosely with foil for the first half of the time can help.
Frozen Pizza: You are essentially cooking it from frozen, so follow the package instructions. This usually means a higher temperature (like 425°F) and a longer time. Don’t try to use the leftover pizza timing for a frozen pie.
Gourmet Pizzas with Delicate Toppings: For pizzas with fresh arugula, prosciutto, or a delicate drizzle of sauce added after baking, reheat the plain cheese or base pizza first. Then, add those fresh toppings after it comes out of the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple process like reheating pizza can go wrong. Here are the pitfalls to steer clear of.
* Oven Not Preheated: Putting pizza in a cold oven leads to uneven heating and a soggy result. Always wait for it to reach the right temperature.
* Overcrowding the Pan: If slices are piled on top of each other or touching, they will steam instead of crisp. Give them space.
* Temperature Too High: Cranking the oven to 450°F might seem faster, but it will likely burn the cheese and toppings before the crust is properly warmed. 375°F is the sweet spot.
* Using the Microwave First: Some people try to microwave it and then crisp it in the oven. This usually ends with a tough, chewy crust. It’s better to just use the oven from the start.
* Forgetting to Check: Ovens vary, and the number of slices changes the timing. Don’t just set a timer and walk away. Start checking a few minutes before you think it will be done.
Equipment You Can Use (Besides a Baking Sheet)
You have a few options for what to place your pizza on in the oven. Each has its own slight effect.
* Baking Sheet/Rack: The standard. Provides a solid surface for a crispy bottom.
* Oven-Safe Cooling Rack: Place this on top of your baking sheet, and put the pizza on the rack. This elevates the slice, allowing hot air to circulate underneath. This can lead to an extra-crispy crust all over.
* Cast Iron Skillet: A great choice. Preheat the skillet in the oven, then add the pizza. The cast iron holds heat brilliantly and gives a fantastic, fried-like crust on the bottom.
* Pizza Stone or Steel: If you have one, this is the ultimate tool. Preheat the stone or steel in the oven for at least 30 minutes. Then, slide your pizza onto it. It replicates a pizza oven’s floor, giving you a professional-quality crisp crust.
Storing Leftover Pizza Correctly
How you store your pizza has a huge impact on how well it reheats later. Good storage sets you up for success.
The best way to store leftover pizza is in the refrigerator, wrapped properly. Here’s how:
1. Let the pizza cool to room temperature after your meal. Don’t put a hot pizza box in the fridge.
2. Wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap. The goal is to keep as much air out as possible to prevent the crust from getting stale and the toppings from drying out.
3. Place the wrapped pizza in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag for an extra layer of protection.
4. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
You can also freeze pizza for longer storage. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place all the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air and seal. It can last for 1-2 months. To reheat, you don’t need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes to the oven time.
What About the Air Fryer?
The air fryer has become a popular kitchen gadget, and it’s excellent for reheating pizza. It works on the same principle as a convection oven—circulating hot air—but in a smaller, more intense space.
To reheat pizza in an air fryer:
1. Preheat it to 370°F.
2. Place a slice or two in the basket, not overlapping.
3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway.
It’s incredibly fast and gives a very crispy crust. The only downside is capacity; you can usually only do one or two slices at a time. For a single serving, it’s a fantastic alternative to the oven.
FAQ Section
What temperature should I reheat pizza in the oven?
375°F (190°C) is the ideal temperature. It’s hot enough to crisp the crust effectively but not so hot that it burns the toppings before the center is warm.
How long does it take to reheat pizza in the oven?
For one or two slices, start checking at 5-7 minutes. For a whole pizza or several slices, it may take 8-12 minutes. Always keep an eye on it, as oven performance can vary.
Can you reheat pizza in a toaster oven?
Absolutely. A toaster oven is perfect for reheating pizza, especially for just a slice or two. Use the same temperature (375°F) and process as a regular oven. It may be even faster due to the smaller cavity.
How do you keep pizza crust from getting hard when reheating?
The oven method itself prevents hardness by crisping rather than drying. If your crust is already stale, the quick water trick on the very edge can help. Also, avoid overheating it; take it out as soon as the cheese is melted.
Is it safe to reheat pizza more than once?
It is not recommended. Each time you cool and reheat food, you take it through the “temperature danger zone” where bacteria can grow. For safety and best quality, only reheat the amount you plan to eat immediately.
Can I reheat pizza that was left out overnight?
No. Perishable food like pizza should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Pizza left out overnight should be discarded for safety reasons.
What’s the best way to reheat a frozen pizza slice?
You can reheat it directly from frozen. Place it on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven. It will likely need 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and the crust is hot all the way through.
Reheating pizza in the oven is a simple skill that pays off every time you have leftovers. With a little patience and the right heat, you can enjoy a slice that rivals its original freshness. No more soggy microwaved pizza or disappointing cold bites. Just hot, crispy, cheesy perfection that makes you glad you had some left over.