Pizza is widely known for being one of the few dishes that tastes just as good, if not better, as leftovers. However, how you choose to reheat your pizza matters, and picking the best method can make all the difference. In this article, we cover the best way to reheat pizza, how long leftover pizza is good for, and several reheating methods to avoid.
Reheating Pizza in the Oven Is the Best Way to Reheat Pizza
Here at Rosati’s Pizza, we believe the best way to reheat pizza is by sticking it in the oven. This method revives the pizza’s crispy crust and gooey cheese without making it soggy. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will allow the pizza to cook evenly without burning.
Prepare the Pizza
Place the leftover pizza slices on a baking sheet or directly on a pizza stone if you have one. If you’re using a baking sheet, you can line it with parchment paper, which both stops the cheese from sticking to the pan and makes for an easier cleanup.
Cover with Foil (Optional)
If you prefer a softer crust, loosely cover your pizza with a sheet of aluminum foil. This will help trap moisture and prevent the crust from getting too crispy.
Reheat Pizza in the Oven
Place the baking sheet with the pizza slices into the preheated oven. Let the pizza heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust and amount of toppings. Thicker pizzas may require a bit more time.
Check for Doneness
After about 10 minutes, check the pizza. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the crust should be heated through and crispy on the edges. If the pizza isn’t quite done, continue heating for another few minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Remove and Serve
Once the pizza is heated through, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts. Transfer the pizza slices to a plate and allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving. Serve the reheated pizza slices while they’re warm and enjoy!
How Long Is Leftover Pizza Good For?
Now that you know the best methods for reheating pizza, the next question is, how long is leftover pizza good for?
Leftover pizza can typically be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. Be sure to store your leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help the leftovers stay fresh longer.
After about four days, the quality of your pizza may start to decline. Usually, the crust will get dry and the toppings may lose some of their flavor. If you don’t think you’re going to be able to eat your leftover pizza within four days, you may want to freeze it. Frozen pizza can last for one to two months if properly wrapped and stored in the freezer. This way, you can enjoy your pizza later without worrying about it going bad.
If you’re unsure whether your leftover pizza is still fresh, it’s better to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Other Options for Reheating Pizza
Though we at Rosati’s Pizza believe the best way to reheat pizza is in the oven, there are two other methods that can also work: microwaving your pizza and heating it up in a skillet.
Reheating Pizza in the Microwave
Microwave reheating is a good way to keep the crust and cheese of your pizza soft. Place your leftovers on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 to 60 seconds, adjusting based on the thickness of your slices and the microwave’s power. You can add a microwave-safe cup of water in with the pizza as it reheats to help prevent the edges of the pizza from becoming too tough.
Reheating Pizza in a Skillet
Reheating your pizza in a skillet is great for restoring crispy crusts and preserving the flavor of the toppings. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the pizza in without any oil or butter. Cover with a lid until the cheese is melted, then check the bottom for crispiness.
Ways You Should Not Reheat Pizza
While there are many good ways to reheat pizza and calzones that will give you melty cheese and a crispy crust, there are also ways you should avoid if you don’t want uneven heating or soggy bottoms.
Toaster Oven with Foil
Avoid reheating pizza in a toaster oven with foil directly on the rack. The foil can cause uneven heating and may lead to the pizza sticking or burning.
Deep Frying
While it may seem tempting to deep fry pizza to regain its crispiness, this method can overcook the crust and turn the cheese rubbery.
Steamer
Using a steamer to reheat pizza can make the crust overly soggy and the toppings watery.
Slow Cooker
We don’t recommend reheating pizza in a slow cooker since it can lead to uneven heating and a mushy texture, particularly if the pizza sits in its own moisture for too long.
Grill
Grilling pizza directly can burn the crust while leaving the toppings cold, resulting in bad texture and flavor.
Order Pizza from Rosati’s Pizza
At Rosati’s Pizza, we’re committed to serving our customers authentic Chicago-style pizza. We still do many things the old-fashioned way, like sourcing fresh ingredients from farms we can name. Stop by our Chicago locations including Downtown Chicago to try our wings, salads, calzones, pastas, sandwiches, and of course, pizza.
