Remelting the cheese is also pivotal to a perfect reheated pizza, he says: The goal is to heat the cheese just until bubbles appear along with tiny burn marks, the sign your cheese is almost ready. If you’re furrowing your brow and thinking, “well, my microwave doesn’t do that” then you’re absolutely right. While microwaves serve their purpose (see: microwave popcorn) they really aren’t designed to reheat pizza, Freda says. The same goes for convection ovens, which are known to burn toppings without properly heating the crust. To that point: Whether you like your pizza crust crisp or soft and fluffy, neither a microwave or convection oven will deliver what you’re looking for. “You’ll likely end up with an undercooked, soggy crust,” Freda warns, speaking specifically to frozen pizza. But nuke a refrigerator slice, and you won’t be much happier with the results—unless you’re okay scooping soggy dough off your plate. So what is the golden standard for reheating pizza, assuming you have no pizza oven on hand? For frozen pizza, a regular oven or toaster oven will work just fine, Freda says. Alternatively, an open-air grill or barbecue can also do the trick, he adds. If you’re working with a refrigerated slice or neither aforementioned approach suits your fancy, there’s also the internet’s favorite tactic, which calls for stovetop heat.
The Best Way to Reheat Pizza in the Oven
Start right here to reheat frozen pizza like a pizzaiolo (aka pizza master). Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. In an oven, use the regular baking setting so both top and bottom heating elements are on, but no convection fan. Step 2: Place your pie or slice straight on the rack of your choice—no baking sheet needed. For a crispier crust, use the lowest rack. Otherwise, use the middle rack, not the top one, where cheese is more likely to burn. Step 3: Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, airing on the longer side for a crispier crust. Remove from oven and cheese pull to your heart’s content.
The Best Way to Reheat Pizza on the Grill
Freda relies on this technique during the summer months. Step 1: Preheat your grill to around 425 degrees F. Step 2: Place your pie or slice straight on the grates and close the lid. Step 3: Grill for about 7 minutes or until the cheese begins to bubble, then remove from heat and dig in.
The Best Way to Reheat Pizza on the Stove
Credited to Roberta’s pizzeria in Brooklyn, this technique originally made its rounds on Reddit, where a user posted directions found on a Roberta’s takeout menu. Step 1: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Step 2: Place your slice in the pan and cook for 2 minutes or until the bottom is crispy. Step 3: Turn the heat down to low and add two drops of water in the pan but away from the pizza. Cover for 1 minute to melt the cheese, then plate and enjoy. Next, check out breakfast pizza recipes.
