Imagine this: You open the fridge, eyes locked on that glorious box of leftover pizza. Your excitement builds. You pop a slice into the microwave, hit start, and wait. The anticipation is real—until you take that first bite.
The crust? Chewy. The cheese? Rubbery. The toppings? Weirdly dry.
Disappointment hits fast.
But hold on—there’s good news. You don’t have to settle for sad, lifeless reheated pizza ever again. There’s a way (actually, several ways) to make yesterday’s pizza taste almost as good as fresh. The trick? Using the right method.
I’ve tested every way imaginable—some amazing, some terrible—so you don’t have to. Let’s talk about the best ways to reheat pizza, keeping the crust crisp, the cheese melty, and the flavor intact.
What You Should Never Do When Reheating Pizza
Before getting into the best methods, let’s discuss the worst one: the microwave.
Yes, it’s fast. Yes, it’s convenient. But it’s also the fastest way to ruin your pizza.
Here’s why:
- Chewy, rubbery crust – Microwaves make the crust lose its crispiness, leaving it soft and tough.
- Uneven heating – The middle gets scalding hot, while the edges stay cold.
- Weird cheese texture – Instead of melting smoothly, the cheese turns stiff and stretchy.
The microwave isn’t off-limits—there’s a way to make it less bad (more on that later). But if you want pizza to taste great, let’s talk about the right methods.
Best Ways to Reheat Pizza Without Ruining It
Reheating pizza the right way depends on a few factors:
- How much time you have
- How many slices you’re reheating
- How crispy do you want the crust
Let’s break down the best methods.
1. The Oven – The Best All-Around Method
If you’re reheating multiple slices or want to restore that fresh-out-of-the-pizzeria taste, the oven is your best friend. It gives the crust a crisp snap while keeping the toppings and cheese gooey.
How to Do It Right
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pizza directly on the oven rack for a crispy bottom. Prefer a softer crust? Use a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust looks golden.
- For extra moisture, place a small oven-safe cup of water inside while reheating. This helps keep the cheese from drying out.
2. The Stovetop – Fast & Crispy (Great for One or Two Slices)
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No time for the oven? The stovetop is a quick, crispy, and easy alternative. It brings back that slight crunch while keeping the cheese soft and gooey.
How to Reheat Pizza on the Stovetop
- Heat a non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium heat (no oil needed).
- Place the slice in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom crisps up.
- Add a few drops of water to the pan (not on the pizza!), then cover with a lid.
- Let it steam for 30 seconds to 1 minute—this melts the cheese perfectly without making the crust soggy.
Why it works: The direct heat revives the crust, and the steam brings the cheese back to life.
Best for: One or two slices, crispy crust, quick reheating.
3. The Air Fryer – Super Fast & Extra Crispy
If you love extra-crispy pizza, the air fryer is amazing. It takes just a few minutes and makes leftovers taste shockingly fresh.
Air Fryer Reheating Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the slice in the basket (don’t overlap slices).
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway to prevent burning.
- Let it sit for a minute before biting in—the cheese stays hot!
Bonus: Works great for deep-dish pizza, keeping the edges crispy while heating the middle evenly. Best for: Fast reheating, crispy lovers, deep-dish pizza.
4. The Toaster Oven – Small But Mighty
A toaster oven is a mini version of the oven, making it great for heating one or two slices without waiting forever.
How to Use a Toaster Oven for Pizza
- Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pizza on the rack or a baking tray.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust crisps up.
- Check often—toaster ovens can brown pizza quickly.
5. The Microwave (With a Trick to Make It Better!)
@epicuriousYeah it’s fast… but at what cost?
Okay, so you’re in a hurry. The microwave is the only option. It’s not great, but with a little hack, you can make it better.
Microwave Hack for Pizza
- Place a cup of water in the microwave next to your pizza.
- Heat at 50% power for 30-45 seconds.
- Check, then heat in short bursts if needed.
Why it works: The water absorbs some of the microwave energy, reducing moisture loss in the pizza. It won’t make the crust crispy, but it prevents it from turning into rubber.
Best for: When you’re in a rush, soft texture lovers.
Bonus Tips to Bring Leftover Pizza Back to Life
Sometimes, pizza just needs a little extra love. Try these tricks:
- Drizzle olive oil on the crust before reheating for extra flavor.
- Add fresh cheese (mozzarella, parmesan) for a fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe.
- Throw on fresh toppings like basil, red pepper flakes, or garlic for extra flavor.
- Use a pizza stone in the oven for even crispier results.
The Verdict – What’s the Best Way?
The best method depends on time, quantity, and texture preference. Here’s the breakdown:
- Best overall? The oven – crispy, evenly heated, great for multiple slices.
- In a hurry? The stovetop – fast, crispy, perfect for one or two slices.
- Love crunchy pizza? The air fryer – super crispy, quick, and easy.
- No oven, no pan? Toaster oven – a great in-between option.
- Desperate? Microwave with a cup of water – not perfect, but better than nothing.
Pick the method that works for you, and enjoy that leftover slice like it was just made.
