How to Reheat Pizza: 4 Simple Methods to Keep It Fresh the Next Day

The stovetop method is one of the best ways to reheat pizza because it makes the crust crispy again. This method works well when you want to heat just one or two slices quickly.

1. Take a medium-sized pan with a lid. Do not add any oil or butter to the pan. Place the pan on your stove and set the heat to medium-low.

2. Put your cold pizza slices in the pan. Make sure the slices do not overlap each other. If you have thick crust pizza, you may need to heat them one at a time.

3. Cover the pan with the lid. This traps the heat and helps warm the toppings while the bottom of the crust gets crispy. Let the pizza heat for 2-3 minutes.

4. Check the bottom of the pizza by lifting one edge with a spatula. The crust should look golden brown and feel crispy. If it needs more time, cover again and heat for another minute.

5. Add 2-3 drops of water to the edge of the pan, away from the pizza. Cover immediately with the lid. The steam will help melt the cheese on top. Heat for 1 more minute, then remove from heat.

Using an oven is perfect when you need to reheat several pizza slices at once. This method gives you evenly heated pizza with a crispy bottom and melted cheese.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, take out a baking sheet or pizza stone. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.

2. Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This prevents the pizza from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Do not use cooking spray or oil.

3. Place your pizza slices on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each slice so hot air can move around them. This helps them heat evenly.

4. Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Heat the pizza for 8-10 minutes. Thin crust pizza may need only 6-8 minutes, while thick crust pizza might need 10-12 minutes.

5. Check if the cheese is melted and bubbly. The crust should sound hollow when you tap it gently. If the pizza needs more time, heat for 2-3 more minutes and check again.

6. Remove the pizza from the oven carefully using oven mitts. Let it cool for 1-2 minutes before eating because the cheese will be very hot.

The microwave is the fastest way to warm up pizza, though it may not give you the crispiest results. This method works best when you need quick results and do not mind softer crust.

1. Place a microwave-safe plate in your microwave. Put your pizza slice on the plate. If you have multiple slices, arrange them so they do not touch each other.

2. Fill a microwave-safe cup or small bowl with water. Place this container next to your pizza plate inside the microwave. The water creates steam that prevents the pizza from becoming too dry.

3. Set your microwave to 50% power. This lower setting heats the pizza more gently and evenly. Full power can make the crust tough and the cheese rubbery.

4. Heat the pizza for 45-60 seconds for one slice. If you have two slices, heat for 90 seconds. For three or more slices, heat for 2 minutes.

5. Check if the pizza is heated through by touching the center carefully. If it still feels cold, heat for another 30 seconds at 50% power.

6. Let the pizza sit for 30 seconds before eating. This allows the heat to spread evenly and prevents burns from hot cheese.

An air fryer can give you excellent results when reheating pizza. This method makes the crust very crispy while keeping the toppings hot and fresh.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Most air fryers heat up quickly, so this should not take long.

2. Place your pizza slices in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap the slices. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to reheat slices in batches.

3. Heat the pizza for 3-4 minutes. Thin crust pizza may only need 2-3 minutes, while thick crust pizza might need 4-5 minutes.

4. Check the pizza halfway through heating. If the cheese is browning too quickly, you can cover the slices with a small piece of aluminum foil to prevent further browning.

5. Remove the pizza carefully using tongs or a spatula. The basket and pizza will be very hot. Let the pizza cool for a minute before eating.

Nobody wants to waste delicious pizza, but storing it wrong can turn your tasty leftovers into a disappointing meal. Proper storage helps your pizza stay fresh longer and makes reheating more successful. Good storage prevents your pizza from drying out or developing harmful bacteria that can make you sick.

Place leftover pizza in the refrigerator within 2 hours of delivery or cooking. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store slices in airtight containers with parchment paper between layers. Refrigerated pizza stays good for 3-4 days. Never leave pizza at room temperature overnight, as this can cause food poisoning.

If you want to keep pizza longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. When freezing pizza, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen pizza should be thawed in the refrigerator before reheating using any of the methods above.

The key to knowing how to reheat pizza well is choosing the right method for your needs. Each technique offers different benefits, so try them all to find your favorite way to enjoy leftover pizza.