Reheating leftover pizza to taste fresh and delicious can be a challenge. Pizza reheated in the oven at the right temperature will ensure it comes out hot, crispy, and like it just left the pizzeria. Follow these tips and temperature guidelines to get perfect pizza every time you reheat it in the oven.
What Temperature Should You Reheat Pizza at in the Oven?
The ideal temperature range to reheat pizza in a standard oven is 350°F to 400°F. This high heat helps recreate the effects of a pizza oven by:
- Crisping up the crust
- Melting and browning the cheese
- Warming the toppings through
At 350-400°F, the pizza will take 6-8 minutes to thoroughly heat. Exact time depends on slice thickness and oven efficiency.
Recommended Oven Temperatures for Reheating Pizza:
| Oven Type | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Conventional Oven | 375°F – 400°F |
| Toaster Oven | 350°F – 375°F |
| Pizza Oven | 450°F – 500°F |
The slightly lower temperature for toaster ovens account for quicker heat distribution in the smaller space. Meanwhile, specialized pizza ovens can handle hotter temps for that authentic crisp crust.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Pizza in the Oven?
To optimize results when reheating pizza in the oven, follow these steps:
. Preheat Oven
Preheat your standard, toaster, or pizza oven to the ideal temperature before putting the pizza in. This allows the oven to evenly distribute the heat so it can transfer optimally to the pizza.
. Place on Wire Rack
Put the pizza on an oven-safe wire rack rather than directly on the oven shelf. This allows airflow under the crust for even crisping. The rack also prevents the pizza from sticking.
. Add Foil or Sheet Pan (Optional)
For easier cleanup, you can place foil or an oven-safe baking sheet under the wire rack to catch any drips. The foil adds protection while letting the pizza cook evenly.
. Reheat 6-8 Minutes
Leave the pizza in the fully preheated oven for 6-8 minutes until hot and crispy. Check frequently near the end to prevent burning. The time will vary based on oven efficiency and pizza slice thickness.
. Let Cool and Serve
Remove pizza carefully when done reheating. Let cool 1-2 minutes before slicing to prevent burning your mouth. Then enjoy your pizza just like it came fresh from the pizzeria.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reheating Pizza in the Oven
For the best results when using your oven to reheat leftover pizza, avoid these common mistakes:
- Heating at too low temperature – The oven should be 350°F or higher. Lower temps don’t crisp the crust or melt cheese well.
- Placing directly on oven shelf – This can cause sticking and uneven cooking. Use an oven-safe rack.
- Heating too long – Check frequently and remove once hot. Overcooking leads to a dried-out pizza.
- Not preheating oven fully – Let the oven preheat completely so it evenly distributes the heat.
- Microwaving first – This makes the crust soggy. Only reheat pizza in the microwave if the oven is unavailable.
- Topping with extra cheese – Freshly grated cheese can burn or mess up oven. Only add extra cheese once reheated.
- Forgetting to preheat the oven to the ideal temperature is a common mistake people make when reheating pizza. This can result in a soggy crust. Always allow the oven to fully preheat before placing the pizza in it.
What Oven Setting is Best For Reheating Pizza?
When using the oven to reheat pizza, select conventional bake settings rather than convection modes.
Conventional Bake
The conventional bake setting is best for reheating pizza in an electric or gas oven. This applies radiant heat from the top and bottom without using a fan. It allows the pizza to reheat evenly while becoming crispy.
Avoid Convection Modes
Convection modes like “convection bake” or “convection roast” use fans to circulate the oven’s heat. This hastens cooking times but can dry out pizza and prevent the cheese from melting nicely. It’s best to avoid convection and broil modes for the task of reheating pizza.
Stick to conventional bake at a temperature of 375°F to 400°F for optimal results. If you want quick heating, increase the temperature slightly rather than using convection. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
How Long Does Pizza Last in The Fridge?
Before reheating pizza in the oven, it’s important to know how long the leftover pizza can be safely stored in the fridge:
- Fresh Pizza: 2-3 days
- Homemade Pizza: 3-4 days
- Delivery Pizza: 1-2 days
The different timeframes depend on the toppings used. For example, pizza with meats like sausage or pepperoni shouldn’t be kept as long.
Always err on the side of caution – if in doubt, throw it out. Reheating won’t make spoiled pizza safe to eat. With proper fridge storage, your leftover pizza should still taste great reheated in the oven up to 4 days later.
Tips for the Best Reheated Pizza from the Oven
Utilize these extra tips and serving suggestions for the highest quality pizza when reheating leftovers in the oven:
- Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella right after reheating for extra melted cheese.
- Reheat any slices with thicker toppings a minute or two longer so the center ingredients get hot.
- If the crust loses crispness after reheating, pop it back in for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve reheated pizza on a cooling rack to allow airflow under the crust.
- Use a pizza stone or crisping tray in the oven to mimic a pizza oven.
- Don’t overload the oven shelves to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
- Add freshly chopped basil, oregano, or Parmesan after reheating for extra flavor.
With the right technique, leftover pizza from the fridge or freezer bakes up crispy and tasty in the oven like it just arrived hot from the pizzeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions given below:
How long does it take to reheat pizza in the oven?
It takes 6-8 minutes to reheat pizza thoroughly in a preheated 350-400 degree oven. Exact timing depends on slice thickness and oven efficiency. Check frequently starting at 6 minutes to avoid drying it out or burning the crust.
Can you reheat pizza on oven racks?
Yes, cooking the pizza directly on oven racks is recommended. This allows airflow under the crust to make it crispy. Place a baking sheet under the rack to catch drips for easier cleanup.
Does reheated pizza taste good?
Pizza reheated in the oven at the right high temperature (375°F to 400°F) can taste nearly as delicious as it did when originally baked. The quick hot oven heat crisps the crust and melts the cheese.
Is it better to reheat pizza in the oven or microwave?
The oven is better for reheating pizza than the microwave whenever possible. Microwaves make pizza crusts soggy and rubbery. Ovens crisp the crust for fresh taste and texture. Use ovens for best results.
Why does my reheated pizza taste bad?
If reheated pizza tastes bad, the oven temperature may have been too low. Try preheating to 400°F. Reheating too long can also dry it out. Check frequently after 6 minutes. Letting pizza sit at room temp before reheating can also worsen the taste.
Should you put water in the oven when reheating pizza?
Adding a small oven-safe dish of water can add humidity to keep the reheated pizza crust from drying out. However, at the right high temp, this shouldn’t be necessary if you monitor cooking times.
Can you reheat pizza from frozen in the oven?
Pizza cooked from a fully frozen state in a 375 degree oven will take 10-12 minutes to reheat thoroughly. Allow extra time for the pizza to defrost and bake through. Add a couple more minutes for frozen thick crust or deep dish pizzas.
How do you keep pizza crust crispy after reheating?
To keep pizza crust crispy after reheating in the oven, use a wire cooling rack to allow airflow underneath. Preheat oven to highest temp recommended (400°F). Don’t overcook. And if needed, return crust to oven for 1-2 minutes longer.
Should you cover pizza when reheating it in the oven?
No, don’t cover the pizza when reheating it in the oven. Covering prevents the crust from getting crispy. Leaving it uncovered ensures the crust reheats evenly and gets that sought-after crispiness we expect from pizza.
What is the best way to store leftover pizza?
The best storage methods for leftover pizza include:
- Let pizza cool completely before storing in a sealed container in the fridge.
- Wrap individual slices in aluminum foil or parchment then place in a resealable plastic bag.
- For longer freezer storage, wrap entire pizza tightly in plastic wrap then foil.
- Avoid storing in cardboard pizza boxes which can harbor bacteria.
- Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for safety and best taste.
Conclusion
Reheating leftover pizza in the oven is an effective technique for restoring that hot, fresh, pizzeria-quality taste and texture. Preheating your standard, toaster, or pizza oven to 375°F-400°F optimizes the crispy crust and melted cheese we love from pizza. Allow 6-8 minutes for ample reheating time, while monitoring to prevent burning. Use an oven-safe wire rack and conventional bake settings rather than convection modes for ideal results.
With proper fridge storage ahead of time and careful monitoring while reheating, your leftover pizza can taste nearly as scrumptious as when first baked. So don’t hesitate to make the most of your pizza and reheat those couple leftover slices in the oven. In just minutes, you can enjoy a crispy, cheese-oozing slice or two for lunch, dinner, or midnight snack.