Buzz
Pizza is a tasty meal that can be enjoyed any time, whether it's day or night. While pizza can be refrigerated, reheating it often results in a soggy, chewy, or dry crust. However, whether you make the pizza yourself or order it for a late-night snack, you can still enjoy a slice that tastes almost as fresh as when it was first made if you store and reheat it properly!
Steps
Storing Pizza
Place a paper towel under the plate or container. If you take the extra time to store your pizza properly, leftover slices will stay fresher and the texture will be closer to its original form. Start by laying a layer of paper towel at the bottom of a box large enough for 1-2 pizza slices.
- You may be tempted to just place the whole box in the fridge for convenience, but this can make the pizza soggy. The moisture from the tomato sauce, vegetables, and meat will seep into the crust, making it hard to maintain the perfect texture, no matter how you reheat it.
- If you plan to freeze the pizza, it's better to use an airtight box instead of a plate.
In a hurry? Allow the pizza to cool to room temperature, then place the slices in a resealable plastic bag. The pizza may be slightly drier than when stored with paper towels, but it will still be fresher than if you simply stick the entire box in the fridge.
Arrange the slices on a plate with paper towels between each piece. Lay the pizza slices on a plate in a single layer, then cover with another layer of paper towel. If you have a lot of leftover pizza and can't fit it in a single layer, you can stack the slices alternating with layers of paper towels until they are all stored.
- If needed, use multiple plates to store the slices.
Wrap the plate with plastic wrap or cover it with a lid. Once your pizza slices are arranged, wrap the plate or storage container with plastic wrap. The pizza will stay fresh longer when the air is sealed out.
- If using a container with a tight-fitting lid, simply close the lid securely.
Store the pizza in the fridge if you plan to eat it within 3-5 days. Pizza kept in the fridge will generally stay good for up to 5 days without significant changes in texture, compared to freezing. However, don't keep it too long in the fridge—only store it like this if you're planning to eat it within a few days.
- If you haven’t eaten it by the third day, either freeze it or discard it.
Freeze the pizza to preserve freshness for up to 6 months. Frozen pizza can be stored for up to 6 months, making it the best option if you have extra pizza and don't plan to eat it soon.
- If you previously stored the pizza on a plate, transfer it to an airtight container, making sure to place paper towels between the layers of slices.
- Thaw the pizza for about an hour at room temperature before reheating for the best results.
Tip: Frozen pizza typically lasts up to one year if purchased. However, these pizzas are quick-frozen and processed for extended shelf life. To be safe, you should only freeze leftover pizza for a maximum of 6 months.
Reheating leftover pizza
Reheat pizza in the oven for a crispy crust. Preheat the oven to 177°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes, making sure the oven is at the right temperature. Once heated, place the pizza on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes. Whether you're reheating an entire pizza or a single slice, using the oven is a great method to achieve a crispy crust and bubbling cheese just like fresh pizza.
- If you have a pizza stone, place the pizza directly on it. The stone distributes heat more evenly, giving the crust an extra crunch.
- For easier cleanup, line the baking sheet with parchment paper before placing the pizza on it.
Tip: If the toppings seem too wet, soft, or dry, remove them before reheating the pizza.
Use a toaster oven for quick reheating of 1-2 pizza slices. Preheat the toaster oven to 204°C (400°F), then place the pizza inside. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the pizza is bubbly and hot.
- Toaster ovens are small, so this method works best when reheating pizza for just one person.
Try reheating pizza in a pan for the best texture. Heat the pan over medium heat. Once hot, place 1-2 slices of pizza in the pan and cover with a lid. Heat the pizza for 6-8 minutes while keeping the lid on. When done, you’ll have a pizza slice with a crispy crust, bubbling cheese, and a warm surface.
- The lid helps the pizza heat evenly while allowing the crust to crisp up slowly. If your pan doesn’t have a lid, you can cover it with foil.
- If the crust is still soggy after 6-8 minutes but the top is hot, remove the lid and continue heating for a few more minutes.
Use the microwave for a quick pizza reheat. Reheating pizza in the microwave will change the texture, making the crust chewy and tough, so true pizza lovers may not favor this method. However, if you’re in a rush, this is sometimes the only option to heat your pizza. To maintain the best texture, place a paper towel between the plate and pizza, set the microwave to 50% power, and heat for 1 minute.
Tip: To prevent the crust from becoming soggy when reheating in the microwave, try placing a half-full cup of water inside the microwave alongside the pizza. The water will absorb some of the microwave's energy, helping the pizza heat more evenly.
Tip
- Consider adding some diced tomatoes, basil leaves, mushrooms, or other fresh vegetables on top of the pizza before reheating. You can also drizzle some olive oil or sprinkle extra cheese on top for added flavor.
Warning
- Do not place the entire pizza box in the microwave. Doing so will not only make your pizza smell like cardboard, but it could also cause a fire hazard. Additionally, the cardboard and dyes can release harmful chemicals into your food.
