Although pizza is a satisfying and delicious meal, sometimes it's a bit much for one meal. It doesn't matter if you have leftover pizza from a party or just don't want to eat a whole pizza; it is important to learn how to store and reheat leftover pizza. That way, you can make sure it stays as fresh and delicious as possible.
The first thing you want to do is make sure the leftover pizza is properly sealed and refrigerated. Ideally, you want to store the pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or cling wrap (unless you're plastic conscious, of course). That will keep the pizza from drying out or losing its flavor.
Below are a few different ways to reheat leftover pizza:
1. Using the oven is the most common method. Preheat the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit to reheat the leftover pizza. If you have a thin-crust pizza, place it directly on the oven rack and let it heat up for 8–10 minutes so that the cheese has melted and the crust is crispy.
2. If you have a cast-iron skillet with a lid, you can use it to heat the pizza on the stovetop. This is an excellent way to reheat pizza with a thick crust. Cover the pizza with the lid and place it in the dry skillet on medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the crust is crunchy.
3. The last option, and the go-to method for most people, is to use a microwave to reheat leftover pizza. Even though this is fast and easy, you have to be careful not to let the crust get soggy. You can microwave pizza by placing a slice on a plate that is microwave-safe, then adding a damp towel to the top. Heat for approximately 1 minute, or until the cheese has melted.
Note: Pizza slices that have a lot of moisture (with toppings like vegetables that release moisture) are best reheated in the oven to allow the moisture to evaporate and not get trapped in the pizza crust, leaving you with a soggy result.
Properly storing and heating leftover pizza is crucial to preserving its freshness and delicious flavor. By taking some simple steps, you can enjoy leftovers that are just as delicious as when they were delivered. Before you choose which method to use to reheat your pizza slices, take the pizza's toppings into account to get the best results. Sometimes there's nothing better than starting the day with day-old pizza. :)
