There’s nothing quite like the joy of discovering leftover pizza in your fridge.
However, warming it up can pose some challenges. You want to recapture that perfect balance of crispy crust, melted cheese, and warm toppings.
The microwave turns it into a soggy mess, and the oven takes too long.
The solution? Your stovetop pan. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it brings your pizza back to life in a way that no other method can. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to any other reheating method.
Overview of Reheating Pizza
Reheating pizza in a pan is a simple process that can bring your cold pizza back to life in just a few minutes.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose the right pan: A nonstick or cast-iron skillet is ideal for this process.
- Preheat the pan: Turn your stove to medium heat and let the pan get hot. But be careful not to let it get too hot, or you might burn your pizza.
- Add the pizza: Once the pan is preheated, place your pizza slice in the pan.
- Let the pizza heat up: Allow the bottom of the pizza to get crispy.
- Add a few drops of water: This is an optional step, but adding a few drops of water to the pan (not on the pizza) and then covering the pan with a lid can create steam that helps melt the cheese without overcooking the crust.
- Lower the heat: After adding the water and covering the pan, reduce the heat and let the pizza cook for a minute or two until the cheese is melted.
- Heat until crispy: Uncover the pan and if needed, let the pizza heat for a few more minutes until the bottom is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Remember, the key to a perfect reheated pizza is managing your heat and timing everything just right.
Choosing the Right Pan
The type of pan you use can make a big difference in the outcome of your reheated pizza. Let’s take a look at a couple of options.
Nonstick Pan
A nonstick pan is a great choice for reheating pizza. The nonstick surface means you don’t need to add any oil or water, which helps keep your pizza from getting soggy.
Plus, a nonstick pan can handle one slice of pizza at a time, making it perfect for a quick snack.
Just remember to keep the heat at medium and watch your pizza closely to prevent it from burning.
Cast-Iron Skillet
If you’re a fan of crispy crust, a cast-iron skillet might be your best bet.
This type of pan retains heat well and distributes it evenly, helping to get that bottom crust nice and crispy.
To use a cast-iron skillet, follow the same steps as above, but be sure to preheat the skillet on medium heat before adding your pizza.
A few drops of water in the pan (not on the pizza) can create some steam that helps the cheese melt and keeps the crust from drying out.
My Favorite Way to Reheat a Pizza
The key to perfect reheated pizza is managing your heat and timing everything just right.
1. Heat Up the Pan on Medium Heat
Begin by warming your pan on medium heat. Whether you opt for a nonstick or a cast-iron skillet is up to you.
Let the pan warm up for a few minutes until it’s heated thoroughly but not emitting smoke.
There’s no need to add oil or butter to the pan—the fat in the cheese will provide enough oil to prevent sticking!
2. Place the Slices in the Hot Pan
Once your pan is preheated, it’s time to add your pizza. Place the slices in the hot pan, making sure they have ample space between them.
Placing them too close can cause uneven reheating and a crust that lacks crispiness.
3. Couple Drops of Water
Adding a few drops of water to the preheated pan after the pizza is in place can help create a steamy environment that melts the cheese evenly and keeps the crust from drying out.
Here’s how to do it:
- Drop a bit of water into the pan, ensuring it’s distant from the pizza slice.
- Swiftly place a lid on the pan to capture the steam.
- After doing so, reduce the heat!
4. Cook Until Desired Crispness
Let your pizza cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until the crust reaches your desired level of crispness.
It’s done when the cheese turns melty and bubbly, and the crust’s underside is a crispy golden hue.
There’s no need to flip the pizza — just let it cook, and the heat from the pan will do the rest.
Once it’s done, remove the pizza from the heat and enjoy!
Closing Thoughts
Reheating pizza in a pan is a simple process that can truly elevate your leftover pizza, giving it a second life that’s just as delicious as when it was fresh.
I encourage you to give this method a shot the next time you’re faced with a box of remaining pizza slices.
And remember, the key to a perfect reheated pizza is managing your heat and timing everything just right.
Have any questions or comments? Feel free to share them below. Happy reheating!