Don’t you dread it when you attempt to reheat pizza in the microwave and the end result is a wet and soggy mess?
Well, I sure do!
It’s safe to say that there usually are a few pizza slices that don’t make it to your tummy.
Even my kids who at times I think don’t have a human stomach always leave a slice or two.
For me though, leftover pizza is a fantastic treat to eat the following morning.
If you have been trying to figure out how to reheat pizza in the microwave to get a crispy crust. Then here is my time-tested winning method to re-creating the fresh, sizzling, and delightful taste of a freshly baked pizza.
With this useful technique, you can wave farewell to unhappy, soggy pizza slices for good.
I’ll tell you how!
How to reheat pizza in the microwave?
Firstly, put the pizza on a microwavable dish and pour yourself a glass of water.
No, it’s not for you to drink!
Place the glass of water alongside the dish with pizza neatly inside the microwave.
Microwave it on low for 30 seconds or longer, based on your microwave’s strength. Either way, it will be perfectly done in a matter of seconds.
Whether preparing or reheating meals, the microwave can significantly boost productivity.
While I admit it may not be the best kitchen equipment. It may be your first option for various reasons.
Maybe like me, you don’t want to warm up the entire house by firing up the oven (unless it’s wintertime of course). Likewise, the microwave may be your sole household appliance, leaving you no other option.
Microwave ovens quickly warm using radiation rather than direct touch. During motion, the radiation warms the water molecules inside the meal, resulting in the formation of steam. Consequently, when pizza is warmed in the microwave, the crust becomes mushy and chewy.
You might even notice that the cheese gets runny and that the toppings slip off from the dough.
Don’t despair!
This is where the superhero disguised as a cup of water comes to save the day.
Best way to reheat pizza in microwaves
I know, you’re probably skeptical. Right?
But putting a cup of water beside the pizza absorbs part of the microwave power. As a consequence, the pizza warms more slowly and evenly. This causes less water to evaporate resulting in a perfectly crispy base.
Take it from me…a self-proclaimed food expert.
The pizza warms uniformly, and stays fresh, as well as the toppings do not dry up.
In addition, another great technique for reheating pizza in the microwave includes a mixed approach. A microwave crisper pan aids in the formation of a golden brown crispy texture.
So if you frequently reheat pizza in the microwave, I suggest that you test this inexpensive microwave equipment.
To reheat pizza in the microwave using a crisping pan, observe these easy steps:
- Preheat the crisper pan in the microwave for a minute or two.
- Cautiously position a paper towel on the hot crisper tray.
- Place the pizza on the prepared crisping pan.
- Partially fill up a microwavable cup with water.
- Place the cup of water in the microwave and set the crisping tray atop.
- In 30-second increments at 50% power, microwave your pizza until it warms completely.
- Tread cautiously while taking the heated crisping tray from the microwave.
If you are uncomfortable with using the heating tray, that’s fine too! Rest assured that using just the microwave can get the job done as well.
How to achieving the best results when reheating pizza in the microwave:
Step 1
Be sure to use a microwave-safe dish.
This is a critical stage. Never reheat pizza on a plate that isn’t microwave-safe as it may cost you more than you bargained for.
Step 2
Place a kitchen towel over the top of the dish.
Step 3
When reheating leftover pizza, you will need to use low power.
The less power, the better.
Step 4
Set apart the toppings from the cheese.
For the best outcomes, microwave toppings for a short period of time on high power before adding the rest of your pizza. When they’re hot, return them to the dish with the rest of the sauce and cheese.
Step 5
Following warming, set aside for 2 minutes.
No one wants a burnt lip from an overly hot pizza. OUCH! It’s a great idea to let the heat in the pizza finish cooking it while you wait for it to cool down. This will also assist to replenish some of the moisture that may have been lost while warming.
Step 6: Chow down!
Now that your pizza is thoroughly reheated, it’s time to chow down.
Tips for reheating pizza in the microwave
- Before reheating your pizza in the microwave, be sure it’s absolutely cool.
- Place an absorbent material between the pizza and the dish.
- The formation of hotspots is a cause for concern. To avoid this, place an absorbency object between the meal and the dish, such as a paper towel. This will assist to spread the microwaves better uniformly and keep any one spot from becoming overheated.
- Additionally, heat the pizza on a paper towel in the microwave.
The paper towel absorbs moisture from the bread and keeps steam from accumulating on the bottom of it.
Interestingly, an individual sheet of paper towel is safe to use, however a pile of twelve or more could burst into flames when overheated. So, be careful not to be carried away.
- Begin with quick spurts.
Reheating pizza in the microwave may be a hit-or-miss proposition. The amount of time required to heat will vary based on the voltage level and settings of your microwave.
Begin by warming the pizza for a brief period of time, then check to see whether it is hot enough. If not, keep heating in quick spurts until it is.
- Maintain a watchful eye.
Although you may have observed all of these guidelines, there is still a potential that the pizza might get scorched or sloppy. Therefore, keep a watch on it while it’s warming and remove it from the microwave immediately.
The need-to-know of reheating pizza in the microwave
While reheating pizza inside the microwave is safe, there are several tricks you can do to optimize the results and avoid a mushy dough.
- Pizza stones do not function in the microwave
- Neither metal nor aluminum foil ought to be used in microwaves. It has the potential to ignite and destroy your precocious kitchen equipment.
- Use only things that are certified microwavable.
- Observe the manufacturer’s instructions for your microwave.
- You can accomplish a crispy crust by using a microwave crisper pan.
- Reheat pizza slices to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to avoid when using the microwave to reheat pizza
Burnt Crust.
The most common issue with reheating pizza in the microwave is a burnt crust. Once the crust is reheated, it sometimes becomes hard to chew.
Sloppy Toppings
Unless you are cautious, your toppings may get sloppy and mushy after warming.
The inside of the pizza is cold.
One typical problem with reheated pizza is that the inside remains cold whereas the crust and toppings are hot. I’d sure hate to bite into a half hot, half cold pizza flop.
In Conclusion
When it comes to reheating food, for many of us, the microwave is a worthwhile convenience.
So If you’re pressed for time, reheating pizza in the microwave is your best bet.
Thankfully, there are some steps you can do to enhance how you warm pizza in the microwave to avoid a sloppy end result.
Literally, put the pizza on a dish, microwave it, and add a cup of water alongside it. Heat it for a few seconds and it will be perfectly done in a jiffy.
Now that you know this…Give it a whirl and let us know how it goes!
FAQ
How can I reheat pizza to get a perfectly crispy crust?
To reheat pizza and achieve a perfectly crispy crust, you should use a toaster oven or hot pan. Place the leftover slices in the toaster oven or on a hot pan until they are heated through and the crust is crispy.
What is the best way to reheat pizza slice?
The best way to reheat a pizza slice is by using either a toaster oven or hot pan. Simply place the leftover slice in either of these heating devices until it’s heated through and ready to eat.
Can I use microwave for reheating leftover slices of pizza?
While you can use a microwave for reheating leftover slices of pizza, it won’t give you that perfectly crispy crust that many people crave. Instead, try using either a toaster oven or hot pan for better results.
Why should I avoid using microwave when reheating my leftover slices of pizza?
Microwaving your leftover slices of pizza may be quick and easy, but it won’t give you that perfect crispiness that many people love about freshly baked pizzas. Using either a toaster oven or hot pan will help preserve the texture and taste of your leftovers.
What personal observation have you made about reheating cold pizzas?
From personal experience, I’ve found that using either a toaster oven or hot pan is always my go-to method when reheating cold pizzas. It helps me achieve that perfect balance between melted cheese and crispy crust every time!
How can I prevent my pizza from having a soggy slice?
To avoid having a soggy slice, it’s important to make sure that the crust is cooked properly. One way to achieve this is by using medium heat and cooking the pizza for a few more minutes until the crust becomes crispy. Additionally, you can try using a sheet pan instead of a regular baking tray as it allows for better air circulation.
What can I do to get a softer crust on my pizza?
If you prefer your pizza with a softer crust, try reducing the oven temperature slightly and cooking it for less time. You could also experiment with different types of flour or adding some olive oil to the dough before baking. Another option is to use toppings that release moisture during cooking, such as fresh tomatoes or mushrooms.
How do I get gooey cheese on my pizza?
To achieve gooey cheese on your pizza, make sure you’re using enough cheese in the first place – around 2 cups per 12-inch pie should be sufficient. Try grating your own cheese rather than buying pre-shredded varieties as they often contain anti-caking agents which prevent them from melting properly. Cook your pizza at medium heat until the cheese has melted and started to bubble.
What temperature should I cook my pizza at?
For best results, cook your pizza at medium heat – around 375-400°F (190-200°C) – depending on whether you’re using an electric or gas oven. This will ensure that both the crust and toppings are cooked evenly without burning or drying out.
If my pizza isn’t quite done yet, what should I do?
If you find that your pizza needs just a few more minutes in the oven but don’t want it to burn, reduce the temperature slightly and continue cooking until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Alternatively, cover any areas of exposed toppings with foil so they don’t dry out while waiting for other parts of the pie to finish cooking.