Few delights rival the sheer satisfaction of a perfectly cooked pizza. But what happens when, absolutely stuffed, you decide to leave some of your pizza in the fridge for the next day? Fear not, for we are here to guide you through the art of reheating pizza to recapture that crispy, cheesy magic.
There are a number of challenges to overcome when reheating pizza. When pizza cools down, the cheese congeals, the crust loses its crispness, and the flavours become muted, all things that now need to be undone. Fear not though, for science can come to the rescue.
1. The Oven is Your Best Friend
- Preheat your oven to 190°C.
- Place the pizza directly on the oven rack or on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling, and the crust is crispy. This method brings the pizza as close to its original glory as possible.
2. Embrace the Skillet
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Place the cold pizza slice in the skillet and cover it with a lid to trap heat.
- Cook for 2-4 minutes, checking occasionally, until the crust becomes crispy, and the cheese melts.
3. The Water Trick
- Preheat your oven to 175°C.
- Place a small oven-safe dish filled with water on the oven rack.
- Put the pizza on a separate oven rack above the water dish.
- The steam from the water prevents the pizza from drying out and keeps the crust from getting too crispy.
4. Microwave and Crisp
- While not ideal for maintaining crispness, the microwave can be a time-saver.
- Heat your pizza in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute.
- Then transfer it to a hot oven (or a skillet) for a few minutes to restore the crunch.
Reheating is just one part of the equation
5. Toppings Redux
- If your pizza came with fresh ingredients like arugula, basil, or prosciutto, consider adding them after reheating to maintain their freshness.
6. Condiments Count
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of chilli flakes can give your reheated pizza a fresh kick.
7. Experiment with Reimaginings
- Get creative. Turn your cold pizza into a breakfast delight by topping it with a fried egg. Or chop it up and toss it into a pasta salad.
8. Timing is Everything
- Don’t rush the reheating process. A few extra minutes in the oven can make all the difference between soggy and sublime.
The next time you find yourself with a box of cold, leftover pizza, remember these tips to breathe new life into your slices. Reheating pizza is not just a necessity; it’s an art form that allows you to savor every cheesy, flavorful bite once more. So, preheat your oven, embrace the skillet, and enjoy your revitalized slice of pizza heaven. After all, pizza is too good to be eaten cold and life is too short for bad pizza.
