The Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Pizza (And the Worst) | Epicurious 101

From the frying pan to a waffle iron, Professional chef and culinary instructor Frank Proto tests seven different methods to find the best way to reheat your leftover pizza for the perfect crispy crust and melty cheese.
00:00 Intro
00:23 Microwave
01:11 Air Fryer
01:54 Nonstick Pan
02:54 Cast-Iron Skillet
03:52 Oven
04:30 Waffle Iron
05:21 Toaster Oven
Director: Parisa Kosari
Director of Photography: Kevin Dynia
Editor: Micah Phillips; Jared Hutchinson; JC Scruggs
Featuring: Frank Proto
Director of Culinary Production: Kelly Janke
Creative Producer: Parisa Kosari
Culinary Producer: Mallary Santucci
Culinary Associate Producer: Leslie Raney
Line Producer: Jen McGinity
Associate Producer: Sahara Pagan
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Camera Operator: Aaron Snell
Sound Recordist: Z Jadwick
Research Director: Ryan Harrington
Researcher: Vivian Jao
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araujo
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
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[@Wintershot]

Frank is using this video to stealthily eat an entire pizza to himself.

[@JimmyRimmer]

never trust a skinny chef

[@Grymn]

@@JimmyRimmerSelect your chefs like you select potatoes for fries: short and squat not long and skinny. --Chef John (short and squat)

[@tonyeatspizza]

Ha ha. Genius!

[@eclecticexplorer7828]

Using a line as your profile pic is pure evil. I thought I had a hair on the screen until I saw it move as I scrolled.

[@eyespliced]

@@eclecticexplorer7828 Switch to dark mode. it's also better for the eyes.

[@JaeQuSmooth2010]

Preheat the airfryer and lose the foil. My pizza is perfect everytime.

[@ljc9337]

Agree! 👍

[@grum164]

This is the way

[@yotaruvegeta]

Guess I found my comment

[@scottmoore4039]

yeah, he sabotaged himself with the foil!

[@Tyylleerr]

Yeah, I feel like the addition of the foil blocked the air flow. Airfryer is the best method.

[@jtris01]

The bottom crust didn't get crispy in the airfryer because of the tin foil. Like Frank said, the airfryer circulates air around the product. But if you have foil on the bottom, its obvious that isnt going to happen. 🤦‍♂️

[@SalesmanWave]

Get over it.

[@dylan6259]

Put it in the microwave while the air fryer is pre-heating then chuck it in the air fryer to make it crispy.

[@ezay8694]

@@dylan6259you don’t even know what you’re saying. You just typed words thinking they made sense

[@dylan6259]

@@ezay8694 Are you ok buddy?

[@sudazima]

@@dylan6259 yup what i do too now

[@carmenneumann9479]

Frank needs a course on how to use air fryer..

[@Jay-sg7rf]

He did say it was his 1st time.

[@usman67]

@@Jay-sg7rffr these people are looking for any chance to correct someone on their high horse

[@DG-nk7jo]

@@usman67Imagine correcting somebody when they do something incorrectly

[@darkknight2864]

i'm sure he can cook way better dishes than an air fryer ever will

[@Shendue]

@@darkknight2864 Sure. Doesn't mean he used the air frier correctly tho. Which invalidates his rating of that method.

[@russotiro]

I’M SO PROUD OF MYSELF I ALWAYS USE THE TOASTER OVEN TO REHEAT PIZZA I LOVE TOASTER OVENS THANK YOU FRANK

[@jackiepyanoe7216]

I always use the toaster oven, but put the pizza directly on the rack. A little clean-up at times but worth it!

[@jfess1911]

I cheat a little by warming the slice in the microwave for 20-30 second before setting the toaster oven on "toast". This reduces the total heating time by a couple of minutes.

[@BoltRM]

​@@jfess1911You win.

[@jfess1911]

@@BoltRM Nah, I'm just impatient.

[@DannyCalYT]

Same lol

[@sallydavis3902]

I checked your recommendations before I warmed over my pizza. I've done the microwave and was not happy, but no glass of water. So I decided to go with my toaster over set to reheat for a couple of minutes. Perfect melted cheese and crispy crust.

[@joelanturk6280]

Airfryer works extremely well &/or the toaster oven. 🤗

[@mercid2]

Get rid of the foil. Air fryer is the only way to go.

[@kevwwong]

I like the toaster oven, especially if it has a convection and/or air fryer setting. Plus it has a window, so you can "rescue" the pizza if you've gone over.

[@alanhillberg]

When I use a non-stick pan for reheating, I start with the crust side, then flip it over and heat the topping side as well. No oil or water, no cover. Turns out great. :)

[@aJazzyFeel]

this is the correct answer! i'm so upset with this video haha

[@amyoung6455]

I put it on low with a cover on for 6 mins. No water, no oil. Perfect every time.

[@binaryagenda]

I find it works well to microwave just a bit to heat the top of the slice, then fry so the bottom becomes crispy again

[@sukritbenchawan5093]

I do this too!!! While waiting for the pizza, I have space for more grilled sausages

[@ippotsk]

This is THE way! I love the sear you get on the cheese and toppings that way.

[@PatrickPaul1203]

Toaster oven with air fry feature. Perfect for me

[@johnjacoby6457]

And I have an air fryer with toaster oven features lmao. Truly we have found the best combination of heating features.

[@kevwwong]

@@johnjacoby6457 It amazes me that toaster ovens always had a kind of weak "convection" setting, and it took them a long time to crank that up to give us "air fry".

[@AndersonFerrara]

I always do a mix of microwaving and skillet. You melt the cheese while the skillet heats up, then crisp it up in the pan

[@user-ut7hh3zb2f]

That's worked for me too.

[@DPT663]

Don't put the alum. foil in the airfryer. the air will circulate around the pizza and crisp up the crust equality. I just read the other comments and realize I am not the only one who understands how this machine works.😉

[@user-gk9lg5sp4y]

But the cheese will melt off the sides and stick to the bottom of your air fryer. That doesn't happen so much, at least for me, when I use this frying pan method. It works so well!

[@Shendue]

@@user-gk9lg5sp4y Then you clean it. I see no issue with that. You are supposed to clean it after use anyway.

[@user-gk9lg5sp4y]

@@Shendue Or I use my method that works just as well and doesn't require the cleanup.😁

[@Hortonscakes]

Toaster oven or regular oven is my go to.

[@kevinsanders200]

I preheat my slices in the microwave for 30 seconds and then straight into a heated cast iron pan with EVO. The best slice of pizza I've ever eaten!

[@doctormidnight]

How do you fit an entire Mitsubishi in a pan?

[@The95MA]

This is the way

[@raywise]

The best way to do it by far 👍

[@joeybagodonuts6683]

​@@doctormidnightUse a little bit of olive oil for lubrication.

[@HexIsme]

I usually default to the broiler in the oven. It removes enough moisture that the crust isn't too floppy, it re-melts the cheese and can re-crisp the crust, doesn't take long, and has minimal cleanup.

[@Turigamot]

that's basically the same idea as the toaster oven, really

[@TexRobNC]

My wife and I learned the skillet with a bit of water trick a few years ago, and honestly, it might be better than fresh. It allows you to achieve a crispness on the bottom that exceeds the first day experience because of the whole cardboard box thing

[@Dusxio]

The toaster oven is my normal. Sometimes with a quick 20 or 40 seconds in the mucrowave to warm it if im in a rush.

[@LeoArenales18]

Oven is amazing. The other day I reheated a supreme slice and some leftover wingstop fries with parm omg crispy and soft on the inside

[@senaawl]

Yeah, I'm just gonna keep using my air fryer (sans the foil). Easy peasy lemon delicious

[@barbararoberts7082]

The foil just makes it soggy.

[@kyledcunningham]

Why would you say “easy peasy lemon delicious”, the saying has nothing to do with taste and I hate that you did what you did, you should feel ashamed 😂

[@ippotsk]

Non-stick is my method, and my secret weapon is blasting it on both sides, so both the crust and the toppings get nice and crispy. And I love the added sear on the toppings and cheese, really takes it to a new level.

[@cycologist71]

Slices on baking sheet ... into cold oven ... set to 285°f ... allow to preheat ... when the timer goes off, the pizza is hot & crispy. Perfect every time

[@annflora3663]

That's what I do, too, except at 300 degrees. The secret seems to be the cold start, so it warms gradually without drying out.

[@-Insert_Name_Here.-]

I do a cold start in the toaster oven. 7mins at 425 and its cooked to perfection!

[@jonross1347]

Same but my oven is slow to preheat, I do 350 and for 13 minutes, finishes preheating around 9 minutes in.

[@loribrocato145]

How long do you bake it?

[@cycologist71]

@loribrocato145 about 7-8 min. For me, basically, until sizzling, but every oven's different.

[@Artista_Frustrado]

glad to know my Trusty Toaster Oven is the top-tier also Air Fryers rely on the air circulation to heat the bottom, so, if you cover the bottom with foil you're getting no heat

[@fairdose]

I literally use a disposable aluminium pie plate, place my slices of pizza on that and throw it in the toaster oven and it perfectly fine each time.

[@javen9693]

Best way to reheat cold pizza is by putting it in your mouth

[@eclecticexplorer7828]

I don't have an airfryer, and I don't want a pizza sandwich (waffle iron method). I've been using my toaster oven to reheat pizza as long as I can remember. I like to put it at about 400 degrees and leave it long enough to really heat it through and get the cheese very melty. That can leave the outside crust a bit overdone, so I wrap some foil around the edge of the crust. This approach works very well for me.

[@windofhorus666]

One technique I use is to put the pizza upside down under the broiler / grill for a couple of minutes, flip just before the cheese gets to melt then two more mins. Everything is crispy on bottom and crust and gooey cheese.

[@mspirits9911]

Growing up, my family only has the toaster oven. Thus, it's our go to method for 30 years

[@Annie-ZA]

The foil defeats the Air Fryer's main purpose or 360 heating! However, sometimes I do use parchment paper which I have a pile of DIY cut to size circles all ready for when necessary.

[@carmenneumann9479]

Buy precut round or rectangle parchment...Amazon. no waste.

[@AzuriMint]

@@carmenneumann9479 no waste when you're literally buying something that serves no real purpose? You can wash the air fryer, that's no waste.

[@NickRego]

FRANK WHO IS WAITING 10 MINUTES TO REHEAT PIZZA

[@r0206]

Me

[@toviolaufasa6636]

Me

[@lior2538]

Omg I needed this !

[@frankrizzoa1275]

Top shelf of the gas grill. Perfect every time

[@stevecagle2317]

I've been doing this on a sheet pan with parchment at 350 for 10 minutes bottom rack on a stone. Works well with my oven. I'll try 375 for less time. With this method it depends on your oven and the pizza place that made it.

[@LydiaTarine12]

I have a toaster that can toast like a pop up toaster and a very small toaster oven. It can only bake very thin, flat things inside it, but it's perfect for reheating pizza. It's fast, crisps the bottom of the crust, remelts the cheese and gives the top of the crust a bit of crispiness as well and it does this so quickly you have to stand there and watch it so it doesn't over cook the pizza (no preheating required). 🙂 I love that toaster.

[@rogermilla2358]

Few sprinkles of water on the pizza + some sort of dish cover and maybe a minute in the microwave. In the meantime get a skillet heated with oil and finish the pizza base real quick in that to get the crispiness. Works like magic, and you can also use this method to re-crisp fried foods like french fries, fried chicken/wings, fish & chips, and fritters like Indian "pakoras" for the international cuisine appreciators.

[@Aidenxn]

I use toaster oven but I would also sometimes use a "comal", basically a cast iron flat piece of metal used for tortillas. I do low flame, no cover or aluminum and it takes a while but it's perfect.

[@AlejandroFerrariMc]

My microwave has a cooking mode where it uses a metal crisper pan (to put the food on) traditional radiant heat (like the ones in the oven) convection heating (like an airfryer) and a bit of microwaves (all at the same time, in a controlled manner) I called it, "perfect day after pizza in 3 minutes" mode. lol

[@elizamccroskey1708]

I use my cast iron pan on fairly low heat on the stovetop with a cover. Comes out crisp and the cheese and toppings are perfect.

[@hughjass1044]

Toaster ovens rock! I couldn't do without mine.

[@MDeLorien]

Cold pizza is ok for me 😊

[@kennethwu115]

Great advice Chef

[@Ascendancy-]

i like watching this guy, if he had his own personal youtube channel where he did stuff in this format i'd watch

[@AnaleenAelwyn]

Toaster oven has always been my preferred method as well. 👌

[@steveraglin7607]

Thanks, Frank -- I've used the covered frying pan reheating method for a while but neglected the splash of water!

[@jbearclowater]

The water definitely helps, I find! Keeps the inside of the crust nice and soft, and helps the cheese along nicely

[@IAmNeomic]

Also helps if you get the pizza and it's a little too floppy. Turn your stove on like 8, toss it in the pan for a minute, maybe minute and thirty, and let that bottom crisp back up since it's probably been sitting on that soggy cardboard for 10 minutes, or more.

[@agyvonne]

I’ve been reheating pizza …for over 30 years- in an extremely hot cast iron pan, covering the pan for the last few minutes. Perfect every time. You can’t tell it’s been reheated.

[@jtdavis62]

Yep, Robert Loggia as Sallie 'The Shark' Macelli in the 1992 movie Innocent Blood taught me the toaster oven method is best.

[@user-gk9lg5sp4y]

I've been reheating pizza for about 40 years and I just learned this method about 2 months ago. All the crisp crust reheated pizza I have missed 😭

[@KaneshaDi]

I use the Toaster Oven method when reheating Pizza and it's the method that I like to use.

[@Jim_in_KCMO]

If you have a non-stick skillet, why not start top-side-down? I have done this for years. The top gets hot and melty... and frequently leaves enough cheese/meat grease in the skillet so when you flip it crust down you swirl the crust in the pizza grease and let it get as crisp and toasty as you want. Also, nothing better than butter in the skillet to crisp the crust.

[@azilbean]

I could have saved you all that trouble and told you that the toast oven is the way to go!!! That's what we always do!!👏👏

[@MattMungan]

I use the air fryer and then crisp up the bottom for a minute on a cast iron skillet. Perfect

[@uni-byte]

I love re-heated pizza. My favorite way is in my hybrid micro-wave/convection oven then cover each slice with an over-easy egg. Breakfast of champions!!!

[@Therealhtrinity]

I use my microwave on approx 60% to get more room temperature (the crust doesn’t get tough this way) then I put it in nonstick pan and cover it briefly. Sometimes I flip it to the cheese side at the end.

[@Titot182]

Whilst I don't have a toaster over, I use my bread toaster to heat up individual slices. Does the job well after 2 minutes. Previously used the cast iron/carbon steel pan with water, covered method, but now solely use the toaster

[@Joker_JAK]

I lightly "paint" the pizza with some butter before microwaving. That works perfectly for me. I don't have a stove, oven, or air fryer. I also don't like "crispy" pizza. So I like it.

[@CinHotlanta]

I combo it, about a minute at 10% in the microwave to take the chill off, then in a warmed toaster oven until it's bubbly on top - perfect

[@Actorclown]

I love using my Pizzazz Plus not only for cooking certain frozen foods but it does pizza great!! First cook or reheating!! Just lay down some foil and presto!!

[@AtLeastTryALittle]

I use the oven at 425 for 12 minutes with a sprinkle of polenta under the pizza. Perfect pizza every time. Easy clean up. Even cook. Great crisp. 👍

[@craig8766]

Loved video Frank! I think it’s funny that people don’t know how to reheat a pizza. Cast-iron is still the best way to go. I don’t know about that toaster oven, and I’m not sure I would want one on the counter. But I definitely enjoy your content! As a CIA graduate, appreciate the time and energy you put into these!

[@sethb.9601]

Dont worry, Frank doesnt know how to reheat a pizza either.

[@sethb.9601]

Or use an airfryer

[@Exmachina223]

I like congealed cheese though

[@calvee1100]

Ninja makes a toaster/toaster oven that doesn’t need to pre heat. 380 degrees for 3 minutes is perfection!

[@connorbishop3289]

Pull it out of fridge, put on plate, eat. Perfect every time

[@zacattack500]

It depends on the pizza. But doing it in an air fryer or oven. 375°-400° For 4 minutes to 5 minutes works.

[@shaneebersole8366]

Toaster oven broiler setting. Works like a charm in under 5mins

[@kathleenlong79]

I use the griddle method, but low and slow. Put pizza on a dry griddle, on low with a cover propped on the griddle lip to let some steam escape. Leave it alone but keep checking til it's crispy and melty.

[@Wasian.]

i like to pan fry both sides of the pizza. crisps the bottom as well as the cheese. its great

[@davestevens4193]

I either use the toaster oven or combo microwave/nonstick pan.

[@-Insert_Name_Here.-]

7 mins at 425F in the toaster oven. works every time, and it's never gooey!

[@siphillis]

I was taught to preheat the over to 500F to best approximate how the slice was first cooked. Comes out great, in my experience.

[@JohnShalamskas]

And use a pizza stone.

[@xRadiantOne]

I have a Ninja Air fryer. I set it for air fry at 375 for 4 mins. I put the pizza in during the preheat cycle. Perfect every time

[@LoudLino]

I use the toaster oven method at 500° for 5-7 minutes, but put it directly on the rack with foil on top, button gets real crispy while the cheese is melty but top doesn't burn!

[@midnightmusic8354]

This is seriously life altering 🥲

[@JoellePretty]

I find that in nonstick pans you don't need the oil on the bottom, and I have never added water and am generally pleased with how it turns out.

[@priayief]

I've tried almost every way to re-heat pizza, but I missed two of yours. I didn't try the cast iron pan (which I won't bother with) and the toaster oven. I'll try the latter. Oh! I also use a method using a non-stick frying pan, with no oil and aluminum foil loosely covering. Medium heat. Cook for about 15 minutes. Not bad - maybe 3.5 to 4.

[@madhattersc4051]

The reason for the floppy pizza result in the air fryer was given in the explanation of how it cooks. Since it’s a convection oven miniaturized putting foil under it removes the basic manner it cooks the underside of the pizza.

[@pskully57]

I love the toaster oven, and I have a nuwave oven, and that is the best, on a tray with parchment paper.

[@chauntikleer]

Reheated pizza? Never heard of such a thing - I look forward to eating it cold for breakfast the next couple of days!

[@tiarealbering9630]

For a long time now I use cast iron, on stove. Then stice a slice upside down! Yep, yhen flip it. The chese and toppings have enough grease to keep everything non-stick and awesome crispy/cheesy "grilled cheese" style slice. Easy!!

[@jaredhaas4168]

The proper way to eat leftover pizza is straight out of the fridge at 2am.

[@snapgab]

I never would've thought of using a waffle iron, but that's actually kind of brilliant! Tough luck if you have an uneven amount of slices though ;p

[@lorimcquinn3966]

Reheat 100% homemade pizza in a 1980's Toaster Oven. That's the best method I've found.

[@jkuhl2492]

Toaster oven set to toast is my prefered to go method.

[@hannahbrown187]

I do a bi-phase process-microwave to melt the cheese, then a stint on the griddle or a cast iron pan to crisp the bottom

[@laurenehynson6495]

Ha! Reheating deep dish pizza in the oven now!

[@mattastic247]

Toaster oven has always been my reheat method.

[@tonii2019]

Frank, If you and your family ever get an air fryer just get a nice toaster oven with the air fryer feature. The toaster oven is a STAPLE all-in-one appliance IMO. 💯 P.S. I just started following your personal channel!

[@TheLepke2011]

I always use my toaster oven to reheat pizza (I literally just had some for lunch). In mine though, I have to wrap a bit of foil around the crust, otherwise it burns.

[@tysjt]

I put it in.a sandwich press (that allows you to leave space above the sandwich). Basically the waffle iron without needing to stack the pizza.

[@michaelfrei9296]

I have a no preheated oven version. Pizza on foil on a sheet pan in a cold oven set to 400 for 10 minutes. Perfect everytime. The bottom gets a lot of heat throughout the time but the cheese and upper crust take some time to get a lot of heat. You get a structurally crisp lower crust, melty lightly browned cheese, and soft upper crust with a crispy snap biting into it. Can't get much better 5/5

[@ramont8020]

I use a sandwich press. Preheat, add pizza, set so the top iron is suspended just above the pizza without touching. Crispy base, melted cheese; perfect pizza in minutes

[@ericcarson342]

Here's what I do..Preheat (GAS, need the flame) oven to 375. Press the start button, wait a couple minutes (don't have to wait to get to 375), Put a piece of foil on oven bottom and put your pizza on there, close door, wait for oven to cycle on if it cycled off, wait 60 sec, open door rotate pizza 1/3 close door wait 60 sec, open door rotate pizza 1/3 close door wait 45 sec. Depending on thickness times could vary. Works perfectly. No soggy crust.

[@eldibs]

No matter how you reheat it, it'll never be the same as when it was fresh, because the sauce attacks the crust over time. But you should definitely have an air-fryer in your kitchen, even if it's just a countertop convection oven. They're great for frozen fries.

[@bukwok]

nonstick pan is the best one, if you want the side and edge crispy, you can flip the pizza little bit , if you want quick and nice , 30 seconds microwave and heat the nonstick pan at the same , time ,30sec microwave done, then throw the pizza into pan for the crispy.

[@lawon01]

I use the oven, put it in, turn the oven on to 350, take it out once you smell it. Perfect 👌🏿

[@jpaugh78]

They make a pizza pan for your oven that is round with a bunch of tiny holes in it. Pizza comes out just about the same way as the first time I ate it. Been using this method for 15+ years. Highly recommend.

[@johnwang9914]

Are there microwave specific plates that are formulated to heat up in the microwave to crisp the food, maybe some of that grey painted paper that the popcorn bags have?

[@SammyRenard]

The water cup trick for microwaves is also a great way to steam up the inside of a microwave for cleaning day

[@bobcook2366]

He messed up using the air fryer with foil. Sure it’s easier to clean but air doesn’t circulate under the food through the holes in the basket. He complained that it made the pizza floppy…but didn’t use it in the way that would have avoided that

[@xvsun]

Redemption Arc for Frank with the air fryer 😭

[@daveblock4061]

I use the cast iron skillet with corn meal with a lid. medium-low heat. My girl uses the toaster oven.

[@RadenVijaya]

Frank, you can try to use delonghi multifry cooker. It is great at reheating pizzas!

[@Dadzilla2]

Yep, toaster oven has always been my favorite. If not avaliable I'll just assume eat it cold even though there's a microwave.