How to Reheat Pizza in Oven

Reheating pizza in the oven is far superior to the microwave — it restores the crispy base, melts the cheese properly, and brings the toppings back to life. Here's the best method for perfect reheated pizza every time.

The Best Method: High Heat, Short Time

Unlike most reheating, pizza benefits from higher heat for a shorter time — this crisps the base without drying out the toppings.

1. Preheat the oven to 200–220°C (400–425°F) — fully preheat before adding the pizza
2. Place pizza directly on the oven rack or on a preheated baking sheet — direct contact with a hot surface is key to a crispy base
3. Reheat for 5–8 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the base is crispy
4. Check at 5 minutes — thin crust pizza reheats faster than thick crust

Method 2: Baking Sheet Method (Crispiest Base)

1. Place a baking sheet in the oven while it preheats to 220°C (425°F)
2. Once hot, carefully slide pizza slices onto the hot sheet
3. Bake for 5–7 minutes

The hot baking sheet acts like a pizza stone, giving the base an immediate blast of heat for maximum crispiness. The Umite Chef Natural Aluminum Half Sheet Pan Set (18x13 inch, 2 Pack) is ideal — it heats evenly and holds multiple slices at once.

Method 3: Pizza Steel (Best Results)

For the closest result to freshly baked pizza, reheat on a preheated pizza steel. The Pizza Steel PRO by Hans Grill (XL, 1/4 inch thick) conducts heat directly to the base for a perfectly crispy result in just 4–6 minutes at maximum oven temperature.

What NOT to Do

• Don't use the microwave — it makes the base soggy and the cheese rubbery
• Don't cover with foil — trapping steam makes the base soft
• Don't reheat at low temperature — the base won't crisp and the cheese will dry out before the base heats through

Reheating Thick Crust vs. Thin Crust Pizza

• Thin crust: 200°C (400°F) — 5–6 minutes
• Thick crust / deep dish: 180–190°C (350–375°F) — 8–12 minutes (lower heat to allow the thick base to heat through without burning the top)

Reheating Multiple Slices

Spread slices in a single layer with space between them — overlapping slices steam each other and result in a soggy base. Use two baking sheets if needed.

Summary

Reheat pizza at 200–220°C (400–425°F) for 5–8 minutes, directly on the oven rack or a preheated baking sheet. High heat and direct contact with a hot surface are the keys to a crispy base and properly melted cheese. Never cover with foil and never use the microwave for pizza.