How to Reheat Pizza in the Microwave: The Best Method

Reheated microwave pizza is notorious for becoming soggy, rubbery, or unevenly heated. But with the right technique, you can get surprisingly good results — hot, melty cheese and a crust that's not completely limp. Here's the best method.

The Problem with Microwaving Pizza

Pizza has two components that heat very differently:

• Toppings and cheese: Heat quickly and well in the microwave
• Crust: Becomes soft and chewy rather than crispy — the microwave can't replicate the dry heat of an oven

The goal is to heat the pizza through without making the crust rubbery.

The Best Microwave Pizza Method: Glass of Water Trick

This is the most effective technique for microwave pizza reheating:

1. Place 1–2 slices of pizza on a microwave-safe plate
2. Place a microwave-safe glass or cup filled with water next to the plate inside the microwave
3. Microwave at 50–60% power for 45–60 seconds
4. Check — if not hot enough, add 15–20 seconds at a time
5. Let stand 30 seconds before eating

Why the water works: The glass of water absorbs some of the microwave energy, slowing the heating process. This prevents the crust from becoming rubbery and helps the cheese melt more evenly without overcooking.

Standard Method (Without Water Glass)

If you don't want to use the water glass trick:

1. Place pizza on a microwave-safe plate
2. Cover loosely with the Aidacom Microwave Splatter Cover (amzn.to/4v3p2Ab) to prevent cheese splatter
3. Microwave at 50% power for 60–90 seconds
4. Let stand 30 seconds

Lower power is key — full power makes the crust rubbery and the cheese tough.

Tips for Better Microwave Pizza

• Don't stack slices — heat one or two at a time for even results
• Use 50% power — never full power for pizza
• Don't overheat — 30–60 seconds is usually enough for 1–2 slices
• Let it stand — the cheese continues to melt during standing time
• Use a microwave-safe plate — the M MCIRCO Glass Containers (amzn.to/4eXKwK6) work well as a flat reheating surface

Honest Comparison: Microwave vs. Other Methods

For the crispiest reheated pizza, the skillet or oven method wins. But for speed and convenience, the microwave water trick is the best microwave option.

The Skillet Method (Best Overall)

If you have 5 minutes, the skillet method produces far better results than the microwave:

1. Place pizza in a cold non-stick or cast iron skillet
2. Heat over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until the bottom is crispy
3. Add a few drops of water to the pan (away from the pizza) and cover with a lid for 1 minute
4. The steam melts the cheese while the bottom stays crispy