Reheating your leftover pizza in a toaster oven is a quick and convenient way to enjoy hot, crispy slices without the risk of sogginess that comes with using a microwave. Not only that, it’s much faster than using a regular oven, and it can produce better results.
To reheat pizza in a toaster oven, select the “bake” setting and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the pizza on a baking tray, sprinkle with water, and put the tray in a preheated toaster oven. Reheat for 5-10 minutes and check often to prevent burning. Let cool for a minute or two before eating.
Keep reading for step-by-step instructions and some expert tips to help you achieve perfect results.
Reheating Pizza in a Toaster Oven
Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying those hot pizza slices in no time:
1. Preheat the Toaster Oven to 350°F
Select the “bake” setting and preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (180°C). Preheating the toaster oven is recommended for optimal results as it can help ensure that the pizza is reheated evenly and achieves a crispy crust and melted cheese. Most toaster ovens will have an alarm that notifies you when the preheating is done. If that’s not the case with your toaster oven, set a timer for about 10 minutes.
2. Place the Pizza on a Baking Tray
Using a baking tray is much cleaner and simpler than putting your pizza directly on the toaster oven rack. You can put as many slices on the tray as will fit without overlapping. A single layer of well-spaced slices will heat evenly.
3. Sprinkle With Water
Spritzing your pizza with water helps retain the moisture, making the cheese nice and gooey. Use a spray bottle to spritz the pizza lightly with water or sprinkle a few drops on the top of each slice.
4. Bake for 5-10 Minutes
Insert the tray into the preheated oven. A single slice of pizza should take around 3-4 minutes to heat up in a preheated toaster oven set to 350°F (180°C). If you’re reheating multiple slices, it may take a little longer, typically around 5-10 minutes. You’ll know your pizza is ready when you can see the cheese melting and the top starting to brown.
5. Remove the Pizza & Enjoy!
Carefully remove the tray of slices from the toaster oven and transfer them to a plate. Use caution when biting into the pizza as the cheese may be very hot!
Reheating Pizza Using the “Reheat” Function on a Toaster Oven
If your toaster oven has the “reheat” function simply place the tray with pizza inside, select “reheat”, close the door, and press start! Check on your pizza after five minutes to make sure it doesn’t burn.
A “reheat” function is a feature found on many toaster ovens and it’s designed to quickly warm up food that has already been cooked without overcooking or drying it out. It uses a combination of low heat and short bursts of high heat to gradually warm up the food without drying it out or causing the cheese and toppings to burn.
It’s important to note that the exact settings for the “reheat” function may vary depending on the make and model of the toaster oven, so it’s a good idea to consult the manual or look up the recommended settings for your specific toaster oven.
Tips for Reheating Pizza in a Toaster Oven
While the process outlined in this article is a great starting point for reheating your pizza, there are a few additional tips you can keep in mind to help customize the process based on the type of pizza you have. Here are a few suggestions to consider:
- For pizzas with a lot of toppings, it may be helpful to bake them for a few extra minutes to ensure that everything is heated through. You can also cover the pizza with aluminum foil (so-called foil tent) during the first few minutes of baking to prevent the toppings from burning.
- If your pizza has a thin crust, it’s a good idea to reduce the baking time to prevent it from becoming too crispy. Start with a shorter baking time (around 5 minutes) and check the pizza frequently until it’s heated to your liking.
- Upgrade the crust by brushing it with a bit of olive oil before baking. This can help to crisp up the crust and add some richness to the overall flavor.
- Add extra cheese to make your leftover pizza as good as new. Sprinkle some extra shredded cheese or add slices of fresh mozzarella on top of the reheated pizza, then put it back in the toaster oven for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to add too much cheese, however, as it can cause the pizza to become soggy or greasy.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can fine-tune the reheating process to achieve the best possible results for your specific type of pizza. Experiment a bit and find what works best for you!
FAQs About Reheating Pizza in a Toaster Oven
How Long to Reheat Pizza in a Toaster Oven?
The time it takes to reheat pizza in a toaster oven will depend on various factors, such as the size of the pizza and the temperature of the toaster oven. As a general rule, you should aim to reheat the pizza for around 5-10 minutes or until it is heated through and the cheese is melted.
What is the Best Temperature to Reheat Pizza in a Toaster Oven?
The best temperature to reheat pizza in a toaster oven is around 350°F (180°C). This temperature is high enough to ensure that the pizza is heated through and crispy, but not so high that it will burn or dry out. However, keep in mind that the optimal temperature may vary depending on the type of toaster oven you have and the thickness of your pizza crust.
Do You Bake or Toast to Reheat Pizza in a Toaster Oven?
When reheating pizza in a toaster oven, you should use the bake function rather than the toast function. This will help to evenly distribute the heat and prevent the pizza from becoming too crispy or burnt.
Is it Safe to Reheat Pizza in a Toaster Oven?
Yes, it’s generally safe to reheat pizza in a toaster oven as long as you follow food safety guidelines. Preheat the toaster oven, ensure the pizza reaches a minimum internal temp of 165°F (70°C) to kill bacteria, and avoid leaving it at room temperature for too long to minimize foodborne illness risk.
Final Thoughts About Reheating Pizza in a Toaster Oven
Using a toaster oven to reheat pizza is a quick and simple way to enjoy leftover slices without sacrificing taste or texture. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve perfectly reheated pizza every time.
Whether you’re in a rush or just looking for a convenient way to enjoy your favorite pizza leftovers, using a toaster oven is a great option to consider.
