How to reheat pizza in the microwave

When there are a few slices of pizza left after dinner, the question arises: how can you reheat it to keep its flavor, texture, and aroma? Many people immediately put it in the microwave, but often end up with either a dry crust or a soggy, “rubbery” base.

In this article, we’ll explain how to properly reheat pizza in the microwave so that it stays juicy, the cheese melts perfectly, and the crust becomes crispy again.

Why reheating pizza in the microwave isn’t as simple as it seems

Microwaves heat food by warming up the water molecules inside it. This means that pizza often loses its crispiness, and the dough becomes too soft or even rubbery. Moisture from the toppings seeps into the crust, especially if the heating settings or method are incorrect.

However, if you follow a few simple rules, you can reheat pizza in the microwave so it tastes almost as good as freshly baked. Plus, it’s the quickest way to warm up your favorite dish.

How to properly reheat pizza in the microwave: step-by-step instructions

1. Prepare the pizza slices for reheating
Place the pizza slices on a microwave-safe plate — preferably ceramic or glass. Make sure the slices don’t overlap; each piece should lie separately.

2. Add a glass of water
Place a small glass of water next to the plate. This helps prevent the dough from overheating and drying out. The steam from the water balances the moisture loss from the pizza.

3. Cover the pizza slices with a microwave lid
If you have a microwave cover, use it. It helps retain moisture inside and ensures even heating.

4. Use medium microwave power
Avoid maximum power settings. The optimal range is 400–600 W. The reheating time depends on the dough’s thickness and the toppings, but usually 30–60 seconds is enough. If the pizza is still cold, heat it for an additional 15 seconds at a time.

5. Check the pizza
Remove the plate and let it sit for a moment. Check if the toppings are hot and the cheese has melted. If not, repeat the heating cycle briefly.

How to make pizza crispy after microwaving

To restore crispiness, you can quickly warm the pizza in a skillet after microwaving. Place the slice on a hot, dry pan and cover it with a lid. Heating it for 1–2 minutes will bring back the crunchy texture of the crust. This is a great trick for texture lovers.

Alternative ways to reheat pizza

If you’re using an oven, the best method is to place the pizza on a rack or baking tray at 180–200°C (350–400°F). You can line the tray with foil to prevent sogginess and ensure even heating.
If you prefer a skillet, heat it over medium heat, place the slice inside, and cover it with a lid. In 2–3 minutes, the cheese will melt and the crust will turn crispy.
If you have an air fryer or toaster oven, that’s a super quick way to reheat a single slice — resulting in a perfectly crispy pizza without excess moisture.

Common mistakes when reheating pizza

– Using too high power. At 800–1000 W, the cheese may boil and the crust may dry out.
– Skipping the lid or water. This leads to uneven heating and moisture loss.
– Overheating for too long. The pizza becomes hard and tasteless.

Why choosing the right reheating method matters

Reheating pizza isn’t just about making it hot again. It’s about preserving the flavor, dough texture, moisture balance, and aroma. When done correctly, even yesterday’s pizza can taste hot, juicy, and delicious — almost like freshly baked. Because pizza is always a good idea.

So next time you have a few cold slices left, don’t rush to throw them away. Choose the right temperature, pop them into the microwave or skillet, and enjoy the result!

And if your pizza still doesn’t taste right — we’ve got you covered!

If even after all these tips your pizza isn’t perfect, don’t worry. At Pronto, we bake and deliver fresh, hot pizza right from the oven to your table daily until 10 p.m. You won’t have to think about temperature, power settings, or foil — just order a pizza that needs no reheating, with perfectly melted cheese, aromatic toppings, and crispy crusts (which we can fill with hunter sausages or cheese upon request).