Leftover pizza night is only as good as your reheating method. A microwave turns crust rubbery, but a skillet can make it taste almost fresh. Here are the best methods for each pizzeria favorite.
Food safety first
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of serving.
- Eat refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, as the USDA recommends.
- Reheat until hot all the way through (165°F internal).
Pizza: the skillet method (best)
- Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add the slice and cook 2–3 minutes until the bottom crisps.
- Add a few drops of water to the pan (not on the pizza), cover, and steam for 1 minute to melt the cheese.
This works for thin and hand-tossed slices. For tavern-style squares, skip the water; they crisp in about 2 minutes.
Pizza: oven and air fryer
| Method | Settings | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 375°F on a preheated tray, 8–10 min | Several slices at once, thick crusts |
| Air fryer | 350°F, 3–4 min | One or two slices, very crisp |
| Microwave | 30–45 sec with a cup of water beside it | Speed only; the crust softens |
Calzones and stromboli
Use the oven: 350°F for 15–20 minutes, loosely covered with foil for the first 10 minutes so the outside does not burn before the center is hot. In an air fryer, use 320°F for 8–10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which makes the dough chewy. (Not sure which you have? See calzone vs. stromboli.)
Pasta
- Tomato-based pasta: reheat in a pan with a splash of water, stirring, or microwave covered in 1-minute bursts.
- Cream sauces such as alfredo: low heat in a pan with milk or cream, stirring constantly so the sauce does not separate. See our fettuccine alfredo guide.
- Baked pasta such as ziti or lasagna: covered in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes.
Storing leftovers so they reheat well
- Don’t leave pizza in the cardboard box; it dries out. Stack slices between parchment in an airtight container.
- Store sauces and dips separately.
- Freeze slices individually and reheat from frozen at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to reheat pizza?
A covered skillet on medium heat. It crisps the bottom and melts the cheese in about 3 minutes.
How long is leftover pizza good for?
Three to four days in the refrigerator if it was chilled within two hours of serving.
Can you reheat a calzone in the microwave?
You can, but the dough becomes chewy. The oven or an air fryer gives far better results.
This guide is published by the team preserving the Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria website. Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria at 521 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN has permanently closed; this page offers general food information and is not an offer to order.
