In this guide, we’ll walk you through several methods to reheat your pizza in the oven, ensuring you achieve that crispy crust and melty cheese that you crave. Plus, we’ll also address a frequently asked question: How many slices are in a 10-inch pizza? Let’s dive right in!
Why Reheat Pizza in the Oven?
Before we get into the how-to, it's important to understand why the oven is such a great tool for reheating pizza. Other methods, like using a microwave, may seem convenient but often leave the crust soggy and the cheese unappealing. The oven, on the other hand, preserves both the texture and flavour of your pizza. When reheating in the oven, the crust becomes crisp again, and the cheese melts perfectly.
So let’s take a look at the best ways to reheat pizza in the oven!
How to Reheat Pizza in the Oven: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat Your Oven
First things first: always preheat your oven before reheating your pizza. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature ensures the crust crisps up without burning the cheese. It also allows for even heating throughout the pizza.
2. Use a Baking Sheet or Rack
While you could technically just place your pizza directly on the oven rack, it’s better to use a baking sheet or a wire rack for a better outcome. A baking sheet will catch any cheese or toppings that might melt off during the reheating process, while a wire rack allows air circulation underneath, helping the pizza crisp up from all sides.
- If you want a super crispy bottom, consider placing the pizza directly on a preheated baking sheet or stone.
3. Cover the Pizza with Aluminum Foil (Optional)
While not absolutely necessary, covering your pizza with aluminum foil can help it reheat evenly, especially if you’re trying to preserve some of the moisture in the toppings. You don’t want the crust to get too hard or the cheese to dry out, and a foil cover helps prevent that while still allowing the pizza to crisp up nicely.
4. Reheat the Pizza
Now it's time to pop the pizza in the oven! Slide the prepared pizza onto your baking sheet or rack and place it in the center of the oven.
- For regular leftover slices: Reheat the pizza for about 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust has returned to its crispy texture.
- For thicker, deep-dish-style pizzas: You may need to reheat it for a bit longer—up to 12 minutes. Be sure to check the pizza about halfway through to ensure it’s not overcooking.
5. Check for Crispiness
Once you’ve reached the recommended time, check on the pizza. The crust should be golden brown, the cheese melted, and the toppings heated through.
If the pizza isn’t as crispy as you like, leave it in for an additional 1-2 minutes. The longer it stays in the oven, the crispier the crust will get, but be careful not to burn the edges or overcook the cheese.
6. Let the Pizza Cool for a Minute
Once it’s perfectly reheated, take your pizza out of the oven. Let it rest for about 1-2 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the cheese to set a little, so it doesn't slide off when you take a bite.
Tips for the Best Pizza Reheat
While reheating pizza in the oven is straightforward, there are a few tips that can take your reheating game to the next level:
- Use a pizza stone: If you have a pizza stone, use it. Preheat it along with the oven to get an even crispier crust. The stone holds heat evenly, helping the pizza cook faster and more evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the oven: If you're reheating more than one slice, make sure the pizza is arranged in a way that allows for airflow between slices. Crowding the pizza will cause it to steam instead of crisping up, leading to soggy crust.
- Spray with water for a tender crust: If you prefer your crust a little softer, lightly spritz the edges of your pizza with a small amount of water before reheating. The steam will create a softer texture while still keeping the pizza from drying out too much.
How Many Slices Are in a 10-Inch Pizza?
One question that often comes up with pizza leftovers is: how many slices are in a 10-inch pizza? A standard 10-inch pizza typically gets cut into 6 slices. This size is great for individuals or small groups but may not be enough if you're serving multiple people.
If you’re trying to plan accordingly, here’s an easy rule of thumb:
- 10-inch pizza: 6 slices
- 12-inch pizza: 8 slices
- 14-inch pizza: 10 slices
While it’s a general guideline, the exact number of slices may vary depending on how your pizzeria cuts the pizza. If you like larger slices, you may find that the pizza is cut into just four pieces.
Now that you know how many slices to expect from a 10-inch pizza, let's move forward with reheating!
How to Reheat Different Types of Pizza
Thin Crust Pizza
Thin crust pizza reheats quickly and crisps up well. Use the steps above and aim for about 8 minutes in the oven to ensure your pizza stays crunchy and delicious.
Thick Crust or Deep Dish Pizza
Thicker pizzas like deep-dish style need more time to heat through. These crusts can take longer to become crispy on the outside while thoroughly warming up the toppings and cheese on the inside. Reheat for about 12 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking the crust.
Stuffed Crust Pizza
Stuffed crust pizzas often take a bit longer to reheat, thanks to their dense cheese-filled borders. For stuffed crust pizza, you should aim for 10-15 minutes, again keeping an eye on it during the reheating process.
Other Ways to Reheat Pizza (Microwave vs. Oven)
While the oven is the most reliable method, you may find yourself in a time crunch. Here are a couple of alternative ways to reheat your pizza:
Microwave (Quick Fix)
The microwave is the fastest option, but it can result in a chewy, soggy crust. If you choose this route, here’s a hack to help: Place a cup of water next to the pizza in the microwave. The water prevents the pizza from drying out.
- Microwave for 30-60 seconds, depending on the number of slices.
Cast Iron Skillet (Crispy Bottom)
If you don’t have an oven handy, a cast iron skillet can give you a good reheat. Heat the skillet over medium heat, place the pizza slice inside, and cover with a lid to warm through.
- Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. The heat of the skillet crisps up the bottom without drying out the pizza.
FAQs About Reheating Pizza
Q1: How can I store leftover pizza before reheating it?
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it in foil and freeze it for up to 2 months.
Q2: Can I reheat pizza more than once?
It’s best to reheat pizza only once. Reheating multiple times can cause the texture to degrade and the flavor to diminish.
Q3: Can I use the broiler to reheat pizza?
Yes, the broiler can give you a crispy, bubbling top. However, you need to be careful as it can quickly burn the pizza if left too long. Set your oven to broil on high for about 2-4 minutes while keeping a close watch.
Conclusion
Reheating pizza in the oven is an excellent way to restore the crispy, melty experience we all love. Whether you're working with thin crust, deep-dish, or stuffed crust, following the steps mentioned will ensure that each bite tastes as fresh as the first one. So, the next time you have leftover pizza, skip the microwave and reach for your oven—it’s the perfect way to revive those delicious slices!