How To Reheat Pizza In Pan:
5 Easy Steps & Best Tips
Pizza is a popular food choice for many people. It can be easy to make and there are endless possibilities for toppings. However, reheating pizza can sometimes be tricky. You could try to microwave it, but then you run the risk of it coming out soggy.
Do you love pizza but hate the hassle of reheating it in the oven? If so, this guide is for you! But have you ever tried to reheat pizza in pan? It’s a game changer! Not only does it taste better than microwave pizza, but it’s also much healthier.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the process step by step so that you can make the perfect pan-fried pizza every time. We will also provide you with tips on how to reheat pizza in pan to get the best results. So read on and get ready to enjoy your favorite food all over again!
What Makes This Method So Great?
There are many reasons why you should switch to this method. First, it is healthier than microwaving or heating up in ovens, and second, it tastes better!
The taste is different because the crust becomes crispier when heated in a pan. It also helps add some extra flavor thanks to the added oil.
Some people find that they like the reheated version even more than when it was fresh! Plus, this method is easier and way faster than the oven. Yet another reason to give it a try!
Not only does reheating pizza in a pan deliver great results, but there’s also no preheating necessary. If you’re impatient, then this could be your saving grace!
Secondly, there won’t be any leftovers. You can eat the whole thing and then some! Plus, you don’t need anything else except for a pan and a heat source. This means that it’s perfect if you’re camping or just want to save money by not having to buy an appliance such as an oven or microwave.
Now that we’ve established why this method is so great, let’s talk about how reheat pizza in pan in detail…
How To Reheat Pizza In Pan
Now that we’ve gone over some reasons why the method reheat pizza in pan is a great choice, let’s discuss the best method to use when doing so.
Tools You’ll Need
- 1 Pan (nonstick or cast iron)
- 1 Plate (for serving)
- Foil or parchment paper if cooking directly in skillet
- Olive oil (Extra virgin is best)
- Pizza (of course!)
The process couldn’t be any simpler! You will need:
✅ A non-stick pan with a lid (we recommend an 8 inch diameter pan)
✅ About 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. We also recommend that you use a silicone brush to spread the oil around the pan and make less of a mess. But if this isn’t available, you can simply pour it from its bottle straight into your pan. This may waste some so remember to clean up as you go along!
✅ Your pizza of choice now cut into slices or segments for easy handling. Remember that each slice will increase in size as it cooks, so make sure you don’t cook too much.
✅ Optional: A mesh metal colander that will fit into the pan and sit above your sliced pizza. We recommend this step since it helps keep your slices from getting soggy and they’ll remain crispy until the last bite!
If you’re cooking for one, then skip this step and use a lid instead to cover your food at all times. This will save energy and cut down on your waiting time.
Steps To Take Before Reheating Pizza In A Pan
Before going to the instructions on how to reheat pizza in pan, there are a few things you should consider before heating up that slice of leftovers. Here are a few tips to be mindful of when preparing your pan-fried pizza:
1. Remove The Plastic And Make Sure It’s Dry
First and foremost, you want to be sure there isn’t any plastic on your pizza after it has been microwaved. This means no cling wrap, no foil, or no plastic bags. The reason is that all of these will trap the steam within and cause your crust to become soft.
2. No Liquid On Top
The next step is to ensure you remove any excess moisture from the top of your pizza before heating it up in a pan. This means no wet sauce or heavy amounts of cheese unless you want mushy pizza.
3. Crust First
You should always heat up the crust first! This helps dry it out if it becomes moist after microwaving. Place your crust-side down on a nonstick frying pan at medium-high heat with just enough oil or butter to coat the bottom of the pan. If using oil, be sure not to use too much as it may burn.
4. Cheese On Top
Now that the crust is almost done, it’s time to add your cheese on top! This ensures the cheese melts evenly and prevents burning. All you have to do is add a generous amount of mozzarella to the top of your pizza at this point and cover the pan.
Before going to the tutorial on how to reheat pizza in pan with a lid to speed up the melting process. Wait until all of the bubblings from underneath slows down before checking on your pizza – about 2-3 minutes should be enough to melt everything if using medium-high heat.
5. Add Toppings & Heat For Last
If you want a crispy bottom in addition to melted cheese, add any other toppings now such as pepperoni or sausage alongside some veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Turn the heat down to medium-low and place a lid over the pan for about 1-2 minutes. This should give everything enough time to warm up without burning anything.
6. Enjoy!
And lastly, remove your pizza from the pan, cut it up, and serve it on a plate with some garlic bread or salad if you want. You can also use foil or parchment paper if you want to eat directly out of the pan – just be sure to grease it first so nothing sticks!
And there you have it, folks! We’ve gone over all of the necessary steps one needs to follow when heating a slice of pizza in a frying pan.
Knowing how easy the method reheat pizza in pan is makes me wonder why I never cooked up a pizza this way before. I mean, why use the oven when you have the luxury of being able to pan-fry your slice?
Steps On How To Reheat Pizza In Pan
Step 1: Place the pan with oil on medium heat (if using an electric stove place between 5 and 7).
Step 2: Once the bottom of the pan is hot enough (don’t let it smoke or burn), add your first slice of pizza and let it cook for about a minute or two.
Step 3: After the bottom has crisped up, flip it over and put on your mesh colander if using one. This will prevent sogginess on the bottom of your slices and allow them to become crispy on top as well.
Step 4: Cover with a lid and turn down heat slightly (to between 3 and 4) to prevent burning.
Step 5: Once you see steam coming out from under the lid, remove right away to prevent overcooking!
Place onto a plate or cutting board covered in paper towels. Take this step seriously because too much oil will result in greasy pizza, which nobody wants!
Optional Step: Add your toppings now and/or continue cooking for another minute to make sure that everything is hot and melted.
Step 6: Eat right away and enjoy!
Popular Methods Of Reheating Pizza In Pan
Moving onto the actual process, there are two ways I like to reheat pizza in pan: with some oil or butter and without any oil at all. Let’s take a look at each method below…
1) Reheating With Oil Or Butter
This is the easiest way to reheat pizza in pan. You simply put a little bit of oil or melted butter into the bottom of the pan, swirl it around until it’s coated, and then add your slice.
You should avoid using cooking spray though since it doesn’t actually add any flavor (and why waste that stuff when you can add another ingredient for a little zing?).
Also, keep in mind that if you’re cooking with nonstick there’s no need to oil up the pan – but change out the nonstick coating afterward or else it will eventually get damaged by all of the high heat applications.
Turn on the stove and set it to about medium-high. Once the pan is nice and hot carefully pick up your slice and place it face down into the middle of the pan.
If you opted to use butter then this process should be fairly easy because things won’t stick as much! Let your slice sizzle away on the stovetop for a few minutes before flipping it over and repeating the process on the other side.
Searing both sides of your slice makes sure you have a crispy crust, which is especially important if you don’t plan to use a microwave afterward.
2) Reheating Without Oil Or Butter
If you want to cook a completely oil-free pizza then this is the best method. It’s not quite as easy as using some fat, but it can still be done if you’re careful with how its done. The key here is that whatever pan you use must be well-seasoned or else your slice might stick!
You’ll also want to make sure that your stove has been preheated for at least a few minutes because this will help ensure maximum conductivity. Otherwise, your slice might end up sticking to the pan and it won’t cook properly!
I would also recommend using a high-quality cast iron skillet or wok – these kinds of pans heat up quickly and evenly which is perfect for cooking things like pizza.
Once your pan is hot carefully pick up your slice and place it face down on the stovetop. Let it sit there for a few moments until you see juices beginning to form on top of the crust (you’ll know when this happens).
Then flip it over and let the other side sizzle away for a few minutes before removing from the pan. You can now squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the cooked toppings for extra flavor or go ahead and eat it!
A Few Words Of Advice When Reheating In A Pan
Tip #1 – Heat the Pan
First, It’s important to reheat pizza in pan before pressing your slice down on it. This is because you want the entire surface area to be hot so your pizza has maximum contact with the metal.
Uncooked toppings are mostly water, which means that they’ll stick less if there isn’t any moisture present between them and the pan.
To check if your pan is hot enough hold your hand an inch or two above it, then flick some drops of water into its surface. If they sizzle away almost immediately then you know it’s ready for cooking!
Tip #2 – Use Oil If Needed
This is a no-brainer, but you’ll definitely need some kind of oil or butter to cook your pizza in the pan! If you opt to use oil then keep it away from the pan’s edges so your crust doesn’t burn. I would recommend adding it after placing your slice into the pan because some might fly out as soon as it hits its surface.
Tip #3 – Flip Carefully
Once again this is where practice makes perfect, but flipping over your slice should be pretty easy if you do it correctly. You just want to ensure that you don’t rip any of those toppings off in the process!
The best method for doing this involves grabbing both sides of the crust with either thumb and forefinger (set them as close to the slice’s toppings as you can). Then gently lift up and flip it over with your other hand.
Tip #4 – Practice Makes Perfect
The only way to get good at this is by repeating this process and learning from your mistakes. It took me a few tries before I got the hang of it, but now I’m able to cook my pizza slices with almost no oil or butter! You just need to remember that there’s a right way and a wrong way for doing everything.
Be sure to use low heat, don’t put too much pressure on your pizza, and let it sit long enough so the sauce heats up properly. These kinds of things might sound intimidating at first, but once you’ve done them a few times you’ll be a reheating pro!
Keep these tips in mind to help make the process reheat pizza in pan easier. It might take some time to master but it’s well worth the effort because who can resist a crispy slice right out of the pan? Plus, you’ll find that your sauce tastes better this way too!
How Long To Reheat Pizza In Pan
The first thing you have to do is remember that the size of your slice will determine how long it will take.
For example, a full 14 inches pizza should be reheated for about 2 minutes at medium-high heat before flipping and another minute with the mesh colander on top, but this may vary depending on the thickness of your crust. A 10 inches pizza should take about 90 seconds to reheat properly without burning or overcooking any toppings.
Another factor that affects how long it takes is whether you use fresh or frozen (precooked) cheese. If using fresh cheese, microwaving for 20 seconds prior to cooking will help speed up the process! But if possible, I would say try getting hold of some fresh marinara sauce and cheese in addition to fresh dough.
Cooking times may vary according to the type of pizza you have and how powerful your stove is. If you’re using a less powerful stove then it will take a little longer than normal, but not by much!
In my experience, I’d say reheat your slice for around 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat. The best way to tell if it’s done is to check out its crust as well as whether or not the cheese has melted!
As long as those two qualities are taken care of, then your slice of pizza should be good to go! Bear in mind that some pizzas cook quicker due to their toppings, so always check out the crust and cheese before taking it off the pan!
The best way to find out how long it takes for your own pizza is just by testing the method. Heat up one slice in a pan at around medium-high heat, then check on it every minute or so until it’s done. Knowing exactly when to pull the pizza out is based solely on experience, but this should help get you started! And there you have it folks!
You have now learned how to reheat pizza in pan – an excellent alternative if using the oven takes too long. Be sure to give this guide a go next time you get hungry after coming home late from work or before going out with friends/family because having hot, tasty pizza that hasn’t been charred in the oven is definitely the way to go.
Reheating Pizza In A Pan Vs. Microwave Or Oven
As with anything in life, there are good and bad points to every method. Here’s the lowdown on how each method stacks up against one another:
Reheat Pizza In Pan – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fast. If you need your pizza ASAP then this is definitely the way to go!
- Healthier. No more greasy microwave pizzas or charred oven pizzas! This is definitely your healthiest option. Unless you put an insane amount of toppings on it, of course.
Cons:
- Lackluster crust crunch. Unfortunately, this method does not supply the same crunchy crust that the oven gives you. The best solution for this problem is to use a frying pan with some sort of mesh colander on top while cooking it.
- Takes more time than the oven. This method will take about 2 minutes longer than the oven. But if you need your pizza in a hurry then it’s definitely worth taking that extra minute or so! It’ll be worth it once you taste and devour your perfect slice of pizza!
Reheat Pizza In A Microwave – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The fastest way to reheat a slice. Taking only 20 seconds to reheat, this is the fastest method by far! Just pop it into the microwave for 20 seconds (if using thin crust) or 30 seconds (if using thick crust), and there you go! Your pizza now be nice and hot. But we all know the microwave isn’t the healthiest option.
Cons:
- Greasiest way to reheat a slice. Microwaving pizza results in a particularly greasy slice, which is why it’s not recommended for anybody trying to stay slim and fit!
- Lackluster crust crunch. The same problem as reheating in a frying pan; it doesn’t give you that nice crispy texture that you get when cooking it in an oven.
Reheat Pizza In An Oven – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The most accurate way to reheat a slice. Your crust will have the same crispy texture as when it first came out of the oven, so you can enjoy those yummy breadsticks and pizza crusts without any problem! The best part about using an oven is that you don’t need to worry about undercooking your toppings either. This ensures that everything on your pizza is nice and hot, just how it should be!
Cons:
- Longest method. Reheating a slice in the oven takes around 3 minutes… But if desperation calls for it then this is sure to be the quickest option available to you.
Summary
You might be wondering why pan-frying is better than microwaving. It’s simple really – you get to enjoy a crispy exterior alongside a tender, moist interior. There are also plenty of other benefits that make it worth the extra effort:
Healthier: As mentioned above, it tends to be much healthier than microwaving. That’s because you’re not only reheating but also crisping the crust when using this method.
The risk of mushiness is greatly reduced when compared with microwaved pizza. Using this technique ensures your pizza doesn’t become soggy in transit to work or school in the morning. And unlike reheating in an oven, there’s no need for foil or parchment paper when using a frying pan so cleanup is a breeze.
There’s a simple reason why restaurants always serve out of the pan – it tastes better! It also means you can prepare your pizza exactly the way you like it without having to worry about uniformity. For instance, you can ensure that the cheese melts only on one side and leave the other as gooey as possible.
Delicious Pizza Tip: If you’re looking for more flavor from your crust, try using a frying pan with oil or butter instead of just plain old nonstick spray. You may even consider adding some herbs or spices to produce a unique type of pie.
What Is The Best Type Of Pan To Use For Reheating Pizza?
There are a few different options when it comes to what type of pan you should use for the method reheat pizza in pan.
1) Cast Iron Pans
Uncoated cast iron pans work best for this application, and the results will impress you! This is because cast iron skillets can get extremely hot and maintain that heat well.
Unfortunately, though, there’s one thing you need to be aware about: they don’t always come pre-seasoned anymore. If this is the case with your skillet then you need to find another option.
So if your pan looks bare, lick it clean and apply some oil before firing up that stovetop! Here’s how to season a cast iron skillet.
2) Enameled Cast Iron Pans
Enameled cast iron pans can be quite versatile and tend to work great for this purpose. However, they’re not quite as good as the uncoated cast iron variation we just discussed. The reason is that most of them contain lead in their enamel coating, which slowly leeches into your food when heated.
So if you do decide to use one of these pans then keep an eye on how things are cooking!
3) Nonstick Pans
These are the best for reheating pizza because they don’t require oil or butter to cook with. And while nonstick skillets are fine for regular meals, bear in mind that it’s not recommended to heat up oiled-up pizza in them since the fat could further degrade the nonstick coating over time.
4) Stainless Steel Pans
If you can find an uncoated stainless steel pan (some are coated with heat-resistant nonstick surfaces) then it should be able to perform well. Just like cast iron, stainless pans can also get to very high temperatures.
However, you need to make sure that the handle is oven-proof or else it could crack due to exposure to extreme heat.
5) Aluminum Pans
Aluminum pans are cheap and very lightweight, but they will almost always warp when exposed to heat. This means you’re forced to deal with uneven heating issues during the cooking process – not fun!
Also, most aluminum pans are coated with a nonstick surface that can degrade over time due to exposure to high temperatures. So if you consider them at all then make sure that it’s uncoated.
6) Glass Pans
I wouldn’t recommend using these kinds of pans because they tend to be fairly fragile and the topping might stick too much without oil or butter is present in the pan.
You could try putting some kind of oil or fat on top of your pizza before reheating it, but again this will lead to degradation of the nonstick coating and also uneven cooking due to hotspots.
It’s usually best to avoid glass pans as they’re not as versatile as other models, but it just really depends on what you already have available in your kitchen.
Advice On Choosing The Best Pan
Your pan’s material will affect the taste of your pizza, so it’s always best to go with a non-stick or cast iron pan. And remember that no matter what type of frying pan you use, you’ll want to coat it in cooking spray first. This helps prevent the crust from sticking so you can enjoy every single cheesy bite!
While nonstick pans are best when it comes to reheating a slice, you may want to consider using a cast iron skillet if your nonstick pan contains lead. This is because heating up oil in a nonstick pan isn’t recommended.
If you don’t have access to non-stick or cast iron pans then stainless steel is the next best option available to you. Stainless steel tends to give out an unpleasant metallic flavor when heated up but this can be mitigated if necessary by coating it in fry oil before popping your slice into the pan.
Other alternatives include ceramic and aluminum pans. However both types of materials tend to react poorly when heated to high temperatures, so it’s probably best to avoid using them unless you’re catering for yourself.
Tips for Successfully Reheating Pizza In Pan
Tips & Tricks
1) Always use medium/high heat. Never knock your reheating time down by cooking on low-medium heat. You’ll be waiting forever if you do this! For a crispier crust, try using high heat instead of medium.
2) Avoid cooking for too long. This can burn your slice of pizza and completely ruin its taste. So avoid doing that at all costs! On average though, 2-3 minutes per side will suffice. If you overcook your slice then the bottom end of the crust might become tough and crunchy instead of crispy and soft like normal.
3) For more evenly pizza, flip it over halfway. If you don’t want to take your slice of pizza out of the frying pan to flip it over, then you can use a larger pan instead. But I recommend flipping it over halfway for an evenly cooked slice.
3) Preheat your pan first. This will cut down on your cooking time and help keep the crust crispier! As well as preheating your stove if possible, so that it doesn’t run the risk of burning either!
4) Keep an eye on it. Before taking your slice off the frying pan, check up on how it’s doing every 30 seconds or so just in case! Doing this will ensure that nothing gets overcooked and burnt which is always a bonus!
5) If you want to rewarm your slice at a later time then store it in an airtight container. This way, your pizza will stay moist and the crust won’t become too tough or crunchy!
6) Avoid cooking too much at once. If you try to cook more than one slice of pizza in a pan then I can guarantee that it won’t end well. Because the crust will become soggy and soft instead of crisp and delicious!
So there you have it – our complete guide on how to reheat pizza in pan. I really hope you found this helpful and if so, let us know what you think in the comments below!
FAQs
Is Reheat Pizza In Pan Good For You?
If you are on some sort of diet regimen that prohibits the consumption of too much oil or grease in your food, then using a frying pan versus other methods might not be your best bet. However, compared to microwave cooking where fat often forms around the edges of your slices, using a frying pan may be better because it heats up the slices evenly by allowing oil to cover the bottom.
Is Reheat Pizza In Pan Healthy?
Compared to microwave cooking where fat often forms around the edges of your slices, using a frying pan may be better because it heats up the slices evenly by allowing oil to cover the bottom. However, if you are on some sort of diet regimen that prohibits the consumption of too much oil or grease in your food, then reheating pizza in a pan might be worse than other methods… But microwaving is definitely not good either.
How Is Reheat Pizza In Pan Different From Microwave?
One of the biggest differences between microwaving your pizza slice and heating it up in a frying pan is that you can reheat the entire crust when doing it in a pan. However, this comes at the cost of having to use more oil or other unhealthy additives to keep your crust crispy. This means that while you may get an evenly heated slice of pizza, it might not be as healthy compared to simply microwaving your slice instead.
What Are The Best Materials To Use For Reheating Pizza In A Pan?
Unfortunately, if you want an evenly heated slice of pizza then using appliances like microwaves are likely going to beat out using a frying pan every time… This is simply because microwaves cook your slice from all angles at once, whereas frying pans heat up the front and back of your slice individually. Not to mention that it’s much harder to control how oily or crispy your crust becomes if you are using a frying pan… But this comes down to personal preference really!
Is Reheat Pizza In Pan Better Than Microwave?
Given the fact that both methods have their pros and cons, I would argue yes…. If you are looking for something that will evenly heat up the entire crust then using a frying pan might be better than microwaving your slice. However, if you are looking for something healthier overall then I would recommend just sticking with simple microwave cooking instead.
Why Is Reheat Pizza In Pan Not Healthy?
I would argue that when done correctly, reheating pizza in a pan is healthier than using the microwave. This is because when heating up your slice in the oven, you will likely have to coat it with either oil or butter to keep it moist and crispy…. Whereas microwaves tend to dry out the slice at times. However, this comes down to personal preference really!
What Temperature & Time Should You Heat Pizza In A Pan?
When heating up your slice in a frying pan, keep the heat on medium to high and watch it closely! It is very important that you do not leave it unattended because things can go from heated to burned rather quickly. Even if your slice seems like it’s taking long to reheat then this does not mean that you should turn up the heat or that you are doing something wrong! Your pizza will be perfectly fine- Just take it slow and maybe even check on it every few minutes until it is done reheating.
What Type Of Pan Should You Use For Reheating Pizza In A Pan?
An aluminum frying pan might be your best bet because it heats up evenly and quickly! This means that you can have your pizza slice hot and ready to eat much faster than using dishes like an oven or microwave. Not only that but once again, grease has a tendency of pooling around the of microwaved slices… But this should not be the case if you heat up your slice in a frying pan!
What Kind Of Cheese Should You Use For Reheating Pizza In A Pan?
Any type of cheese that you like will do! The reason for this is that certain cheeses can melt or burn quicker than other types… But it should not make much of a difference since you are heating up your entire slice rather than just one side. Not to mention, different types of cheese also have different flavors and tastes so feel free to mix and match as you wish!
Final Thoughts on How To Reheat Pizza In Pan
The reheating process can take as little as 3 minutes. Once your pizza is heated, be sure to let it cool for a few minutes before eating! This will give the cheese time to harden and prevent any melting disasters. And don’t forget that tomato sauce goes with everything – even reheated deep dish pizzas!
The takeaway from this blog post is that pizza reheating in a pan can be effective and efficient. You may not have considered it before, but if you’re looking for ways to save time or money on your next order of pizza, try warming up your slices with some oil in the oven or stovetop! Which tips did you find most interesting? What are some other ideas for re-heating frozen pizzas? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
We hope this article has helped you master how to reheat pizza in pan so that your family enjoys their meal! If there are any questions or concerns about our guide, please feel free to contact us using the information below. Thank you for reading and have a great day!
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