The Best Way to Reheat Pizza in the Oven

There’s nothing sadder than a cold slice of pizza that’s gone limp in the microwave. The cheese is rubbery, chewy crust and the flavor long gone. Leftover pizza deserves better. Whether you’re saving last night’s Hungry Howie’s® or rescuing that box you forgot about till morning, the reheat method matters.

Let’s fix your reheating routine once and for all. From the trusty oven to quick-fix kitchen gadgets like air fryers and toaster ovens, here’s how to reheat pizza the right way.

How to Reheat Pizza in the Oven

If you want your slice to taste as close to fresh-baked as possible, the oven’s your MVP. It evenly reheats cheese, toppings, and crust without sacrificing texture. Follow these simple steps to reheat pizza in the oven the Hungry Howie’s way.

Step-by-Step Oven Reheat Instructions

• Step 1: Prep Your Slices
  First thing is first. What you do will depend on how your leftovers are stored. If your slices are frozen it's best to let them defrost in the fridge overnight, so that they are temperature-controlled and bacteria doesn't build up. If your slices are already safely packaged in the fridge then you're good to go!
• Step 2: Choose the Right Tray
  Many people make the mistake of reheating pizza in the oven on the wrong type of tray, and this can make all the difference. It might be tempting to throw your slice on a piece of tinfoil and slide it directly onto the rack, but we don't recommend taking this route.
• Step 3: Set the Oven to the Right Temperature
  This is where a lot of people go wrong. Many people believe that you can reheat anything at 350 degrees for a few minutes and it will be good to go. But pizza has a delicate balance of bread, sauce, cheese, and any toppings that you may order. What this means is that all of these foods need to cook together, safely.
• Step 4: Bake for the Correct Amount of Time
  Bake for 10 minutes at 375°F. Check around the 8-minute mark to make sure the crust isn’t getting too brown. See below for more on the best oven temps.
• Step 5: Reheat Multiple Slices the Right Way
  Reheating for the whole family? Space slices slightly apart on the tray so hot air circulates evenly. Don’t stack or overlap, no one likes a glued-together pizza mess.

Best Oven Temperature and Time to Reheat Pizza

Every crust deserves its moment in the heat. Use this quick-reference guide for the best results:

• Thin Crust Pizza (1–2 slices): 350°F for 8–10 minutes
• Regular Crust: 375°F for 8–10 minutes
• Deep Dish Pizza: 375–400°F for 12–15 minutes (cover loosely with foil for the first 5 minutes to avoid over-browning)
• Hungry Howie’s Flavored Crust®: 350°F for 10 minutes, brush the crust lightly with olive oil before heating to keep it soft and flavorful.

Should You Reheat Pizza in a Toaster Oven, Air Fryer, or Microwave?

Sure, the oven wins for flavor and texture, but let’s be real, sometimes you want fast. Here’s how the other methods stack up when you’re short on time but still chasing that fresh-slice magic.

Toaster Oven Heating Methods

Toaster ovens are a solid second choice. They heat quickly and deliver that crispy crust we all crave.
How to do it: Heat to 375°F, place the slice directly on the rack or on foil, and bake for about 5–7 minutes.

Pros: Quick, crispy, and ideal for single slices.
Cons: Small capacity and slightly uneven heating compared to a full oven.

Air Fryer

Yes, it works, and fast.
How to do it: Set your air fryer to 350°F and heat slices for 4–5 minutes.

Pros: Crispy crust, melty cheese, no preheat time.
Cons: Can dry out crust edges or overcook toppings if left too long. Keep an eye on it.

Skillet or Pan

When you don’t want to turn on the oven, try the stovetop method.
How to do it: Warm a skillet on medium heat, add your slice, and cover with a lid or foil for 2–4 minutes.

Pros: Crispy bottom crust, great for one or two slices.
Cons: Cheese may not melt evenly unless you add a few drops of water to the pan and cover to trap steam.

Microwave

It’s quick but proceed with caution.
How to do it: Microwave your slice for 30–45 seconds, ideally with a cup of water beside it to absorb excess moisture.

Pros: Fastest method.
Cons: Soft crust, uneven texture. It’ll do in a pinch but won’t win any flavor contests.

How Long Can Pizza Sit Before You Reheat It?

Food safety comes first. Pizza can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours before it’s time to refrigerate. Beyond that, bacteria can multiply fast.

• Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers or wrap slices in foil for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight before reheating for the best results.

Pro tip: avoid reheating pizza multiple times, it loses texture and flavor with every round.

How To Reheat Hungry Howie’s Pizza | Tips Straight from the Pros

When you reheat pizza in the oven, you’re not just reviving leftovers, you also reviving flavor. To make your Hungry Howie’s Flavored Crust® tasty again, lightly brush the edges with olive oil before reheating. It refreshes those signature flavors, whether it’s Garlic Herb, Ranch, or Italian Herb or any flavor combo. 

If you’re feeling bold, sprinkle a little parmesan or crushed red pepper on top halfway through baking. It’ll wake the slice up like it’s fresh from the oven.

Still Hungry? Order a Fresh Pizza from Hungry Howie’s

Get a fresh, hot pie with your favorite Flavored Crust® delivered straight to your door. Order online for pizza delivery, carryout, or curbside pickup. Check out our latest deals and local specials on the homepage or start your order now. Reheat or re-order, we got you at Hungry Howie’s.