Are you still searching for how to reheat pizza in microwave to make a crispy crust? There is always a slice or two that doesn’t make it into your belly, and leftover pizza is a delicious snack to gobble the next day.
Even though cold pizza is tasty, it’s just not the same as fresh, hot and crunchy pizza straight out of the oven. If you have been testing out different methods to reheat pizza in microwave, then here are the best ways to make your leftover pizza taste fresh, hot and delicious once again.
The microwave is useful for saving time when cooking and reheating food. Although it may not be the most optimal kitchen appliance, there are a number of reasons why it may be your primary choice. If you don’t want to heat up the entire house with the oven, or a microwave is the only kitchen appliance available, there are precautions to take that will improve how you reheat pizza in the microwave.
Does microwaving pizza with water work?
Microwaves heat with radiation, not through direct contact. The radiation heats water molecules within the food to create steam through rapid movement. As a result, pizza has a tendency to have a soggy and rubbery crust with reheated in the microwave. You may also experience that the cheese becomes gooey and the toppings tend to slide off the crust.
However, placing a cup of water next to the slice of pizza when microwaving actually helps to absorb some of the microwave power. As a result, the pizza heats slower and more evenly, which causes less moisture to vaporize and thus results in a crispier crust.
The pizza heats evenly, remains moist and the toppings don’t dry out
Can you microwave pizza on a paper towel?
If you have been placing your leftover pizza directly on a microwave-safe plate, you are missing out big time. Condensation builds up on the bottom of the crust making it soft and chewy.
Instead, reheat pizza in the microwave on a paper towel. It helps to absorb the moisture from the crust and prevents steam from building up on the bottom of the pizza.
Although a single paper towel is safe to put in the microwave, interestingly enough a stack of 10 to 12 paper towels actually captures microwave energy and may catch a fire. So, don’t get too carried away!
How long does it take to reheat pizza in the microwave?
Leave the pizza at room temperature for a few minutes to reduce the time required to reheat pizza in the microwave. If you pull the pizza directly out of the fridge, it will take longer time than if it were slightly warmed.
Therefore, the time it takes to reach desired temperature may vary based on how long the pizza was stored and the current degree of coldness to begin with.
For best results when reheating pizza in the microwave, try 30 seconds intervals. Onetime may be enough, but check and return the pizza for one more round if necessary.
Simply place the slice of pizza on a paper plate or place a paper towel in between the pizza and plate to make the pizza less soggy. Put it in the microwave for exactly 30 seconds and viola!
If you are trying to microwave frozen pizza, then the slice may take an extra minute but the results will be similar. Give it a buzz and share your results!
Best Way To Reheat Pizza In Microwave
Reheating pizza in the microwave is the best option if you’re short on time. As we all know, the microwave is usually our go-to time saver when it comes to warming up leftovers.
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, the best way to reheat pizza in microwave requires a combination cooking method. The goal is crunchy crust, with bubbly sauce and melted cheese, which requires using the right equipment with right microwave power level.
How do you keep pizza crispy in a microwave? A microwave crisper pan helps to form a golden brown crunchy crust. If reheating pizza in the microwave is a common occurrence, then its recommended to give this cheap microwave gear a try.
Follow these easy steps to reheat pizza in microwave:
- Preheat the microwave crisper pan.
- Carefully place a paper towel or parchment paper on the hot crisper tray.
- Put the pizza on the paper lined crisping tray.
- Fill a microwave safe cup two-thirds full with water
- Put the cup of water in the microwave, and position the browning tray on top of the cup.
- Microwave using 50% power (approximately 700-watts) in 30-second intervals until your pizza is the right temperature.
Results may vary, however this method focuses on achieving a crispy crust and even heating of the sauce and toppings. Exercise caution when removing the hot crisping tray from the microwave.
The USDA categorizes leftover pizza as a potential food safety hazard and recommends that pizza should be reheated to 165 °F.
Things to know about reheating pizza in the microwave
Although it is safe to reheat pizza in the microwave, there are a few things that will improve the outcome and prevent a soggy crust.
- A pizza stone will not work in the microwave.
- Aluminum foil or metal is not to be used in the microwave. It can spark, trigger a fire and possibly damage your kitchen appliance.
- Only use items labeled “microwave safe.”
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for your microwave.
- A microwave crisper pan may result in a crunchy crust.
- Reheat pizza leftovers to a temperature of 165 °F.
If you only have a microwave and it is common for you to reheat pizza, then consider purchasing a toaster oven or countertop pizza maker. Both kitchen gadgets are relatively affordable and work much better for reheating leftover pizza with a crispy crust.
