We’ve all been there: you open the fridge, spot that last slice of pizza, and feel both joy and dread. Because unless you reheat it the right way, it’s either rubbery from the microwave or dried out from the oven.
But there’s a better way—reheating pizza in a pan (or skillet) is hands down the best method for reviving leftover pizza. It brings back the golden, crispy crust and gently warms the toppings without drying anything out.
I’ve been using this stovetop trick for years, and it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re reheating deep-dish, thin crust, or even homemade pizza, this quick pan method will make it taste just as good—if not better—than it did fresh out of the box.
Why You’ll Love This Method
You’ll love this method because it’s fast, foolproof, and delivers pizzeria-quality results—crispy bottom, warm crust, and melty cheese. No more chewy crust or cold centers.
It also works with any type of pizza: classic pepperoni, veggie-loaded, deep-dish, or even gluten-free. Best of all? You don’t need any fancy tools—just a skillet and a lid or foil.
What You’ll Need
- 1–2 slices of leftover pizza (any style)
- 1 nonstick skillet (cast iron or stainless steel also works)
- Optional: a lid or foil to cover
- A tiny splash of water (just 1–2 teaspoons if needed to melt cheese)
Pro Tips
- Use a cold pan—place the pizza in before preheating to avoid burning the crust.
- Don’t add oil—the pizza already has fat in the crust and cheese.
- Cover loosely to melt cheese without steaming the crust too much.
- Add water sparingly—just a few drops near the pizza edge (not on the slice).
- Use low heat at the end to avoid burning the bottom before cheese melts.
Tools You’ll Need
- Nonstick, cast iron, or stainless-steel skillet
- Lid, foil, or another pan to loosely cover
- Spatula or tongs
- Small measuring spoon (for water)
Substitutions and Variations
- No lid? Use foil or even a baking sheet turned upside down.
- Crispier crust: Skip the lid and reheat uncovered for extra crunch.
- Melty cheese bonus: Add a teaspoon of water, then cover to steam cheese without softening crust.
- Pan only method: No water or cover—just crisp the bottom and flip for 15 seconds to warm the top (works great for thin crust).
Make Ahead Tips
This is a reheat method, but here’s how to prep for better leftovers:
- Store slices flat on parchment in an airtight container.
- Avoid microwaving before pan reheating—it can ruin texture.
- Freeze individual slices and thaw in the fridge before reheating in the pan.
How to Reheat Pizza in a Pan
Step 1: Place Pizza in Cold Skillet
Lay your pizza slice (or two) flat in a cold skillet. Don’t preheat yet.
Step 2: Heat Over Medium-Low Heat
Turn heat to medium-low. Let the pizza cook for 4–5 minutes, uncovered, until the bottom is crisp and golden.
Step 3: Add Water (Optional)
If cheese needs help melting, add 1–2 teaspoons of water to the pan’s edge (not on the pizza) and cover immediately.
Step 4: Cover and Steam
Cover the skillet and let the steam melt the cheese (about 1–2 minutes max). Uncover and cook uncovered again for 30 seconds if the crust softened.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Use a spatula to lift and check the bottom—if it’s golden and crisp, serve immediately and enjoy that like-new texture!
Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover slices flat with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezer: Freeze slices individually and store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from frozen: Thaw first in the fridge or add a few extra minutes in the pan on low heat.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I reheat multiple slices at once?
Yes—just make sure they fit flat in the skillet without overlapping.
2. Does it work with deep-dish pizza?
Yes, but you’ll need to cover and steam longer to fully warm the thicker slice.
3. Can I reheat pizza without a lid or foil?
Absolutely! Your crust will be crisper, but cheese may not melt as fully. Use low heat and take your time.
4. What if my crust gets too hard?
Try covering for just 1 minute with water added to rehydrate slightly—then uncover to crisp again.
Crisp. Cheesy. Better Than the First Time.
Learning how to reheat pizza in a pan is one of those kitchen tricks that makes a huge difference. It only takes a few extra minutes, but the results are so worth it—crispy bottom, hot cheese, and zero sogginess.
Next time you’ve got leftover pizza (if you’re lucky enough to have some), skip the microwave. Try the skillet method instead—and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out, or what your favorite pizza to reheat this way is!
