The Cast Iron Way: Reheating Pizza To Perfection

There are many ways to reheat pizza, but using a cast-iron pan is one of the best ways to restore that crispy, charred crust you crave. The cast-iron skillet method is quick, convenient, and results in pizza that tastes nearly as good as the first time you ate it. The process is simple: place your pizza in the pan on medium heat, cover with a lid, and wait for about six minutes. If you want a crispier crust, simply leave it on for a little longer.

Use a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop

Using a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop is a great way to reheat pizza. It's a quick and convenient method that delivers a slice of pizza that's just as good as the night before. Here's how to do it:

First, place your cast-iron skillet on the stove and put a slice or two of pizza in the pan. There's no need to preheat the pan—you're just warming the pizza, not cooking it. Turn the burner to medium heat and set a timer for 5 minutes. While you wait, feel free to scroll through your social media feed or prepare any sides or drinks.

When the timer goes off, use a spatula to check the bottom of the pizza. You're looking for a slightly crispy crust. If it needs a little longer, give it another minute or so. If it's looking good, it's time to move on to the next step.

Now, add a few drops of water to the pan (not directly onto the pizza!) and cover the skillet. Leave it for one more minute so that the steam can work its magic, reheating the toppings and melting the cheese.

That's it! You're now ready to enjoy your pizza. This method ensures your pizza is crispy and gooey, just as it should be, in about 6 minutes.

If you're reheating a super-thick crust pizza, you might need to add a minute or two to the heating time. Keep an eye on the pizza after the 6-minute mark to ensure you don't overdo it and carbonize your crust.

Medium heat for 5-6 minutes

To reheat pizza in a cast-iron pan, start by placing your slice in the pan. You don't need to preheat the pan or the oven. Simply put the pan on the stove burner and turn the dial to medium heat. Set a timer for 5-6 minutes.

After the timer goes off, use a spatula to check the bottom of the pizza. You are looking for a crispy texture. If the crust is still soft, give it another minute or so. If it is crispy, add a few drops of water to the pan (not the pizza) and cover the pan. Leave it for another minute. The steam from the water will help to re-melt the cheese.

After about 6 minutes, your pizza should be ready to eat. The crust will be crispy, and the cheese will be melted. This method helps you achieve the perfect reheated pizza without the sogginess that comes from using a microwave.

Add water to the pan to re-melt the cheese

Adding water to a cast-iron pan is a great way to reheat pizza and melt the cheese. This method is recommended by several experts, including former head pizzaiolo for Roberta's, Chris Ancona.

To reheat pizza in a cast-iron pan, start by placing a slice or two of pizza in the pan. Turn the burner to medium heat and let the pizza toast for about five minutes. Check the pizza to see if the crust has crisped up. If it's still flimsy and the toppings are not yet hot, let it cook for a little longer.

Now, here comes the important part: add a few drops of water to the pan, around the pizza, but not on top of it. This will create steam that will help melt the cheese. Cover the pan with a lid and let the pizza cook for an additional minute or two. The steam will re-melt the cheese and heat up the toppings.

Finally, remove the lid and use a spatula to take the pizza out of the pan. Enjoy your perfectly reheated pizza with a crispy crust and gooey, melted cheese!

Some people recommend using an ice cube instead of water drops for an even steamier effect. You can also try flipping the pizza over and frying the cheese directly for an extra crispy texture. However, be careful not to burn the cheese.

Preheat the oven to 425°F and cook for 3-6 minutes

Preheating your oven is an important step when reheating pizza in a cast-iron pan. It ensures that the cast iron reaches the desired temperature and heats evenly. While the oven is preheating, place your cast-iron pan inside to heat up as well. The ideal oven temperature for reheating pizza is 425°F.

Once the oven and pan are preheated, it's time to prepare your pizza. Place your pizza slices directly into the hot cast-iron pan. Be careful, as the pan will be very hot.

After placing the pizza in the pan, put the pan back into the oven and let it cook for 3-6 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the type of pizza you're reheating. For example, a square slice may need 4-5 minutes, while a traditional thin-crust slice will only need about 2 minutes. Keep an eye on your pizza to ensure it doesn't burn.

When the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the crust is golden, your pizza is ready! Remove the pan from the oven and enjoy your freshly reheated pizza.

Use a non-stick skillet with a tight lid

If you have a non-stick skillet with a tight lid, reheating pizza is a breeze. This method is perfect for those who want to avoid the sogginess that comes from microwaving and the hassle of heating up the entire oven for just a few slices.

First, place your slice of pizza in the skillet. You don't need to preheat the skillet; simply place it on the stove burner. Turn the burner to medium heat. If you have a thick-crust pizza, you may want to go for medium-high heat.

Now, put the lid on and wait for about 5-6 minutes. The steam created inside the skillet will gently heat your toppings without drying them out. After this time, check if the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. If not, give it another minute or two.

That's it! You now have a slice of pizza that's just as good as freshly baked, with a crispy crust and gooey cheese. This method is quick, convenient, and delivers delicious results every time. No more soggy slices or cold pizza!

Frequently asked questions