Can You Cook Pizza in a Toaster Oven? The Surprising Truth (and Tasty Tips!)

Let’s be honest — we all love pizza. Crispy crust, gooey cheese, and all those delicious toppings. But what if you don’t have a big oven? Maybe you live in a dorm, a small apartment, or you’re staying at a cabin for the weekend. The big question is: Can you actually bake pizza in a toaster oven?

The short answer: Yes, you can!
The longer answer: it can actually turn out really good — if you know a few simple tricks.

Not everyone has a full-size oven, and that’s totally fine. The toaster oven is one of those underrated kitchen gadgets that can do so much more than just toast bread.

It bakes, broils, reheats, and some models even have a convection setting. It’s small, convenient, and heats up super fast — which means you’ll be eating pizza in less time and using less energy.

So, yes, you can make pizza in it, and you might even be surprised how well it works.

Here’s the first important thing to consider: not all pizzas are toaster oven-friendly. You need the right type — or the right approach.

You have three solid options:

1. Frozen pizza – The easiest way to start.
   Just make sure it fits! If it’s too big, slice it in half or quarters before baking.
   Keep a close eye on it because it cooks faster than in a regular oven.

2. Pre-made pizza crust – Those store-bought crusts are perfect for toaster ovens.
   Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings, and in just a few minutes, you’ve got a homemade pizza.

3. Homemade dough – Totally possible, but keep it thin.
   Toaster ovens don’t always get hot enough to cook thick dough evenly, so go for a crispy, thin crust style.

Okay, time for the fun part — the baking itself!
If you want that golden, crispy, perfectly melted pizza, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Preheat the oven

Even if it’s small, preheating matters.
Give it about 5–10 minutes at 400–425°F (200–220°C) so the crust starts crisping right away.
If your oven has a pizza or bake setting, that’s exactly what you want.

2. Use a baking tray or wire rack

A wire rack helps the hot air circulate underneath, making the bottom crispy.
If your pizza has a lot of cheese or sauce, though, a tray might be safer — less dripping, less mess.

3. Don’t overload it

This is the number-one mistake.
The more toppings you pile on, the harder it is for the crust to cook through. Keep it light — a few slices of tomato, a sprinkle of cheese, some ham or pepperoni, and you’re golden.

4. Watch the time

Most pizzas only need 7–12 minutes in a toaster oven.
Because it’s smaller, it cooks fast — and yes, it can burn fast, too. So check it during the last few minutes.

5. For extra crispiness, finish with a broil

Here’s a pro tip: turn on the broil setting for the last 1–2 minutes.
That’ll give you perfectly browned cheese and that irresistible “wood-fired” look.

Even though it’s easy, there are a few traps to watch out for:

• Don’t place it too close to the heating element – it’ll burn before the crust cooks.

• Skip the thick crusts – they won’t bake evenly.

• Don’t walk away – toaster ovens work fast.

• Avoid foil (in some models) – it can reflect heat and cause overheating.

Honestly? It won’t exactly be the same — but it’s surprisingly close!
Because the toaster oven is smaller, the heat distributes more evenly and faster.
That means the cheese melts beautifully, the edges brown nicely, and the crust gets crisp without drying out.

If you’re into thin, crunchy, golden crust pizza, you might even prefer it this way.

Want to take your toaster-oven pizza to the next level? Try these easy upgrades:

• Brush the crust with olive oil and minced garlic before baking.

• Add fresh basil or oregano after baking for that fresh Italian aroma.

• Try parmesan or cheddar instead of mozzarella for a sharper flavor.

• Drizzle a bit of spicy olive oil or chili flakes right before serving — game changer.

You totally can! There are mini pizza stones designed for toaster ovens, and they make a big difference.
They help distribute heat evenly, giving you that crispy, restaurant-style bottom crust.
If you make pizza often, it’s 100% worth the small investment.

We’ve talked about baking fresh pizza — but what about reheating leftovers?
Let’s face it, cold pizza has its charm, but nothing beats that warm, melty cheese and crispy crust.
And here’s the good news: the toaster oven is actually perfect for reheating pizza.

Why use a toaster oven instead of a microwave?

Because the microwave ruins the texture — it makes the crust rubbery and soggy.
The toaster oven, on the other hand, brings it back to life. It crisps the crust and warms the cheese evenly.

How to reheat pizza perfectly:

1. Preheat your toaster oven to around 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the slice directly on the rack or a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake for 5–7 minutes until the cheese starts bubbling and the edges look golden.

4. For extra crispiness, use the broil setting for the last minute.

You’ll get that “fresh-out-of-the-oven” taste again — no soggy crust, no chewy cheese.

Bonus tip:

If you want to avoid the crust drying out, put a small cup of water in the back corner of the toaster oven while reheating. The steam helps keep it soft inside while crisp on the outside.

So, let’s sum it up:
✅ Yes, you can bake pizza in a toaster oven.
✅ Yes, it’ll taste great.
✅ And yes, it’s quick, easy, and energy-efficient.

You don’t need a fancy oven — just a bit of creativity, patience, and a serious love for pizza. 🍕

Pro tip: Once you master the basics, try experimenting!
Make mini pizzas, pita pizzas, or even dessert pizzas with Nutella and banana.
The toaster oven might be small, but the possibilities? Endless.