Heating Pizza in a Toaster Oven – How We Reheat Pizza So It Tastes Almost Fresh
We’ve all been there. Leftover pizza sitting in the box from last night, and now we’re wondering how to reheat it without ending up with rubbery cheese or a dried-out crust. The microwave is fast, sure—but the result is usually disappointing. A full-size oven works, but it takes forever and heats up the whole kitchen for just a slice or two.
That’s where the toaster oven comes in. It’s compact, simple to use, and surprisingly effective. In this article, we’ll walk through how we reheat pizza in a toaster oven, what to pay attention to, what mistakes to avoid, and how to get the best possible result.
Simple. Clear. Practical.
Why Use a Toaster Oven to Reheat Pizza?
Let’s start with the basics. There’s a reason more and more people swear by this method.
A toaster oven provides even heat, doesn’t soak the crust, and brings back the original texture far better than a microwave. It’s also faster than a conventional oven and uses less energy.
The result?
a crispier bottom,
cheese that melts again properly,
no chewy or soggy crust.
And all of that in 5–10 minutes.
What Kind of Pizza Can We Reheat in a Toaster Oven?
Short answer: almost any kind.
Longer answer: there are a few small differences.
Thin-crust pizza – reheats quickly, needs less time
Thick-crust pizza – lower heat, slightly longer time
Heavily topped pizza – watch the top so it doesn’t burn
Cheese pizza – perfect candidate, the cheese melts beautifully
We’re not talking about frozen pizza here. This guide focuses on reheating leftover pizza.
Prep Work – Before the Pizza Goes In
No big ritual required, but a few small steps make a real difference.
Preheating the toaster oven matters more than most people think.
If we put pizza into a cold oven, the crust can dry out before the cheese melts.
👉 Preheat to:
350–375°F (175–190°C)
about 3–5 minutes
That’s enough to give the pizza a good start.
How to Reheat Pizza in a Toaster Oven – Step by Step
Here’s where it really comes together.
1. Place the Pizza Properly
We have a few options:
Directly on the rack – crispier bottom
On a baking tray – slightly softer, but safer
On parchment paper – easy cleanup, still effective
If we want extra crispiness, the rack is our go-to.
2. Set the Right Temperature
This is key.
Ideal setting:
350–375°F
top and bottom heat, if the oven allows it
Too hot, and the cheese burns while the center stays cold.
Too cool, and the pizza dries out.
3. How Long Should We Heat It?
It depends on the slice, but these guidelines work well:
Thin slice: 4–6 minutes
Thicker slice: 6–8 minutes
Extra toppings: up to 9–10 minutes
👉 We like to check halfway through. No need to flip it—just keep an eye on the cheese.
A Simple Trick Most People Skip (But It Works)
If we’re worried about the pizza drying out, there’s an easy fix.
Add a few drops of water to the bottom of the oven or place a small heat-safe dish with water inside.
Not on the pizza. Never on the pizza.
This creates a bit of steam, helping the crust stay tender while the bottom still crisps up nicely.
What NOT to Do When Reheating Pizza in a Toaster Oven
These are common mistakes—and yes, we’ve made all of them.
❌ Don’t put aluminum foil directly under the pizza – it traps moisture
❌ Don’t start with a cold oven
❌ Don’t crank the heat to maximum
❌ Don’t walk away for 10 minutes without checking
A toaster oven works fast. That’s great—but it means we need to pay attention.
Toaster Oven vs. Microwave – Let’s Be Honest
Let’s talk honestly for a moment.
The microwave is:
faster,
but leads to rubbery crust,
soggy bottoms,
uneven heating.
The toaster oven is:
slightly slower,
but delivers better flavor,
better texture,
and a result that actually feels like pizza.
If we care about pizza, the toaster oven wins. No question.
Reheating More Than One Slice at a Time
If we’re heating multiple slices:
don’t overlap them,
leave space for air circulation,
if using two racks, swap them halfway through.
That way, every slice comes out evenly heated—not just “okay,” but actually good.
What Makes a Toaster Oven Good for Pizza?
We don’t need the most expensive model.
What really matters:
accurate temperature control,
top and bottom heating elements,
enough interior space for pizza slices.
A dedicated pizza or bake mode is a nice bonus, but not essential.
Conclusion
Turning leftover lizza into a nearly fresh experience…
Let’s wrap it up, because we like things simple.
The best way to reheat pizza in a toaster oven:
preheat first,
use moderate heat,
don’t rush it,
watch the texture.
No magic involved. Just a bit of attention.
And yes—leftover pizza can still be a great experience the next day.
Sometimes it’s even better than the night before.
