Don’t Ruin Your Leftover Pizza: Reheating Pizza in a Toaster Oven the Right Way

et’s be honest.
Cold pizza has its charm, but most of the time, we want it hot, crispy, and melty again. Unfortunately, reheating pizza the wrong way can turn a once-great slice into a sad, rubbery mess.

We’ve all been there.
The microwave makes the crust chewy.
The regular oven feels like overkill.

That’s exactly where the toaster oven comes in. When used correctly, it’s one of the best tools for reheating pizza—and we’re going to show you how to do it right.

Leftover pizza still has potential.
The flavors are already there. The cheese is ready to melt again. The crust just needs a second chance.

The problem isn’t the pizza.
The problem is how we reheat it.

When we rush the process or use too much heat, we lose everything we love about pizza:

• the crispy bottom

• the gooey cheese

• the balance between toppings and crust

With the right approach, reheated pizza can taste almost as good as fresh.

A toaster oven combines the best parts of other methods without most of their downsides.

Unlike a microwave, it uses dry heat, not steam.
Unlike a full-size oven, it heats up quickly and doesn’t waste energy.

Here’s why we love toaster ovens for pizza:

• Even heat distribution

• Faster preheating

• Better control over crispiness

• No soggy crust

In short, it gives leftover pizza the environment it needs to come back to life.

Before we get into the right method, let’s talk about what usually goes wrong.

1. Using Heat That’s Too High

High heat might seem faster, but it often burns the crust before the cheese melts.

2. Skipping Preheating

Putting pizza into a cold toaster oven leads to uneven reheating and dry toppings.

3. Covering the Pizza Completely

Wrapping pizza in foil traps moisture, which makes the crust soft instead of crispy.

4. Walking Away

Pizza reheats quickly. Even one extra minute can make a big difference.

Avoiding these mistakes already puts us ahead of the game.

Let’s get into the method that actually works.

Step 1: Preheat the Toaster Oven

Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat.
This step matters more than most people think.

A preheated oven = even reheating.

Step 2: Place the Pizza Correctly

We can place the pizza:

• directly on the rack for maximum crispiness, or

• on a baking tray if the toppings are heavy

For most slices, the rack works best.

Step 3: Reheat Slowly

Heat the pizza for 5–8 minutes, depending on thickness.

Thin slices usually need less time.
Thick or loaded slices need a little more patience.

Step 4: Check Before Removing

The cheese should be melted.
The crust should feel firm, not soft.

If needed, give it one more minute, but keep an eye on it.

This is the part most people struggle with.

The secret is balance.

If the crust crisps too fast, lower the rack position.
If the cheese melts too slowly, move the pizza slightly higher.

A Simple Moisture Trick

If your pizza tends to dry out, place a small oven-safe dish of water inside the toaster oven while reheating.
Just a little moisture helps the toppings stay tender—without ruining the crust.

Not all pizzas behave the same way. Let’s adjust our approach.

Thin-Crust Pizza

• Lower reheating time

• Place directly on the rack

• Watch closely near the end

Thick or Pan Pizza

• Use a baking tray

• Slightly longer reheating time

• Consider lowering the temperature to 325°F

Cheese-Heavy Pizza

• Mid-rack placement

• Avoid foil unless the cheese browns too fast

Meat-Topped Pizza

• Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before reheating

• Ensures even heating all the way through

Yes, it can be done—and done well.

We don’t recommend fully thawing frozen pizza first.
Instead:

• Preheat to 325°F

• Place pizza on a tray

• Heat for 10–12 minutes

Check the center carefully.
Frozen pizza needs time, not high heat.

Let’s compare quickly.

Microwave

Fast, but often disappointing.
Soft crust. Uneven heat.

Skillet

Great crust, but easy to burn.
Requires constant attention.

Conventional Oven

Excellent results, but slow and inefficient for one or two slices.

Toaster Oven

Best balance of speed, texture, and flavor.

That’s why it’s our go-to choice.

Sometimes it’s the little things.

• Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating

• Finish with a few drops of olive oil

• Let the pizza rest for one minute before eating

• Cut large slices in half for more even heating

These small adjustments make a big difference.

How long does leftover pizza last in the fridge?

Usually 3–4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can we reheat pizza more than once?

We don’t recommend it. Reheat only what you plan to eat.

Should we use foil or parchment paper?

Parchment is better if needed. Foil traps moisture and softens the crust.

What’s the best toaster oven setting for pizza?

Bake or toast mode at moderate heat works best.

Leftover Pizza Deserves Better…

Reheating pizza doesn’t have to be a gamble.

When we use a toaster oven the right way, we can bring back:

• the crisp

• the melt

• the flavor

Reheating pizza in a toaster oven is simple, reliable, and incredibly effective.

Once we get the hang of it, leftover pizza stops feeling like leftovers—and starts feeling like a second chance done right.