Sticking leftover pizza in the microwave to quickly heat it up may be tempting; however there are reheating techniques that can maximize flavor and texture so your pizza is perfection from the first day to the last. With a little patience and know-how, you can relish every last slice.
There are two optimal methods for reheating leftover pizza that returns it back its original, fresh-baked state. The key to each approach is retaining moisture and minimizing denseness:
1. Microwave and Bake – Simply microwaving can turn your pizza to molten rubber, while baking alone can over-dry and harden your leftovers. By combining them, you maximize both of their capabilities. First, preheat your oven to 350° F. Next, cover your slice with a slightly damp paper towel and heat it in the microwave for 1 minute. Transfer it to the oven and cook it for another 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on it until the crust begins to crisp. Your slice will be moist and chewy, with minimal stiffness and warping.
2. Griddle and Steam – Place your leftover slices on a cold griddle and then turn the heat to 200° F. A low, gradually-reached temperature is essential for even cooking without scorching. Cover the pizza with an inverted baking sheet or large metal baking pan and cook for 30 minutes without lifting the cover. When you remove the lid, a puff of steam will release and you’ll be left with gooey, cheesy pizza that looks and tastes as good as it did when the pizza delivery driver dropped it off. The reason this method works is because of a technique called retrogradation. Basically, the crust releases moisture into its surrounding environment; as long as that moisture stays in contact with the crust (i.e. under the baking sheet) at a temperature under the boiling point, the process can be reversed. TIP: If you don’t have a griddle, place the slices on the bottom of a large pot, turn the heat to medium-low and cover.
For the best reheating results, it helps to start with pizza from one of the top Arizona pizza places, and you’ll find it at Sardella’s Pizza. Our family recipes and commitment to customer satisfaction have put us among the top for 25 years. For online pizza deals on delivery and more, visit the Sardella’s Pizza Facebook page or follow us on Twitter and take advantage of valuable Sardella’s Pizza coupons and specials. Hungry now? Order online!
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