Have you ever opened your fridge and discovered a box of cold, slightly wilted, leftover pizza from last night? Don’t rush to toss it out. With a sprinkle of creativity, yesterday’s pizza can transcend its box, becoming a unique and delectable dish.
But before you can repurpose your leftover pizza, it’s crucial to know how to properly reheat it.
Best Ways To Reheat Leftover Pizza
With the right techniques, you can reheat your leftover pizza so it’s as hot and tasty as when it was new. Explore these three reheating methods to prepare your pizza for a comeback.
First, there’s the oven technique. Ready your oven by preheating it to a warm 190°C (375°F). Then, gently place your chilled pizza slice on a baking sheet. Let it bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the crust regains crispiness.
This classic way to reheat pizza gives it a renewed crispness reminiscent of your favourite pizza restaurant.
For a quick and easy reheating method, try microwaving. Position your leftover pizza on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for no more than one minute.
However, it’s worth noting that microwaving can occasionally lead to a soggy pizza crust. To avoid this, place a paper towel underneath the pizza to absorb some of the moisture.
Lastly, try the skillet method. Warm your non-stick skillet over medium heat, nestle your pizza slice inside and cover it with a lid.
Take it off the heat after the cheese melts into a gooey delight and the bottom turns crispy. This method returns the crunch to the crust, akin to freshly delivered pizza.
Now that you’re equipped with these reheating techniques, consider these creative dishes you can make with your perfectly reheated pizza.
Breakfast Pizza With A Fried Egg
Transform your leftover pizza into a hearty breakfast by adding a fried egg. Reheat your pizza slice in the oven, then fry an egg to your liking.
Top your pizza slice with the fried egg, and voilà! The harmony of the crispy crust, melted cheese, and oozy egg yolk can start your morning off right.
Scrambled Eggs With Pizza
Here’s another breakfast star! Dice your leftover pizza into bite-sized pieces. Whisk some eggs in a bowl, toss your pizza pieces, and scramble them on a skillet. The result is a whimsical twist to your classic scrambled eggs.
Pizza Omelet
Why settle for a plain omelet when you can have a pizza omelet? Dice and sauté the pizza with your favourite veggies. Over your sautéed medley, pour whisked eggs, then let it cook. The result?
A pizza-infused omelet that’s not only nourishing but will also keep your energy levels high throughout the day.
Pizza Quiche
Impress your family or guests with a delectable pizza quiche. Chop your pizza into bite-sized pieces. Next, whisk together some eggs and cream in a bowl. Add your pizza pieces and stir to combine.
Pour the mixture into a pie crust — homemade or otherwise — and bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. It’s a sophisticated repurposing that will turn a typical day into an extended pizza party.
Pizza French Toast
Soak your pizza slices in an egg mixture and pan-fry until golden. This gives the pizza an extra savoury dimension that kids, especially, would love.
Top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Pizza Grilled Cheese
Most people enjoy a good grilled cheese sandwich. But imagine inserting a slice of pizza between two pieces of bread and grilling it to perfection.
The combination of crunchy toast and gooey cheese elevates your sandwich game.
Pizza Panini
Give your leftover pizza another Italian makeover. Pop your pizza slices into a panini press until it’s warm and the cheese has remelted.
Enjoy this crisp, quick lunch with a side of your favourite dipping sauce.
Pizza Rolls
Have some fun in the kitchen by chopping your pizza and rolling it into tortillas. Bake until crispy. These pizza rolls can be a fantastic movie night or party snack.
Pizza Lasagna
Create a novel fusion dish by layering slices of reheated pizza with cheese and marinara sauce. Bake it until it’s hot and bubbly.
This pizza lasagna merges two Italian favourites into one exciting dish.
Loaded Pizza Fries
Upgrade your fries by chopping up your pizza and sprinkling it over a bed of fries. Bake until the cheese is melty. This dish is perfect for game nights or casual get-togethers.
Pizza Mozzarella Sticks
This one is a cheesy dream. Roll your pizza slices around cheese sticks and deep-fry until golden. These indulgent pizza mozzarella sticks make an ideal appetizer or snack.
Pizza Soup
On a cold day, blend your pizza with a chicken or vegetable broth for a comforting pizza soup. This warm bowl is a creative alternative to hearty tomato-based soups like chicken tortilla soup.
Pizza Salad
Add a crunchy and savoury element to your dish by tearing up your pizza slices and tossing them into a fresh garden salad. It’s a refreshing dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Pizza Croutons
Instead of the usual bread croutons, use your leftover pizza. Cut it into small squares, bake until crispy, and add to your soup or salad. It brings a fun, pizza-themed twist to your meal.
Giving New Life To Old Pizza
Leftover pizza can be a starting point for countless innovative and delicious dishes that go beyond the usual. So, the next time you’re about to resign last night’s pizza to the trash, take a pause. Unleash your creativity and concoct a dish that’ll impress your taste buds.
In the world of creative cuisine, leftover pizza is not just an ‘extra’—it’s an opportunity for culinary exploration and delectable delights. Are you ready to rewrite your pizza’s destiny? Your next adventure awaits!
