The Key To Perfectly Reheated Pizza Starts With A Glass Of Water

Apart from being arguably the world's most beloved food, pizza is also one of those dishes that is simultaneously simple and complicated. A layering of bread, sauce, cheese, and optional toppings combine to make the perfect pie, but get into the details and you'll find that there are dozens of pizza facts that you'd never guess. One of the many hotly debated topics is how best to reheat pizza, and while there's nothing quite like a fresh-out-the-oven slice, there are ways to get close to achieving it. Of course, these methods also require extra elbow grease. For example, you can reheat pizza on a grill, making it crispy and infused with smoky deliciousness. But would you fire up the grill for a few slices?

Of course, at the other end of the spectrum is eating cold pizza ... and while there's a time and place for that as well, microwaved pizza can be a good middle ground if you play things right. Pizza purists may not be fans of the method, but with some finesse and a few careful steps, it can heat a slice pretty well. The key? Some H₂O. Placing a glass of water next to the pizza inside the microwave helps even out the heating and can keep the crust from turning chewy. The result is a slice with perfectly melted, gooey cheese and a crust that is surprisingly tender and lightly crisp.

Getting the cheese gooey is relatively easy in the microwave. Even if you decide to reheat your pizza on the stovetop in a pan, consider first putting it in the microwave until the cheese starts to melt, and then transfer it to the pan to make the crust crisp. However, if you want the least amount of hassle, use only the microwave. All you have to do is place your slice on a plate and in the microwave with a glass of water next to it. Start by heating the slice for 30 seconds on high. For many slices or extra-big ones, do one or two more 30-second bursts of heating. Check periodically to ensure the pizza crust isn't getting too dry or tough. Once the cheese is melted and stringy, it's ready.

The reason this works is that the glass of water absorbs some of the microwaves and creates a more humid atmosphere, resulting in even heating and the crust drying out less. This also ensures the crust doesn't become tough and chewy as the microwaved slice cools. For best results, heat only one or two slices at a time. You can also place a paper napkin under the slice while heating to absorb excess moisture or rest the slice on the plate's lip so the base isn't flush with the plate, allowing steam to escape. While the crust may not be at its crispy best, do the next best thing and top your pizza with some delicious crunchy texture using the microwave hack for crispy fried garlic.