If you’re anything like us, you’re probably guilty of reheating leftover pizza in the same pizza box. It’s takeout, after all. Convenience is everything. But is this safe? Can you put a pizza box in the oven?
Short answer: reheating pizza in a pizza box using an oven is not recommended. That said, heating pizza in the oven in a pizza box below 350 degrees Fahrenheit should be safe because cardboard burns at around 450 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is highly recommended to be extremely attentive and heat at lower temperatures in the oven to ensure your safety. BE CAREFUL, folks!
We recommend you eat cold pizza or reheat pizza another way.
How Do I Keep Pizza Warm?
To keep pizza warm, heating it in the oven is the best way. Preheat the oven to a low temperature (around 170 degrees Fahrenheit) and place the pizza on a baking sheet or a stone (don’t put the box in the oven). Putting foil over the pizza is recommended, but it is not required.
Another way to keep pizza warm is by using a slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to low and place the pizza inside. Cover the slow cooker and let the pizza warm for 30 minutes to an hour.
What is the Best Way to Reheat Pizza?
The best way to heat pizza is by oven or skillet on the stovetop.
If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, reheat the pizza on a baking sheet or a pizza stone for 10 to 12 minutes. Use the middle rack, so the pizza heats evenly from the top and bottom heating elements, and ensure you’re at the desired oven temperature before cooking.
If you’re using a skillet or frying pan, place the pizza in the skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Cook for one to two minutes per side or until the crust is crispy.
With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a delicious slice of pizza anytime! Just be sure to reheat it the right way.
For more ways to reheat pizza, here.
Should I Reheat Pizza on High Heat or Low Heat?
You should reheat pizza on low heat. This will help to prevent the crust from drying out or becoming hard.
If you reheat pizza at a high temperature, the cheese may become rubbery, and the sauce may become watery. So, it’s best to reheat pizza at a low temperature to maintain the quality of the pizza.
Can I Reheat Pizza Directly on the Oven Rack?
No, you should not reheat pizza directly on the oven rack. The pizza will stick to the rack, and it will be hard to remove. If you don’t have a pan or pizza stone, put the pizza on parchment paper. For store-bought frozen pizza, follow the instructions on the back of the box.
Can I Reheat Pizza Using Aluminum Foil?
No, you should not reheat pizza using aluminum foil. The aluminum foil will make the crust soggy, and it can also cause the cheese to melt and drip off the pizza.
Can I Freeze Reheated Pizza?
Yes, you can freeze reheated pizza. Place the pizza in a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to two months.
When you’re ready to eat the pizza, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat in the oven or in the microwave.
Do I Need to Cover Pizza When Reheating?
No, you do not need to cover pizza when reheating. However, if you’re reheating multiple slices of pizza, you may want to cover the pizza to prevent the cheese from drying out.
Can You Reheat Pizza More Than Once?
You can reheat pizza more than once. However, the quality of the pizza will start to decline after the first reheating. So, it’s best to only reheat pizza once.
Can I Use a Toaster Oven to Reheat Pizza?
Yes, you can use a toaster oven to reheat pizza. Preheat the toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the pizza on a baking sheet or a stone. Reheat for 10 to 12 minutes.
Can I Use an Air Fryer to Reheat Pizza?
Yes, you can use an air fryer to reheat pizza. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and then place the pizza in the air fryer. Cook for one to two minutes or until the crust is crispy.
Can I Reheat Pizza in the Microwave?
Yes, you can reheat pizza in the microwave. However, reheating pizza for one to two minutes on a low setting is best. If you reheat pizza on a high setting, the cheese may become rubbery, and the sauce may become watery.
How Do I Keep Pizza Crust from Getting Soggy When Reheating?
There are a few different ways that you can reheat pizza. However, the best way to reheat pizza is on a pizza stone or a baking sheet. This will help to keep the crust crispy.
Other Questions About Pizza Boxes
While pizza boxes are top of mind, we took the liberty to answer some common questions.
What is a Pizza Box Made of?
A pizza box is typically made of corrugated cardboard. The cardboard is then waxed or coated with a plastic film to make it water-resistant. This helps to keep the pizza fresh and prevents the box from getting soggy.
Do Pizza Boxes Contain Harmful Chemicals?
No, cardboard pizza boxes do not contain harmful chemicals. However, you should still avoid putting the box in the oven or in the microwave as it’s highly combustible. The heat from these appliances can cause the chemicals in the cardboard to break down and release harmful fumes.
Can You Recycle Pizza Boxes?
Yes, you can recycle cardboard pizza boxes. Keep in mind this is difficult. You should first remove any food residue from the box. This means scraping off any cheese or sauce stuck to the pizza box. Once the box is clean, you can flatten it and place it in your recycling bin.
Conclusion
Reheating your pizza in a cardboard pizza box is a fire hazard, so be sure to heat the pie in the oven on a pizza stone or baking sheet for the best and safest results.
