How to Reheat Pizza in the Microwave Without Soggy Crust

Microwaving is the quickest way to warm leftover pizza, though it will not make the crust as crisp as an oven or skillet. A little water in the microwave helps limit the dry, chewy texture that can develop as the slice heats. Use a microwave-safe plate and cup, and check the pizza as it warms because microwave power and slice size vary.

What You’ll Need

Leftover pizza, refrigerated or frozen
A microwave-safe plate large enough to hold the slice
A small microwave-safe cup or mug
Water
A food thermometer, especially when reheating several slices or a thick, heavily topped piece
An oven mitt or dry kitchen towel for handling hot dishes

Check that the plate and cup are labeled microwave-safe and contain no metal trim. Do not use foil, metal trays, or a cup with metallic decoration. If you are unsure whether a dish is suitable, choose another container.

Step-by-Step

Check the leftovers. Reheat pizza that has been stored safely. Refrigerate perishable leftovers within two hours of cooking, or within one hour if the room temperature is above 90°F. Keep refrigerated leftovers at 40°F or colder and use them within three to four days. If pizza sat out longer than those limits, discard it rather than trying to make it safe by reheating.
Prepare one slice. Put a slice on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. If the slice is large, cut it in half so it heats more evenly. For multiple slices, leave a little room between them and expect to heat them in batches; a crowded plate can leave some areas cold.
Add a cup of water. Pour about ½ cup of water into a small microwave-safe cup and set it beside the plate, not on top of or under the pizza. The water absorbs some microwave energy and adds moisture to the oven space, helping the crust become less rubbery. It does not crisp the crust or replace safe storage and thorough reheating.
Heat briefly. Microwave on high for about 30 seconds for one refrigerated slice. This is a starting point, not a guaranteed finish time: wattage, slice thickness, toppings, and starting temperature all matter. For a frozen slice, begin with 45 to 60 seconds, then continue in shorter bursts.
Check and turn if needed. Carefully check the cheese and center of the slice. If it is not hot throughout, continue in 10- to 15-second bursts. Rotate the plate between bursts if your microwave does not have a turntable, or if one side is heating faster. Let the pizza stand briefly after heating so warmth can spread through the slice.
Confirm it is hot enough. USDA guidance is to reheat leftovers to 165°F. For the most reliable check, use a food thermometer in the thickest part of the slice, avoiding the plate. If it has not reached 165°F, heat again in short bursts and recheck. The cheese bubbling or the edge feeling hot does not prove the center has reached a safe temperature.
Remove it carefully. The plate, cup, and water may be very hot. Use an oven mitt or dry towel, keep the cup upright, and let the pizza cool enough to eat. Avoid touching hot cheese or steam while moving the slice.

Common Mistakes

Heating for too long at once: A long cycle can overheat the cheese and turn the crust tough before the center warms. Use short bursts and check in between.
Skipping the water: The slice can dry out more quickly without a small cup of water. Keep the cup beside the plate, not touching the pizza.
Putting several slices in a pile: Stacked or crowded slices heat unevenly. Arrange them in one layer, or reheat fewer at a time.
Assuming hot-looking cheese means safe reheating: Microwave heating can be uneven. When food safety is a concern, check the thickest part with a thermometer and reach 165°F.
Using unsafe dishes: Metal and non-microwave-safe containers can cause problems. Use a plain microwave-safe plate and cup.
Reheating pizza left out too long: Heating does not make improper storage safe. Discard pizza that has been at room temperature beyond the recommended time limits.

Tips

Start with one slice to learn how your microwave heats; adjust the bursts rather than relying on a fixed total time.
For a slice with thick crust or many toppings, use shorter bursts and check the center more carefully. Its edges may heat faster than the middle.
For several slices, arrange them evenly around the plate and rotate the plate if needed. Heating in batches is often more consistent than packing the plate tightly.
If the crust is still soft, finish the slice briefly in a hot skillet or toaster oven if you have one. The microwave warms the topping, but it does not produce a crisp base.
Refrigerate uneaten pizza promptly in a covered container or wrapped securely. Reheat only the amount you plan to eat; repeated cooling and reheating can reduce quality.
Frozen leftover pizza can be reheated directly, but it needs extra time and careful checking. If the slice is frozen solid, lower the microwave power or use the defrost setting briefly before heating in short bursts.

Troubleshooting

The crust is soggy or rubbery

Use shorter bursts next time and include the cup of water. If the slice is already hot but soft, transfer it to a skillet or toaster oven briefly to improve the crust; do not put a regular plate in an oven unless it is specifically rated for that use.

The middle is cold but the edges are hot

Let the slice stand for a short time, rotate it, then heat in 10- to 15-second bursts. For a thick slice, cutting it in half before reheating can help. Verify the thickest part reaches 165°F when checking food safety.

The cheese is scorching or the toppings are drying out

Stop the microwave and lower the power or use shorter intervals. Covering the slice loosely with a microwave-safe cover can reduce splatter, but leave space for steam to escape and avoid a tight seal.

The plate or cup is too hot to handle

Use an oven mitt or dry towel and move the dish slowly. Steam and hot water can burn; do not lift the cup by its rim immediately after heating.

The pizza still does not seem evenly heated

Microwave power and placement can create hot and cool spots. Rearrange or rotate the slice, heat in shorter bursts, and use a thermometer rather than judging only by appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I microwave one slice of pizza?

For a refrigerated slice, start with about 30 seconds on high, then add 10- to 15-second bursts as needed. The actual time depends on microwave wattage and the slice’s thickness and toppings.

Does putting a cup of water in the microwave make pizza crispy?

No. It can help the slice heat with less dryness, but a microwave does not crisp crust like a skillet or oven.

Can I microwave pizza in its cardboard box?

It is better to move the slice to a microwave-safe plate. Pizza boxes may have coatings, printing, staples, or other materials not intended for microwave heating.

Can I reheat frozen pizza in the microwave?

Yes, if it is leftover pizza that was frozen safely. Heat it in short intervals, checking the center, and reheat leftovers to 165°F.

How long can leftover pizza stay in the refrigerator?

Keep it refrigerated at 40°F or colder and use it within three to four days. Refrigerate it within two hours, or within one hour when the room is above 90°F.

Is it safe to reheat pizza more than once?

It is better to reheat only the portion you will eat. Cool and refrigerate leftovers promptly; do not use reheating to compensate for pizza that was left out too long.

Further reading: USDA FoodSafety.gov. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.