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[–]redisnotdead 1251 points1252 points  (242 children)

LPT: Don't microwave pizza. Reheat it in a pan over the stove. Takes barely longer and tastes oh so better.

You're welcome.

[–]Grown_Manchild 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Forget about the pizza. This trick works for reheating a ton of things. Been using it for years. Try it with pastas, steaks, chicken...anything that dries out and overcooks when you nuke it. Also, you may want to lower the power and add extra time instead.

And yeah, reheat pizza in a (toaster) oven. It's way better that way.

[–]jimb3rt 8 points9 points  (0 children)

This is actually wonderful, but I find you need to use a lid on lower heat.


Unless it's chicago deep dish...

[–]garrettmikesmith 9 points10 points  (8 children)

Thank you! Everyone always raves about this technique, but when I try it with deep dish, after ten minutes I finally just nuke it.

[–]Kriicz 3 points4 points  (0 children)

LPT: Just eat it at fridge/room temperature, still taste good.

[–]3TREEE 2 points3 points  (0 children)

this in a Cast Iron pan! So crispy :)

[–]srobster123 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"Takes barely longer" unless you have an electric stove. I miss my propane burners more than anything. /HankHill

[–]SuperNinKenDo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

LPT: Don't reheat pizza, eat it cold. Takes less time than both methods and tastes so much better.

[–]cuppincayk 7 points8 points  (8 children)

Yes, waiting 5-10 minutes for the pan/oven to heat up and then putting it in to cook is very close to 30 seconds in the microwave.

[–]MrGoodbytes 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Maybe he meant on a cosmic scale?


Just hijacking this comment to say DON'T microwave a glass of water with nothing but water in it. It is extremely easy to superheat it and cause yourself serious burns. Stick a non-metal skewer or something similar in the glass so bubbles can form properly, especially if you have a high-powered microwave or like to microwave your pizza for a long time.



I always microwave nanopure water for my tea. I guess I'll stop.

[–]joelypolly 8 points9 points  (1 child)

Pretty sure you need pure H2O for this to happen and most tap water has enough impurities in it so it doesn't happen.

[–]mstruelo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly what I came to say.

[–]mainsworth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I prefer my toaster oven to the pan method. Toaster ovens are the best for reheating pretty much anything. Even do a decent job on fries.

[–]brightsizedlife 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also, putting pizza on the grill works wonderfully.

[–]thinkerthought 281 points282 points  (45 children)

Or you could use a toaster oven. Makes it taste even better than when you bought it.

[–]Nylian[S] 124 points125 points  (34 children)

I agree! I personally prefer the toaster oven...but sometimes, at work for example, this is not an option.

[–]cant_be_pun_seen 183 points184 points  (23 children)

i keep a toaster oven at my desk

because fuck the electricity police


Electricity police here, we have reason to believe you are illegally harboring electricity. Please do not make me put the motherfucking sunglasses on.

[–]cant_be_pun_seen 13 points14 points  (1 child)

hey man I dont want any trouble. I keep all of my electricity in anti-static bags like the law says

[–]analogtyler 5 points6 points  (1 child)

using a frying pan and cooking it on the stove works quite well in lieu of a toaster oven.


my toaster oven eventually burst into flames. damn element failed and caught fire while i was trying to reheat pizza. :(

[–]sevenofk9 73 points74 points  (27 children)

Whoa. Wait. What the hell is that? Is that 'pizza-pie'? I've been hearing American's say that all my life and I thought it was just a weird way of saying pizza. It actually looks like an apple pie, but a pizza.

[–]complaintdepartment 71 points72 points  (0 children)

People from Chicago often use the name "pizza" to describe a tomato sauce quiche.

[–]ScottMaximus23 21 points22 points  (20 children)

It is Chicago style pizza, cooked in a deep pan and filled with cheese. It is impossible to eat it without a knife and fork.

[–]Enygma_6[🍰] 19 points20 points  (13 children)

Not impossible, just not advised.
Totally different animal from New York style pizza - try to fold it, and you'll break something.

[–]ScottMaximus23 2 points3 points  (11 children)

Truth. I love them both. Personally, I love New York style when I'm way too drunk to use silverware effectively, but Chicago style is great for a sit-down meal with family or friends.


With an attitude like that, you must live in California.

[–]Enygma_6[🍰] 1 point2 points  (9 children)

As a current California resident, I can tell you you're more likely to find some weird novelty pizza than true Chicago or New York style out here.
Personally, I prefer Chicago style over New York, but that's partly bias from having lived in Chicago for a little while.

[–]mrsambo99 1 point2 points  (6 children)

There is a really good Chicago style pizza place in SF called Patxi's, which is as close as Chicago pizza you can get without hitting up Chicago! It's hella good

[–]Enygma_6[🍰] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

I'll keep that in mind if I get up to the SF area. Currently stuck in the lower part of the state. At least we can get some decent Mexican food in this state.

[–]mrsambo99 2 points3 points  (1 child)

You just got to look for "hole in the wall" type places. We have a motto for Mexican and Chinese food, "the sketchier, the better". I feel like Cali has a lot of great food places and variety, but East Coast is where it's at if you like pizza.

[–]randydisher 1 point2 points  (2 children)

If I saw someone sit down and eat pizza with a knife and fork, I would be waiting for the Twilight Zone theme to start playing.

[–]BloodyNora 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's also the most filling food I've ever had the pleasure of trying to eat.

[–]yeropinionman 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You've stepped into a regional difference here. Thick pizza like that is "Chicago-style" or "deep dish" pizza. People from New York are insufferable about it because they make thin pizza.

[–]Nylian[S] 166 points167 points  (50 children)

Pizza pictured is from Oreganos. Chicago style with cajun chicken, red jalapeños, and applewood smoked bacon.

[–]KingGorilla 156 points157 points  (16 children)

I was more interested in the pizza than the tip

[–]Nylian[S] 42 points43 points  (14 children)

It is super delicious. Takes them like an hour to make it but omg.

[–]Nollykin 35 points36 points  (8 children)

it's huge! So thick!

[–]GreatWhiteBear 68 points69 points  (7 children)

thats what she said

[–]Diablo87 18 points19 points  (3 children)

I've heard of Chicago style, but my god! Thats not from a pizza pie. Thats from a pizza cake!

[–]bonestamp 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is the real meaning of deep dish.

[–]guitardan81 6 points7 points  (2 children)

If you must reheat, do so in the oven.

[–]theimpolitegentleman 5 points6 points  (4 children)

As a Cajun, I'd like to know how is the chicken of Cajun variety?

And that pizza looks like it would be fucking awesome fresh


As a Cajun, they probably threw a bunch of spices on it and called it a day.

[–]DarcyHart 46 points47 points  (4 children)


[–]Ober7 74 points75 points  (23 children)

LPT: dont nuke your pizza.

Also, im highly suspicious of this. I think you are displeased with the crystalization of the starch in the dough. Adding a glass of water wont help this. The only thing I can think that might be happening is that the water is absorbing energy and slowing the cooking of your pizza. Instead of water, have you tried using your microwave at 50% power?

[–]DrMandible 42 points43 points  (1 child)

Just tried this after reading your comment. Pizza was marginally crispier.

[–]ThreeBigTacos 20 points21 points  (0 children)

For whatever reason the speed defrost option for about 45 seconds makes the crust (any bread too) taste freshly made.

[–]be_more_canadian 14 points15 points  (14 children)

I don't know about absorbing. It has to do with dielectrics and the rotating of molecules. Water has a high dielectric constant. Basically, your microwave is set at frequency that the water molecules within food will rotate at maximum efficiency to reflect (I think) the incoming microwaves and this rotation causes friction/kinetic energy to warm up the food. It's why you can't microwave rice. It's also why there's a defrost cycle. When water is in it's solid form (Ice), they are in a solid state and this rotation does not occur. The defrost is set to pulse (I think) and attempt to melt the ice in the most efficient way and then thaw whatever is in the microwave. I haven't read into this stuff for a few years now... Correct me if I'm wrong

[Edit] I also can't answer the pizza and glass of water question, but I can say that this is why many microwaves have a rotation plate. The most efficient frequency is somewhere around 2.5GHz which is around 12 cm wavelengths. I think there is something about it being most efficient at the crest or trough of the wave and so food can be heated unevenly if stationary. Man I've forgotten a lot in these past few years. All I know is that you can fill a microwave with marshmallows and they'll increase in size in line with the wavelength.

[Edit 2] Science!

[–]loadedmong 6 points7 points  (2 children)

Please someone do this, with the marshmallows.

[–]spicy_jose 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This link shows what he wwas talking about with cheese and the rest explains how the microwave excites water molecules if you're interested.

And as far as I'm aware he's wrong about the ice. You just defrost, meaning lower power, which actually means it is only on for that percent of the run time, so that you don't torch the edges of your food while leaving the inside raw. Same principle of defrosting something frozen in any method.

[–]KoDj2 2 points3 points  (2 children)

I microwave rice regularly, i did it tonight

[–]dansin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your "facts" are all over the place (mostly off). Yes water has a high dielectric constant, but that has nothing to do with it. What matters is that the microwave is tuned to emit waves at the frequency that water ABSORBS them (thus heating them up). So yes it is possible that the reason this tip works is because of absorption.

Be careful in reddit throwing around "sciency" sounding explanations without checking them. People will tend to believe you regardless if it's true.

[–]Dial-A-Lan 431 points432 points  (50 children)

LPT: Cold pizza is fucking delicious.

[–]pleasurable 75 points76 points  (17 children)

I would order a pizza just to put it in the fridge and eat it the next day. That delicious.

[–]barryg123 105 points106 points  (7 children)

5-5-5 Deal! I used to do this all the time in college. Order 3 pizzas from dominos for $5. Share two of them between me and a few roommates, and put one in the fridge for breakfast the next day.

Wow, typing that out made me sound real fat.

[–]r0b0c0p316 39 points40 points  (2 children)

I would do that with me and 2 friends, and then not save any to put in the fridge...

[–]FuckYouImFunny 84 points85 points  (1 child)

I would do that with me and me the next day and me the day after.


Don't worry, I knew some people that would order DP Dough on Tuesdays where you get 3 calzones for the price of 2. They would order 3 per person, and there were never any leftovers.

[–]C0mmun1ty 29 points30 points  (9 children)

Better than hot pizza? That's insane.

[–]GeneralAverage 11 points12 points  (4 children)

Agreed. I don't really like cold pizza. Tastes weird to me. No idea why.


Most food is meant to be hot. Plus the grease in pizza is all congealed when its cold.

[–]fdg456n 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Congealed grease is delicious though.


Depending on the cheese used, it can be congealed as well.

[–]ASOTATW 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Thread is now over. Thanks for coming guys.

[–]woofers02 8 points9 points  (6 children)

Cold hawaiian pizza is the best breakfast ever.


Agreed, but most days I want a warm lunch. I tire of salads and sandwiches so quickly.

[–]xanxitto 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They should open pizza places early on the weekends just to sell cold pizza and also sell beer.

[–]Errday_Im_Hylian 5 points6 points  (1 child)

LPT: Microwaving water can be dangerous and could superheat (get to extreme heats without boiling), and possibly burn you. Source. Just put it in the oven.

[–]woodandiron 40 points41 points  (8 children)

Admit it, Chicago: your deep dish pizzas are just casseroles.

[–]thecoworker123 4 points5 points  (5 children)

Chicagoan here, why is it that everyone seems to think that Chicago style pizza is atrocious and heavy? I love it, but, it may just be a territorial thing.


New Yorker here, because thin and crispy is the best!


Wisconsinite here, as long as it has loads of cheese on it I am happy.


I've lived with thin and crispy my whole life. I guess I now know why they call it a pizza "pie".

I'd give it a shot, though.

[–]trennerdios 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a Wisconsinite I always support New York style pizza, but with our cheese on it. Chicago can suck it.

[–]Spiderdan 16 points17 points  (1 child)

Chewy crust is the best. You just sit there, half of the crust hanging out of your mouth, and gnaw on it.

[–]Deviatus 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Am I the only retard here who doesn't understand why this would make any difference?

[–]garglameth 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Heating up the water molecules is how a microwave works. Putting a glass of water in there just makes it take longer to heat up.

[–]Moruitelda 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Where is the pizza in that picture?

[–]flume 38 points39 points  (15 children)

As a New Yorker, I flinched when I saw that "pizza."

[–]lemmysdaddy 31 points32 points  (1 child)

As a decent human being, I too flinched when I saw that casserole. I'm sure it's tasty and all that, but it's not pizza by any stretch of the imagination.


It's true. One of the Giant Bomb guys described Chicago deep dish as more of a lasagna than a pizza.

[–]MrEctomy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As a human being, if it looks even vaguely like a pizza I will eat it and most likely enjoy it immensely.


I went to New York for a week. Basically the only thing I allowed to eat for that week was pizza because it's the "best in the world". I tried many different slices, from cheap sketchy looking places to a nice Italian restaurants. My conclusion? The dough is crispier. I had one with crust like over here in California, and wasn't upset because even the best ones I tried weren't that far off. Crispiness is great but I don't think it makes all other non crispy pizza shitty. If you go to a chain restaraunt though, that's a different story. They are just salty and cheap. But who am I kidding? I would still eat it.

[–]FUCKITIMPOSTING 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Is that a pizza or a lasagna?

[–]adeadseagull 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My preferred method is to pop it in the microwave for a bit (just enough to heat the inside) then pop it into a toaster oven for a bit to crisp it up. Works for other items like corndogs, frozen appetizers and whatnot. Quick cooking if in a rush. Otherwise, do the oven method for best results

[–]Anaract 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I literally just microwaved some pizza, sat down with it, and turned on my laptop.

Now I can't stop thinking about how chewy my crust is

[–]garthock 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When reheating meat in the microwave, cover with a wet paper towel to prevent it from over cooking and drying out. Seriously this is the BEST way to reheat smoked meats and such.

[–]BIGJOESNUFFY 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Someone explain the science behind this.

[–]fluffypun 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Life ProER tip: use a frying pan to reheat pizza


[–]ThemBastards 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That pizza looks epicly good

[–]DuduMaroja 2 points3 points  (0 children)


[–]jaroberts24 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Also works with bagels.

Freeze em fresh, :30 seconds in with a shot glass of water. You can't tell the difference.

[–]Serenity101 1 point2 points  (0 children)

glad to know that, thanks

[–]shniken 10 points11 points  (6 children)

Best way I've found to reheat pizza is by putting a moist paper towel over it, heating it till the cheese melts then putting in on a hot fry pan to get the base nice a crispy.

Much better than using only the microwave and much faster than using only a fry pan.

[–]juicertons 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This works for all breads!


Does this work with DiGiorno, too?

[–]LeftoverBanana 1 point2 points  (0 children)

But, I like chewy crust :(

[–]PolarClybourn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

LPT: That plate is not microwave safe. Looks like one of the ikea plates. They will crack.


Toaster oven brah. Way better.

[–]willo_sea 1 point2 points  (0 children)

DO NOT use distilled water. That shit will super-heat and explode all over your face!

[–]officershrute 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Does this work with Frozen hamburgers as well?

[–]canyougoogleit 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Then open the microwave, accidentally spill the glass of water on yourself and suffer the consequences of not having a toaster on board


LPT: Put a wooden chopstick in the cup to keep it from superheating and exploding in your face

[–]aroymart 1 point2 points  (0 children)

but... it's better chewy!

[–]otto311 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What is this sorcery?

[–]cmunerd 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Toaster oven and then crisp up the crust at the bottom in a pan.


Alright, Spill it. Tell me the science behind this


Wtf kind of pizza is this?

[–]riksin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

LPT use a fry pan to reheat your pizza,

put your pizza on a fry pan and cover the top with some foil this is so that the top of the pizza cooks from the heat as well.

the result should be perfectly heated pizza with a crunchy crust and bottom.

Dont let them burn now

[–]readd_it 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Im fairly certain if you put water in microwave it can superheat and explode with the slightest movement.

[–]Chemfire 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I learned from Mr. Alton Brown that you shouldn't microwave water because it can explode in your face. I'm not sure how true it is, but I won't risk it.

[–]SERGEANTMCBUTTMONKEY 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a European I thought that was cake

[–]sageguitar70 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use a toaster oven. Way better than a microwave for leftover pizza.

[–]bonestamp 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Another microwave pro tip... keep things away from the center of the microwave. If you've ever noticed the middle of something didn't cook, it's probably because the middle of the item was in the center of the microwave. Move that same thing to the edge of the rotating plate and it'll be cooked more thoroughly since it rotates through the full phase microwaves. It's like standing in the center of the merry go round, you're not travelling any distance so you don't feel any g forces.

[–]TwistedBrother 1 point2 points  (1 child)

okay, fry the pizza, cut after it gets home, nuke it with water, etc...

Apparently its /r/pizzaprotips.

[–]SuperNinKenDo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So wait. Am I looking at the alusiary "pizza-pie" here? Is this what a pizza-pie is?!