There’s nothing quite like that first bite of pizza—fresh, hot, and perfectly crisp. But when you have leftovers, that same slice can lose its magic.
We’ve all been there, staring at a cold slice, wondering how to bring it back to life. Some people try the microwave, others turn to the toaster oven or air fryer. Bu, no matter what method you choose, one thing remains true: you want to get that crispy crust and gooey cheese as close to the original as possible.
While nothing beats the fresh-out-of-the-oven taste of pizza (especially from Nicky’s Coal Fired in Nashville), there are a few tricks you can use to get the
best heating results at home.
Preserving the Perfect Slice: Why Reheating the Right Way Matters
Pizza is sacred. And reheating it the wrong way can turn a glorious creation into a limp, lifeless bite. The key to keeping that crispy, delicious flavor intact lies in the reheating method. People have tried all sorts of ways to bring their cold pizza back to life—microwaves, toaster ovens, air fryers—but nothing quite matches the magic of a well-reheated slice.
While microwaves might seem like the quickest option, it often sacrifices texture for convenience. The crust turns soggy, and the cheese just doesn’t melt right. So, how do you get your pizza back to its prime? The oven is your best friend. It mimics the original cooking process and gives you a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese
without drying anything out.
The Oven Method: Your At-Home Pizza Savior
One of the best ways to reheat pizza at home is by using your oven. By cranking up the heat, you can get closer to that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, even if it’s not quite the same as coal-fired pizza. Here’s how to do it
right:
Preheat your oven to 450°F. This high temperature helps you replicate the heat of a pizza oven.
Place a pizza stone or cast iron skillet in the oven. Let it get nice and hot, which helps to crisp up the crust.
Pop your slice on the stone or skillet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp.
For an extra crispy crust, finish by turning on the broiler for the last 30 seconds.
While it’s not the same as a coal-fired oven, this method will give you a crispier, more flavorful result than the microwave or toaster oven.
Extra Tips for Perfect Reheating
Use a pizza stone or cast iron skillet: Preheating these tools helps to achieve a crispy crust, which is key to getting that “just out of the oven” taste.
Avoid overcrowding the oven: If you’re reheating multiple slices, give them space. Overcrowding can trap moisture, resulting in soggy pizza.
For extra freshness, add moisture back to the toppings: Lightly sprinkle a bit of water on the crust edges or place a damp paper towel inside the microwave (if using it) to prevent the pizza from drying out during the reheating process.
Always make sure that your pizza is reheated to a minimum of 165°F to ensure that it’s safe to eat. This is a critical step, as recommended by the New York Department of Health.
Why Nicky’s Coal Fired Is Nashville’s Favorite
Nashville isn’t short on pizza options, but what makes Nicky’s stand out is our dedication to
the coal-fired method. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll notice the difference in flavor, texture, and atmosphere. Our coal-fired ovens don’t just cook pizza—they
perfect it.
So, the next time you’re debating how to reheat your leftover pizza, don’t settle for soggy. Stop by
Nicky’s Coal Fired in Nashville or give our at-home reheating tips a try and experience the magic of coal-fired pizza.
