Ciao a tutti. Edoardo here 🙂 Today, I’m gonna be talking about the best ways to keep pizza warm. Warmish to the touch, crisp pizza is so addictive, we all know it. Also, we all know that cold, frigid pizza is not cool at all. The cheese thickened into a spongy paste, the sauce dried on a limp, those gummy ‘za slices are far from making our mouths water… Luckily, heating the whole thing up is not a problem. Wanna know how to keep pizza warm in the oven? Wondering about the best temperature to keep pizza warm without drying out the crust and risking some inedible charring? Read on.
5 Ways of Keeping Pizza Warm
Can you put a pizza box in the oven? Curious minds can’t help but wonder about this possibility. I’m sure you’ve heard some of those scary tales about the crispy crust-loving folks setting their kitchens on fire while merely planning to reheat pizza in the oven in a box. No doubt, that’s not the outcome you’re hoping for. So, whether you’re throwing a party or waiting for that always-late-for-dinner family member, here are some handy hacks on keeping the yummy meal warm safely and effectively.
1. Try a Box-in-the-Oven Solution
Keeping up your pizza box in the oven is okay. Just make sure to keep the temp setting low to avoid damaging the box, burning the yummy dinner, or burning your whole house down… For maximum safety, keep your heat setting as low as 170°F. That way, you will keep your slices hot, and the cheese will melt without burning. If your oven doesn’t flaunt a temp setting that low, then do not place the box into it at all.
2. Opt for a No-Box-in-the-Oven Method
If you decide to store your slices in the oven without a box, you’re going to need a pizza stone for that, and you will have to prepare for the endeavor in advance. This is your go-to solution if you’re expecting pizza delivery but are aware that you won’t be able to enjoy it the moment it arrives. Follow these steps for the best outcome:
- Preheat your stone to 200°F for about half an hour. This will make the stone hot enough to keep the ‘za resting on top of it all scrumptiously warm.
- Upon delivery, take the yummy out of the box and slide it onto the stoneware.
- Want to keep the stone with the pizza in the oven? Always turn the heat off to prevent ruining your dinner.
- If you decide to remove the pizza-on-the-stone from the oven, wrap it in aluminum foil to achieve maximum heat evenness.
3. Utilize Aluminum Foil
Still, waiting for your oh-so-busy party guests to arrive and want to keep your decadent slices warm? Begin plating your portions. Try wrapping each ‘za slice in aluminum foil. That way, the yummy dinner will preserve the heat. In case the slices get cold by the time your guests arrive, slide the wrapped-in-foil pizza into the oven at 400°F for up to ten minutes. Once it’s heated, remove the foil and begin serving the decadent slices.
4. Make a Frying Pan Your Best Buddy
Throwing a crowdier party and need an alternative pizza-heat-up option? No worries. You can make the most of your frying pan to revive the last several slices. Place a stainless steel non-stick frying pan with the pizza slices on your stovetop, heat it for up to three minutes. When the pizza bottom gets all warm and crispy, cover the pan with a lid and continue the procedure for about two more minutes, until the cheese and toppings get warm. This solution is perfect if you don’t have an oven at all.
5. Microwave Pizza Warmer vs. Traditional Oven
While heating your delish slices in a traditional oven is a wise choice, this is often far from possible. Imagine you’re currently ovenless or, say, running out of stovetop space in your small kitchen and are kind of in a hurry. Make the most of your trusted and ever-convenient microwave pizza warmer as a quick fix for your cooling slices! This option is not the most practical out there; however, it does get the job done very well.
Keeping Slices Warm: My Answers to Your FAQ
If you’ve ever wondered about pizza history or, say, ways to heat your pizza up when having a family get-together, you’ve come to the right place. Below, I’ve answered some of my readers’ most frequently asked questions on the topic.
Can you put cardboard in the oven with pizza?
Theoretically, yes, you can. It’s one of the easiest ways to heat up your slices while you’re waiting for the crowd to arrive. However, there are a few crucial factors you should always take into account. First, you cannot be 100% sure your pizza cardboard box is not coated in highly dangerous (or flammable) chemicals that can easily be released into your yummy slices at higher temps. Second, because of those chemicals, cardboard boxes will leave you smelling the unpleasant stuff once the pizza is being heated in the oven. Opt for this solution only if you don’t have a pizza stone or can’t use your frying pan.
At what temperature does cardboard burn?
Cardboard usually catches fire when the temperatures reach over 400°F. But for your maximum safety, I recommend you keep your heat at the aforementioned setting of 170°F.
How do you keep pizza warm in a car?
If you love picking up a pizza from your favorite Italian restaurant on your way home from work but it’s always cold when you’re finally home, don’t panic. While you can always try talking dirty to it, there is sure less fun yet more effective ways to keep your pizza warm in a car. You can get an insulated bag online, like the delivery guys use, modify them the way you see fit, and put your pizza box in them. Also, avoid turning on air conditioning while taking your hot’n’yummy slices home.
Will 170 degrees keep food warm?
In the context of keeping your ‘za slices warm inside the cardboard box, yes, the lowest oven temperature will do. In fact, it’s the only safe temperature level you can use for this particular purpose.
Wrap Up & Warm Up
At the end of the day, maintaining a pizza’s temperature without ruining your dinner is fairly easy. Opt for your oven, try the aluminum foil, or make the most of your frying pan to achieve the best results in the safest way possible. If you follow my tips on keeping your scrumptious slices warm during transport, you may not need to place them in the oven, to begin with. Most importantly, always make safety your priority and avoid using boxes whenever possible.
Want to know how to make pizza when you’re camping? I’ll let you in on that in one of my next posts. Have anything to say on the current topic? What’s your go-to method of keeping pizza warm in the oven or during transport? Share your two cents in the comment section below. Your feedback is highly appreciated.
