This article was inspired by content originally published on New York Post
Introduction
Pizza leftovers: a joy, a dilemma, and apparently the spark for global debate. Earlier this year, an Australian pizza lover went viral for sharing a so-called “genius” hack for reheating pizza in the microwave without turning it into a rubbery mess. As reported, the trick is delightfully simple: place a glass of water inside the microwave while you reheat your slice.
While this tip divided the internet (does it really work? is the oven still better?), the bigger takeaway is clear: we’re all still searching for ways to make pizza better even on Day Two. And whether you’re a pizza enthusiast, a restaurant owner, or a supplier, there’s a deeper story behind that humble leftover slice.
Reheating: A Slice of Pizza Science
Let’s tackle the hack itself first. The water-in-the-microwave trick aims to keep the pizza’s crust from drying out by creating steam but it’s a shortcut at best. For the purists among us, the gold standard for reheating will always be the oven or stovetop.
Pizza Pro Tip: Want the crispiest Day-Two slice? Skip the microwave. Instead, reheat your pizza on a cast-iron skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, then tent it with foil or a lid. This re-crisps the crust while warming the cheese through without burning.
Or take it up a notch with a countertop pizza oven. Yes, they’re not just for fresh pies they’re perfect for leftovers too.
Pizza Is More Than Fresh Out of the Oven
Leftover pizza culture is pizza culture. According to a recent consumer report, nearly 70% of Americans prefer cold pizza for breakfast at least occasionally yet most people don’t realize how a few simple tools can elevate that next-day slice. Consider investing in a pizza stone for your home oven to refresh a soggy slice with a crisp bottom. Or experiment with a spritz bottle to add a fine mist of water before reheating a pro baker’s trick to mimic steam without making your crust rubbery.
Are You Missing Out on the “Leftover” Opportunity?
This viral debate is a reminder to pizza operators that your customers care about how their pie tastes the next day and that’s an untapped brand loyalty moment. Here’s how smart shops can turn this leftover moment into new sales:
Reheat instructions: Include a simple reheating card in your takeout boxes. It’s low-cost, shows you care, and ensures your pizza tastes as good at home as it did in the restaurant.
Merch upsell: Consider selling branded cast-iron skillets or personal pizza stones. You’re not just selling pizza you’re selling the whole experience.
✅ Packaging upgrade: If your boxes get soggy overnight, look into ventilated pizza boxes or liners that keep crusts crisp longer.
The “Leftover” Trend Is Your Sales Angle, Too
Suppliers, don’t sleep on this. As more shops care about the full customer journey, there’s real value in offering packaging solutions, recipe tips, or reheating guides they can brand as their own. Also, this consumer interest in quality even on Day Two means more opportunities for you to provide higher-end ingredients that hold up better think cheeses that re-melt beautifully, or toppings that won’t go mushy.
Final Thought: Pizza Passion Never Gets Old
What does a glass of water in a microwave have to do with the future of pizza? Everything because it proves that whether it’s piping hot from the oven or nuked at midnight, people want every bite to be worth it. That’s the bar we should all keep raising, from our home kitchens to our pizzerias.
So next time you open your fridge for a leftover slice, remember: the story of pizza doesn’t end when the box closes and with a little care, it might just taste better than ever.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article was inspired by content originally published on New York Post. This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase them.