As a fan of Italian cuisine, I often find myself with leftover calzones that I don’t want to go to waste. However, reheating a calzone can be tricky, as you want to preserve its crispy exterior and gooey interior.
In this article, I will share with you the best methods for reheating a calzone so that it tastes just as delicious as it did when it was fresh out of the oven.
Before we dive into the specific methods for reheating a calzone, let’s first understand what a calzone is. Essentially, a calzone is a folded pizza that is filled with various ingredients such as cheese, meats, and vegetables.
It is then baked in the oven until the crust is crispy and the filling is hot and gooey. Calzones are a popular Italian dish that is often served as a handheld meal or snack.
Now that we know what a calzone is, let’s move on to reheating it. There are several methods for reheating a calzone, each with its own pros and cons.
In the following sections, I will walk you through each method and provide you with tips and tricks to ensure that your reheated calzone is just as delicious as the original.
Key Takeaways
- Reheating a calzone can be tricky, but there are several methods that can help preserve its crispy exterior and gooey interior.
- The best methods for reheating a calzone include using an oven, skillet, or air fryer, while the microwave should be avoided.
- When reheating a calzone, it’s important to prepare it properly beforehand and to serve it immediately after reheating to ensure the best taste and texture.
Understanding Calzones
As an Italian dish, calzones are a popular food item that can be found in many restaurants and pizzerias. They are essentially folded pizzas that are sealed and baked to perfection.
The filling of a calzone can vary, but it usually contains pizza toppings such as cheese, tomato sauce, and meat.
The crust of a calzone is made from pizza dough, which is rolled out and filled with the desired ingredients. The dough is then folded over and sealed to create a pocket of deliciousness.
The crust can be thin or thick, depending on personal preference.
When it comes to reheating a calzone, it is important to understand the different methods available. Reheating in the oven is a popular choice as it allows the calzone to retain its crispy crust.
However, reheating in a skillet or on the stovetop can also be effective.
The key to reheating a calzone is to ensure that it is heated evenly throughout. This can be achieved by using a low to medium heat and flipping the calzone over halfway through the reheating process.
It is also important to note that reheating times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the calzone.
Overall, understanding the components of a calzone and the different reheating methods available can help ensure that you are able to enjoy this delicious dish time and time again.
Storing Leftover Calzones
As a food lover, I often find myself with leftover calzones, and I’m sure you do too. But how do you store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and delicious for the next day? Here are some tips that I have found useful:
Refrigerate Leftover Calzones
If you have leftover calzones, it’s essential to refrigerate them immediately. Leaving them at room temperature for too long can cause bacteria to grow, leading to food poisoning.
So, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container before refrigeration. This step ensures that your calzones stay moist and maintain their flavors.
Freeze Leftover Calzones
If you don’t plan on eating your leftover calzones within a day or two, you can freeze them for later use. Freezing calzones is an excellent way to preserve them for a more extended period.
To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Label them with the date and contents, and they can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheat Frozen Calzones
When you’re ready to eat your frozen calzones, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 375°F and place the frozen calzones on a baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the center is hot. To reheat in the microwave, place the frozen calzones on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them for 2-3 minutes or until the center is hot.
Store Leftover Calzones in an Airtight Container
Storing leftover calzones in an airtight container is crucial to keep them fresh. An airtight container prevents air and moisture from getting in, which can lead to the calzones drying out or becoming soggy.
Make sure you choose the right size container to avoid any empty space that can cause the calzones to move around and lose their shape.
In conclusion, storing leftover calzones is easy if you follow these simple steps. Refrigerate or freeze them immediately, label them, and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious.
With these tips, you can enjoy your leftover calzones without worrying about food safety or quality.
Preparation Before Reheating
Before reheating your calzone, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that it comes out perfectly. First, you need to decide on the method you will use to reheat it.
The most popular methods include using an oven, microwave, air fryer, non-stick skillet, or frying pan. Each of these methods has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so you should choose the one that works best for you based on your preferences and the equipment you have available.
Once you have decided on the method you will use, you need to take the calzone out of the fridge or freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
This will help it to thaw out and come to room temperature, which will make it easier to reheat evenly.
Next, you need to prepare the equipment you will be using to reheat the calzone. If you are using an oven, preheat it to the appropriate temperature based on the method you are using.
For example, if you are using the oven method, preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are using an air fryer, preheat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are using a non-stick skillet or frying pan, you need to preheat it over medium heat for a few minutes.
You may also want to prepare some aluminum foil or aluminum wrap to cover the calzone while it is reheating. This will help to lock in moisture and prevent the crust from becoming too dry.
Finally, you need to make sure that you have a microwave-safe plate or air fryer basket to place the calzone on while it is reheating. This will help to ensure that it heats up evenly and does not stick to the equipment.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your calzone reheats perfectly every time, no matter which method you choose to use.
Reheating Calzones in the Oven
When it comes to reheating calzones, the oven method is one of the best options available. Not only does it produce a crispy, golden crust, but it also ensures that the filling is heated evenly throughout. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Take your calzone out of the fridge and place it on a baking sheet. If you want an extra crispy crust, you can spritz the calzone with a bit of oil.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the calzone for 15-20 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your calzone, so keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
- When the calzone is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
One thing to keep in mind when reheating calzones in the oven is that you want to avoid introducing too much moisture.
This can make the crust soggy and ruin the texture of your calzone. To prevent this, make sure your calzone is wrapped tightly in foil or placed in an airtight container before being reheated.
In addition, it’s important to pay attention to the temperature of your oven. If it’s too hot, your calzone may burn on the outside before the filling is heated through.
If it’s too cool, your calzone may not get crispy enough. So be sure to check your oven’s temperature before you start reheating.
Overall, reheating calzones in the oven is a great method that produces delicious results.
Just remember to wrap your calzone tightly, pay attention to the temperature, and keep an eye on the time to ensure that your calzone comes out perfectly every time.
Microwave Reheating Method
When it comes to reheating a calzone, the microwave is a quick and easy option. However, the microwave reheating method can sometimes result in a soggy crust. But don’t worry, I have a few tips to help you avoid this issue.
First, place your calzone on a microwave-safe plate or dish. If desired, lightly dampen a paper towel or use a microwave-safe cover to prevent any splatters while reheating.
You can also place a small bowl of water in the microwave with the calzone to create steam and help keep the crust from getting too dry.
Next, set your microwave to medium power and reheat the calzone for 1-2 minutes. Check the calzone and continue reheating in 30-second intervals until it’s heated through.
Be careful not to overheat the calzone, as this can cause the crust to become tough.
Once the calzone is heated through, let it sit for a minute or two before cutting into it. This will help the filling and crust settle and prevent any burns from the hot filling.
Overall, the microwave reheating method is a convenient way to enjoy leftover calzones. Just remember to use a microwave-safe plate or cover, create steam with a small bowl of water, and reheat on medium power in 30-second intervals.
Using an Air Fryer
When it comes to reheating a calzone, using an air fryer is one of the best options available. Air fryers are designed to cook food by circulating hot air around it, which helps to create a crispy crust and evenly heated filling.
To reheat a calzone in an air fryer, start by preheating the appliance to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it has reached the desired temperature, place the calzone in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5 minutes.
If the calzone is not heated through after 5 minutes, you can cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so that it does not become overcooked.
One of the benefits of using an air fryer to reheat a calzone is that it helps to create a crispy crust. The hot air circulates around the calzone, which helps to eliminate any sogginess and create a crispy texture.
Another advantage of using an air fryer is that it is a quick and easy way to reheat a calzone.
Unlike an oven, which can take a while to preheat and cook the calzone, an air fryer only takes a few minutes to heat up and cook the food.
Overall, using an air fryer to reheat a calzone is a great option for anyone who wants a quick and easy way to enjoy a crispy, delicious meal.
With just a few simple steps, you can have a perfectly reheated calzone that is crispy on the outside and hot and gooey on the inside.
Stovetop Reheating Method
If you prefer to reheat your calzone on the stovetop, this method is for you. It’s quick, easy, and perfect if you’re only reheating one or two pieces.
To start, heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat. Once the skillet is hot, place the calzone in the pan. Cover the pan with a lid to ensure that the inside of the calzone heats up properly.
After a minute or two, use a spatula to carefully flip the calzone over. Cover the pan again and cook for another minute or two. Repeat this process until the calzone is heated through and the crust is crispy.
One thing to keep in mind is that this method may not be the best for larger groups, as you may need to reheat several calzones at once. In that case, it would be better to use the oven or another reheating method.
Overall, the stovetop reheating method is a great option if you’re short on time and only need to reheat a few pieces of calzone. It’s easy to do and results in a crispy crust that’s just as good as when the calzone was first made.
Reheating Frozen Calzones
Reheating frozen calzones is a great way to enjoy your favorite snack without having to make it from scratch. Here, I will explain how to reheat frozen calzones using the oven, microwave, and stovetop.
Oven Method
The oven method is the best way to reheat frozen calzones as it ensures that the crust is crispy and the filling is heated through. Here are the steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Remove the frozen calzone from the freezer and place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake the calzone for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot.
- Remove the calzone from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Microwave Method
The microwave method is the quickest way to reheat frozen calzones, but it can make the crust soggy. Here are the steps:
- Remove the frozen calzone from the freezer and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave the calzone on high for 2-3 minutes or until the filling is hot.
- Let the calzone cool for a few minutes before serving.
Stovetop Method
The stovetop method is a good option if you want to reheat a frozen calzone and don’t have access to an oven or microwave. Here are the steps:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Remove the frozen calzone from the freezer and place it in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet and cook the calzone for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the crust is crispy and the filling is hot.
- Remove the calzone from the skillet and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Freezing Calzones
If you want to freeze calzones for later use, here are some tips:
- Wrap each calzone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped calzones in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze the calzones for up to 3 months.
In conclusion, reheating frozen calzones is easy and convenient, and there are several methods to choose from.
Whether you prefer the oven, microwave, or stovetop method, you can enjoy a hot and delicious calzone in no time.
Serving Reheated Calzones
When it comes to serving reheated calzones, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that they taste just as delicious as when they were first made. Here are some tips to help you serve up your reheated calzones:
Pair with a Side Dish or Salad
While calzones are a delicious meal on their own, they can be even better when paired with a side dish or salad.
A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread can help balance out the flavors and textures of the calzone.
Experiment with Different Fillings
One of the great things about calzones is that they can be filled with a variety of ingredients. From classic pepperoni and mozzarella to veggie-packed options with ricotta, there are endless possibilities.
When reheating your calzone, you can experiment with different fillings to find your favorite combination.
Use a Spatula to Serve
When it comes to serving reheated calzones, it’s important to use a spatula to ensure that the cheesy, gooey filling stays intact.
A spatula will help you lift the calzone out of the pan or off the baking sheet without the filling oozing out.
Add Some Fresh Veggies
If you’re looking to add some extra flavor and nutrition to your reheated calzone, consider adding some fresh veggies. Sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms can add a pop of color and flavor to your meal.
Enjoy!
With these tips in mind, you can serve up delicious reheated calzones that are sure to satisfy. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick weeknight meal or serving them up for a party, they’re a great choice for any occasion.
Comparing Reheating Methods
When it comes to reheating calzones, there are a few different methods you can use. Each method has its own pros and cons, and the best method for you will depend on your personal preferences and the equipment you have available.
In this section, I will compare the most popular reheating methods and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
Oven
Reheating calzones in the oven is a popular method for a reason. It’s easy, convenient, and produces consistent results.
To reheat a calzone in the oven, simply preheat your oven to 350°F, wrap the calzone in aluminum foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes. The result is a hot, crispy calzone with a golden-brown crust.
One of the main advantages of reheating calzones in the oven is that it allows the calzone to heat up evenly, which helps to maintain its texture and flavors.
Additionally, reheating calzones in the oven is a great way to heat up multiple calzones at once, making it a good option if you’re feeding a crowd.
However, the oven method does have a few drawbacks. For one, it can take a bit longer than other methods, which can be inconvenient if you’re in a hurry. Additionally, the oven method can dry out the calzone if it’s left in for too long.
Stovetop/Skillet
Reheating calzones on the stovetop is another popular method. To reheat a calzone on the stovetop, simply place it in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.
The result is a hot, crispy calzone with a slightly charred crust.
One of the main advantages of reheating calzones on the stovetop is that it’s quick and easy. Additionally, it can produce a slightly different texture than the oven method, with a slightly charred crust that some people find appealing.
However, the stovetop method does have a few drawbacks. For one, it can be difficult to heat up multiple calzones at once using this method.
Additionally, the stovetop method can be a bit messier than the oven method, as the cheese and toppings can sometimes stick to the skillet.
Air Fryer
Reheating calzones in an air fryer is a relatively new method that has become popular in recent years.
To reheat a calzone in an air fryer, simply preheat the air fryer to 350°F, place the calzone in the basket, and cook for 5-7 minutes. The result is a hot, crispy calzone with a slightly crunchy crust.
One of the main advantages of reheating calzones in an air fryer is that it’s quick and easy.
Additionally, it can produce a slightly different texture than the oven or stovetop methods, with a slightly crunchy crust that some people find appealing.
However, the air fryer method does have a few drawbacks. For one, it can be difficult to heat up multiple calzones at once using this method. Additionally, the air fryer method can dry out the calzone if it’s left in for too long.
Overall, each reheating method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best method for you will depend on your personal preferences and the equipment you have available.
Related post: How Long to Microwave a Hot Pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to reheat a calzone in an air fryer?
To reheat a calzone in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and place the calzone inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the calzone is heated through and the crust is crispy.
What are the cooking instructions for frozen calzones?
To cook frozen calzones, preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove the calzones from the packaging and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the calzones are heated through and the crust is golden brown.
How do I heat up a Whole Foods calzone?
To heat up a Whole Foods calzone, preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the calzone on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the calzone is heated through and the crust is crispy.
What are the microwave instructions for Taste of Italy calzones?
To microwave a Taste of Italy calzone, remove it from the packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until the calzone is heated through.
What are the cooking instructions for Wellsley Farms calzones?
To cook Wellsley Farms calzones, preheat the oven to 375°F. Remove the calzones from the packaging and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the calzones are heated through and the crust is crispy.
What is the best way to reheat a refrigerated calzone?
The best way to reheat a refrigerated calzone is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the calzone on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until the calzone is heated through and the crust is crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the crust soggy.
