What’s the Best Way to Reheat Chicago Deep Dish Pizza?

Chicago deep-dish pizza is a type of American pizza made in a skillet and usually is at least 3-4 inches deep. Saucey and utterly delicious, Chicago deep-dish pizza is loaded with a filling of sauce, toppings, and cheese. 

It’s so loaded up with toppings that the sauce in Chicago deep-dish pizza is added last to prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy. 

Chicago deep-dish pizza is so filling that it’d be surprising if you and your companions could eat it in one sitting. You’ll most likely need a to-go box and a couple of methods up your sleeve on how to reheat Chicago deep-dish pizza.

The two best ways to reheat Chicago deep-dish pizza are in a skillet or in your oven. You can also use a toaster oven if needed. By all means, avoid the microwave!

The Best Way – In the Skillet

A skillet is the most ideal way to reheat your Chicago deep-dish pizza, usually one slice at a time. This method ensures that the massive amount of fillings Chicago deep-dish pizza is known for will be heated all the way through. 

Step 1

Lightly oil a cast iron or regular skillet (you don’t want to use a non-stick skillet here) with a neutral oil or cooking spray. You will need a lid that fits your skillet.

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes before placing your Chicago deep-dish pizza in.

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Step 2

Place your slice or slices of Chicago deep-dish pizza in your skillet. If your skillet is large enough for multiple slices, you can reheat them at the same time, as long as they are not touching one another. 

Step 3

Once your slices are in your skillet turn the heat down to medium and cover the skillet. Reheat your slices for 4-5 minutes until your crust is crispy and your fillings are heated through.

Runner Up Method – In the Oven

If you have an entire Chicago deep-dish pizza that you’d like to reheat using the oven might be the best method for you. You want to ensure that all of your filling reheats, and not just the top layer of sauce when you’re using an oven.

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that your Chicago deep-dish pizza will reheat evenly without burning the crust.

Step 2

Wrap a baking sheet in aluminum foil or place a lightly greased piece of parchment paper on top. Reheating Chicago deep-dish pizza can be messy, and you want to ensure you have an easy clean-up.

Step 3

Place your slices of Chicago deep-dish pizza on your prepared baking sheet. 

Drizzle your slices with water – enough where multiple drops will cover the slice(s) but not enough to make your pizza soggy. 

Loosely cover your pizza with aluminum foil to ensure that the heat will still reach your pizza, without burning the top.

Step 4

Bake your Chicago deep-dish for 15-20 minutes until your filling is hot and gooey. 

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Towards the end of your bake time, take the foil off of your pizza and turn your oven to the broiler setting for no more than 5 minutes. This will ensure you get a nice and crispy top!

Make sure you let your pizza cool slightly before you eat it. Because of the amount of filling, reheated deep-dish pizza, if too hot, can really burn your mouth.

Another Alternative – Toaster Oven

If you don’t have access to a stove or oven, and you’re only looking to reheat 1 to 2 slices of Chicago deep-dish pizza, then the toaster oven method is a great alternative!

There aren’t many steps here – just set your toaster oven to medium, or 375 degrees Fahrenheit and heat.

You’ll most likely need to reheat your Chicago deep-dish pizza for 2-3 cycles before it is heated through. This is due to the sheer size and depth of the pizza you’re reheating.

Tips & Tricks and What to Avoid

When storing your Chicago deep-dish pizza, take it out of the pizza box and wrap it in aluminum foil, plastic wrap, a plastic bag, or all of the above. You can also use an airtight plastic food storage container.

It’s best to store your pizza in these ways to avoid it drying out before you reheat it.

Do not reheat your Chicago deep-dish pizza in the microwave. It will make your crust incredibly soggy, and your fillings will not heat through. Avoid the microwave and you are golden. Happy eating!