Getting the perfect slice of gooey, cheesy pizza straight out of the oven is one of life’s great pleasures. But what about when you have leftovers from your favorite pizza place? Reheating pizza can be tricky – you want to avoid a slice that’s soggy or dried out. When it comes to reheating a Mexican pizza loaded with toppings like ground beef, beans, salsa, and more, having the right technique is key. Read on for tips on how to revive refrigerated or frozen Mexican pizza so it tastes freshly made.
Should You Refrigerate or Freeze Leftover Mexican Pizza?
First things first – should you refrigerate or freeze leftover Mexican pizza? Here are some tips:
- Refrigerating is best for eating leftovers within 3-4 days. Place slices in a sealed container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
- Freezing can keep pizza fresh for 2-3 months. Allow slices to cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place in freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Avoid keeping leftovers at room temperature more than 2 hours. This allows bacterial growth.
- Store pizza with plenty of space between slices to prevent sogginess.
In general, refrigeration preserves texture and quality better for shorter term storage. For longer storage, freeze Mexican pizza to lock in freshness.
How to Reheat Refrigerated Mexican Pizza
For refrigerated Mexican pizza, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Place chilled pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Bake pizza for 6-8 minutes until hot and sizzling.
- For extra crispy crust, bake 1-2 minutes longer.
- Let the reheated pizza sit for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Baking is the best way to reheat refrigerated Mexican pizza. The hot oven helps revive the texture of the crust and melts the cheese beautifully without making it rubbery. Baking prevents sogginess that can happen from microwaving.
How to Reheat Frozen Mexican Pizza
For frozen Mexican pizza, try these methods:
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Place frozen pizza directly on oven rack or on a preheated baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Allow to sit for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Microwave Method
- Microwave frozen pizza on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes, until edges are warm.
- Let stand 1 minute to allow heat to evenly distribute.
- Microwave at 30 second intervals until pizza is thoroughly heated.
- Take care not to over-microwave or pizza may become rubbery.
The oven method takes longer, but crisps the crust better. Microwaving is quicker, but can create a soggy crust. For best results, only microwave until thawed and then finish cooking in the oven.
Tips for the Best Reheated Mexican Pizza
Follow these tips for Mexican pizza that looks and tastes great when reheated:
- Use a lower oven temperature (400°F) to prevent burning.
- Reheat smaller slices or individual portions so they heat evenly.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella over the top before reheating for extra melted cheese.
- Drizzle leftover pizza with olive oil or melted butter to prevent drying out.
- Stir up any Mexican-style rice on the pizza to redistribute before reheating.
- Consider reheating any meat toppings like ground beef separately to refresh them.
Common Mexican Pizza Toppings
One of the great things about Mexican pizza is how customizable it is. Here are some of the most popular Mexican pizza toppings:
| Meat | Veggies | Cheese | Sauces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | Onions | Monterey jack | Salsa |
| Chorizo | Tomatoes | Cheddar | Sour cream |
| Shredded chicken | Jalapeños | Queso fresco | Guacamole |
| Bacon | Bell peppers | Pepper jack | Refried beans |
| Sausage | Olives | Oaxaca | Taco sauce |
| Pepperoni | Cilantro | Chihuahua | Ranch dressing |
| Ham | Mushrooms | Mozzarella | Mexican crema |
Mix and match your favorite meat, veggies, cheese, beans, rice, and Mexican-inspired sauces to craft your ideal Mexican pizza.
Other Tips for Making Mexican Pizza
Here are some other handy tips for making delicious Mexican pizza from scratch:
- Use a prepared pizza crust or corn tortillas as the base.
- Spread refried beans, taco sauce, or salsa on the crust before adding toppings.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning or fajita seasoning over ground beef while browning.
- Add Mexican-style rice, black beans, or pinto beans as a topping.
- Mix chopped cilantro into shredded cheese or sprinkle over finished pizza.
- Drizzle with Mexican crema or sour cream mixed with lime juice.
- Garnish pizza with tortilla chips, cilantro, or avocado.
Feel free to get creative and make Mexican pizza your own! It reheats wonderfully, so don’t be afraid to make leftovers.
Common Questions
Should you reheat Mexican pizza in the oven or microwave?
The oven is best for reheating Mexican pizza to crisp up the crust, while the microwave can make it soggy. For a quick reheat, microwave just until thawed then finish in the oven for the ideal texture.
How long does leftover Mexican pizza last in the fridge?
Properly stored, leftover Mexican pizza will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly in foil and don’t allow it to sit out more than 2 hours. Reheat refrigerated slices within 3-4 days.
Can you freeze and reheat Mexican pizza?
Absolutely! Allow pizza to cool completely before wrapping well and freezing. Frozen Mexican pizza will keep for 2-3 months. Reheat frozen slices straight from the freezer in a hot oven or microwave until piping hot.
What’s the best way to keep reheated Mexican pizza from getting soggy?
Baking in an oven is better than microwaving for avoiding a soggy crust. Let pizza sit out of the oven for 2-3 minutes before cutting to allow moisture to absorb back into the crust. Store leftovers with space between slices and reheat smaller portions.
Conclusion
Mexican pizza is a versatile and flavorful crowd-pleaser. With the right storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy leftovers that taste as delicious as the original. Refrigerate slices for 3-4 days maximum before reheating, or freeze pizza for longer term storage. Bake refrigerated pizza in a hot oven, or use a combination of microwave and oven for frozen pizza. Toppings like extra cheese and drizzles of olive oil or butter can keep reheated slices from drying out. In just a few minutes, you can revive those leftovers into a quick and tasty meal the whole family will love.