How to Reheat Calzone (6 Methods Tested)

It's always a fun week when you can make and eat a bunch of calzone for research purposes.

Of course, I technically knew how to reheat a calzone. But, I wanted to determine the best method for reheating calzone. And what better way to do that than a side-by-side comparison?

In preparation for this experiment, I made a couple of spinach and cheese calzones. Then, I cut them up and stored them in my refrigerator for 24 hours or so. I also froze a piece of calzone so I could test reheating it from frozen in the oven.

In the end, I decided that the oven is the best method for reheating a calzone. However, the other methods also have their pros and cons. So, if you're trying to determine the best way to reheat your leftover calzone, keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

>> Need a tasty homemade calzone recipe? Give my Eggplant Parmesan Calzone recipe a try!

What is the Best Way to Reheat Calzone?

Calzone makes great leftovers and is easy to reheat. Crispiness, freshness, convenience, and time are all factors to consider when choosing which method is best to reheat your calzone.

After testing several reheating methods, I believe that the oven is the best way to reheat calzone.

Reheating calzone in the oven leads to a cheesy, fresh-tasting, crispy calzone in just a few minutes. Plus, it's an easy way to reheat a large amount of leftover calzone. Additionally, you can reheat calzone directly from frozen in the oven.

How to Reheat Calzone

Here are 6 tested methods for reheating leftover calzone.

Oven

The oven was by far my favorite method for reheating calzone. Not only did the crust get super crispy, but the inside was beautifully melted and evenly warmed through. In my opinion, the oven-reheated calzone tasted better than the day it was made.

Additionally, the oven is the best method for reheating frozen calzone. Reheating a calzone from frozen in the oven only takes about 10 minutes longer than a refrigerated calzone.

All things considered, the oven is my go-to method for reheating leftover calzone.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Evenly distribute the calzone pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Fridge: Warm calzone pieces for 8-10 minutes.
5. Freezer: Warm calzone pieces for 18-20 minutes.

Toaster Oven

If you don't want to heat up your whole oven for one or two pieces of calzone, a toaster oven is a great option. Similar to the oven method, the toaster oven results in a crispy crust and evenly melted interior.

Instructions

1. Preheat the toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line the toaster oven tray with aluminum foil.
3. Heat for 8-10 minutes or until fully warmed through.

Quick Tip: If the crust is beginning to burn before the interior is warmed through, cover the calzone with a piece of aluminum foil.

Skillet

Using the stovetop to reheat calzone was one of my least favorite methods.

While the outer crust warmed through and crisped up nicely, the interior stayed cold. I found it tricky to fully warm through the center of the calzone before the exterior began to overcook.

Steaming the calzone with a little water seemed to help melt the cheese. But overall, I was not impressed with this method and probably wouldn't use it unless necessary.

Instructions

1. Heat one teaspoon of olive oil or butter in a seasoned cast iron skillet or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Place the pieces of calzone in a single layer in the frying pan and cover with a lid.
3. Cook the calzone for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add ½ to 1 tablespoon of water to the skillet and quickly re-cover it with the lid to create steam. Allow the calzone to cook until the middle is fully warmed through.

Microwave

If you're really short on time or have no other options, the microwave can be used to reheat calzone in a pinch.

However, I will say that this method results in a far inferior calzone than any of the other methods. The crust was soft and became chewy after cooling off a bit. And while the interior was warmed through, the cheese had melted out onto the plate in the microwave.

But, if you're in a rush and only need to reheat one or two pieces of calzone, the microwave is an okay choice.

Instructions

1. Place a piece of leftover calzone on a microwave-safe dish.
2. Cover the calzone with a damp paper towel.
3. Microwave on half-power (50%) for 45-60 seconds.
4. If not fully warmed through, continue microwaving on half-power in 30-second intervals.

Air Fryer

I love using my air fryer as a quick and convenient way to reheat leftovers when I don't want to heat up my oven. If you have an air fryer, you might already be aware of its ability to bring life back to leftovers. And calzone is no different.

Reheating calzone in the air fryer gives it a crispy, slightly chewy crust with a warm, melted interior. You can reheat several pieces of calzone at a time in the air fryer and it only takes a few minutes.

The air fryer method was my second favorite after the oven. It's quick, convenient, and does a good job of getting the crust nice and crispy. So, if you have an air fryer, definitely give this method a try.

Instructions

1. Place calzone pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
2. Turn the air fryer on and set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Heat the calzone for 4-5 minutes or until fully warmed through.

Gas Grill

While not your typical method for reheating leftovers, a gas grill is another great option for reheating calzone. I would consider using a gas grill to reheat calzone if you're already cooking other food on the grill or if you're experiencing a power outage.

A gas grill reheats calzone similarly to an oven. The crust gets super crispy and the interior reheats evenly. I used the top rack of my grill to avoid placing the calzone directly over the flame.

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill over high heat until it reaches 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit. This is to account for heat loss when you open the lid.
2. Place the calzone onto a piece of aluminum foil and put it on the top rack of the grill.
3. Quickly close the lid and turn the burners to medium-low. You want the grill to maintain a temperature between 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Heat calzone for 8-10 minutes or until fully heated throughout.

Note: I tested this method when it was 35 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Your grill may run hotter and reheat the calzone more quickly if it's warmer outside.

How Long Does Calzone Last?

Calzones are an excellent make-ahead meal. They make great grab-and-go lunches or quick and easy weeknight dinners. How long a calzone lasts depends on how it's stored.

Since many calzone recipes contain cheese, leftover calzone will typically only last for a few days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, calzone can be kept in the freezer.

How to Store Leftover Calzone

Here is how to properly store leftover calzone.

• Room Temperature- If serving calzone at a party, keep in mind that it can only be left at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours. Properly storing leftovers prevents the growth of harmful bacteria that can make you sick.
• Refrigerator- Wrap leftover calzone tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer- Store leftover calzone in a freezer-safe plastic bag or container in the freezer for 1 to 2 months.

Can You Freeze Calzone?

Yes, storing calzone in the freezer is a great way to save leftovers that you won't be able to eat within a few days. When I make calzones, I often make an extra one to store in the freezer for nights I don't feel like cooking.

Follow these steps to properly freeze your leftover calzone:

1. Allow the calzone to cool completely.
2. Cut the calzone into individual or family-sized portions.
3. Wrap the pieces of calzone tightly in plastic wrap.
4. Store the wrapped calzone in a freezer bag or container, or double-wrap it in aluminum foil.
5. Label and date the calzone.
6. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How to Thaw Calzone

If you plan on enjoying your leftover calzone later in the week, it's best to plan ahead and thaw it in the refrigerator. Thawing calzone in the refrigerator is as simple as transferring it from the freezer to the refrigerator approximately 24 hours before you want to eat it.

However, if you're forgetful or just need a last-minute dinner, you can thaw and reheat frozen calzone in the oven just as easily. It takes about 20 minutes in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven to fully reheat a calzone directly from the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many options to consider when reheating your leftover calzone. The best method will depend on how many pieces of calzone you want to reheat, how much time you have, and your preference for a crispy exterior and well-melted interior.

Overall, I prefer the oven for reheating my leftover calzone with the air fryer being a close second. And I recommend only using the microwave as a last resort.

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