Everyone loves a good Calzone, they’re easy, ultra convenient and exceptionally delicious. Whether it’s a classic pizza Calzone or a tasty spinach and cheese, nothing compares to the sensation of biting into a hot, fresh and crispy Calzone. If you find yourself with leftovers and are wondering how to replicate that fresh store bought taste at home then read on because I’ll be sharing the best ways to reheat a calzone.
Maybe you’re like me and order a few extra Calzones to throw in the fridge and reheat later on in the week. They make for a quick and easy lunch option or even a perfect late night snack. On top of storing them properly (more on this in a bit), It’s important to reheat them a certain way if you want it to taste awesome like when you first bought it.
You may naturally think that throwing it in the microwave for a minute or two is the way to go but unless you like a soggy Calzone, there are much better methods.
Just like reheating leftover Pizza, replicating that fresh store bought Calzone taste can be difficult. The goal is to get that yummy warm gooey filling while maintaining a crispy outer texture.
For a hot and crispy Calzone, the undisputed best method for reheating is the Oven. You can also use a Fry Pan but you’ll have to pay a little more attention in order to not burn your Calzone. Another viable option is using an Air Fryer which some people are a fan of. And lastly, although not recommended, if you must use the Microwave I’ll give show you the right way to do it in order to avoid a soggy Calzone.
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How to properly store a Calzone
Before you think about reheating your Calzone, an important step to consider is storing them correctly. Storing them the right way ensures the that the integrity and flavour are preserved as much as possible and that they are safe to eat for when you’re ready to consume them. To correctly preserve a Calzone you should:
- Refrigerate the Calzone within 2 hours of purchasing.
- It’s best to store them in an air tight container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
- A correctly stored Calzone will last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
- If consuming after 4 days it’s best to freeze them. By freezing in an air tight container or freezer bag they will last up to 2 months before the quality starts to fade.
How to reheat a Calzone
Reheat a Calzone in the oven
The best way to replicate the delicious texture and taste of a fresh store bought Calzone is by using an oven. Calzones are baked in the oven in the first place so it makes sense that using an oven is the best way to restore them to their former glory. The oven method is perfect as it will reheat the Calzone the whole way through evenly as well as delivering a perfect crispy outer texture. If reheating from frozen then oven method is recommended as it will ensure it’s heated throughout to avoid hot and cold bits.
1.) Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 205 degrees Celsius.
2.) Place the Calzone onto a baking sheet lined tray.
3.) For a crispy outer layer, brush the Calzone with some oil.
4.) Place into the oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes. If reheating from frozen then this will take a little longer to heat thoroughly, roughly 30 minutes.
5.) Remove the Calzone from the oven and use a fork to check that the filling has heated throughout. If not, place the Calzone back into the oven and cook for a few more minutes until evenly cooked.
For a perfect Calzone that tastes just as good as when you first bought it, it’s hard to beat the oven reheating method.
Reheat a Calzone in a Fry Pan
Using a Fry pan to heat your Calzone is a much quicker method however requires some attention to avoid burning the exterior. When using the fry pan method it’s a good idea to add some water to the pan and cover it with a lid so that the steam will keep the Calzone moist and prevent it from drying out. It is important to note that the fry pan method isn’t recommended for when reheating from frozen as the exterior would likely start to burn while the middle is still frozen.
1.) Place a fry pan on the stove over a medium heat.
2.) Add the Calzone to the fry pan.
3.) Cook for 2 minutes and then flip and cook for a further 2 minutes.
4.) Add a few drops of water to the fry pan away from the Calzone and cover with the lid. The steam will ensure the moisture is retained and doesn’t become dried out. Cook like this for 2 minutes.
5.) Remove the lid and using a fork, check to make sure the filling is heated throughout. If it’s not, add some more water and cover with the lid again to allow it to steam some more.
For a Calzone that’s ready to eat in minutes the fry pan is a great option however it does require a bit more attention to avoid over cooking.
Reheat a Calzone in an Air Fryer
Using an Air fryer can be a great method to reheat a Calzone, its both easy and quick and will give you that ideal crispy crust. Air fryers work by rapidly circulating hot air around the food, this ensures that the inside of your Calzone will be completely heated throughout whilst also crisping up the outer layer. You can use an Air fryer to reheat a Calzone from frozen however this will take a little bit longer.
1.) Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 205 degrees Celsius.
2.) Lightly brush some oil over the Calzone, this will assist in crisping up the outside.
3.) Place the Calzone into the Air fryer basket and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes. If cooking from frozen you’ll want to cook the Calzone for about 15 minutes. Be sure to check the center using a fork to ensure its heated throughout.
If you have an Air fryer on hand then this method is great for a golden brown crispy Calzone that’ll be ready in minutes.
Reheat a Calzone in the Microwave (last resort)
Reheating a Calzone in the Microwave should be done as a last resort! Microwaves are awesome for reheating food in seconds but sometimes that convenience comes at a cost. All though it will heat throughout, reheating a Calzone in the Microwave will result in a soft and soggy crust which nobody wants. For a crispy crust then it is best to use one of the methods mentioned above.
In saying that, a hot soggy Calzone is better than a cold Calzone so if the microwave is all you have on hand then go for it. If you are going to go for the Microwave option then there is a little tip that’s commonly used for reheating pizza that also works with Calzones.
When you throw the Calzone in the Microwave, simply place a cup with 2/3rds water in with it as well. The water will absorb some of the microwaves in the air which will heat the Calzone slower and prevent the crust from getting as soggy.
1.) Place the calzone on a microwave safe plate and put into the Microwave along with a glass 2/3rds full of water.
2.) Set the timer to a minute and a half on the high setting and cook.
3.) Remove the Calzone from the Microwave and allow to rest for a few minutes before consuming, the filling will be very hot!
To conclude
There are a few great ways to reheat a Calzone and replicate its former fresh store bought taste. For a crispy Calzone that’s heated evenly throughout then the best method would be using an Oven. Other worthy techniques for reheating a Calzone include using a fry pan or an Air fryer. A Microwave can also be used, however this should be considered a last resort option.
For more great toasted sandwich content check out our other blog posts!
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