If you like calzone, I’m sure you’ll enjoy stromboli, which many people consider a derivative of pizza more unique, fluffier and delicious than the calzone. Stromboli doubles as a burrito, and it’s rolled up pizza dough goodness and an irresistible filling.
When you’ve made too many rolls, you may be looking for the best method to enjoy leftover stromboli without re-cooking.
What is the best way to reheat stromboli? The best way is to take the stromboli out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before reheating, and then pop it in the microwave, slow cooker, air fryer, oven, or toaster oven.
The best ways to reheat stromboli
While there are certainly many ways to make and shape your stromboli, the usual thing is to start with a long rectangle, which is then rolled into a so-called pizza cigar. Also, unlike calzone, which is served whole, stromboli is usually cut into thin pieces.
Regardless of the shape and construction of the stromboli, it would be a shame not to refrigerate it if you’ve made an extra roll. Since it’s served in chunks, you can simply cut off the amount you need and refrigerate or freeze the rest.
Freezing stromboli is also a very handy meal prep idea, especially if you often have guests over, or just don’t feel like making fresh dough and making it from scratch every time you want to eat stromboli.
If you make the stromboli the night before and plan to prepare it the next day, wrap the assembled stromboli tightly in plastic wrap and store overnight. The next day, you should keep it at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking it.
In case you want to refrigerate the baked stromboli, just place it in an airtight container, or simply store it in a larger dish and cover it with plastic wrap. A piece of stromboli that hasn’t been cut will retain its flavors and moisture for much longer.
When it comes to freezing baked stromboli, the same applies: it’s much easier and tastier to reheat stromboli whole, rather than slice it thin. While this is possible, you may end up with dry stromboli and evaporated filling, which is the last thing you want!
Whichever reheating method you use, and whether you reheat the whole stromboli or pre-cut pieces, it is recommended to drizzle a little oil on top to lock in moisture for that crispy, glazed outer layer.
Regardless of the filling you choose for your rolls, if you reheat it properly your stromboli will taste as if you made the dough that same day. Here are some stromboli reheating methods you can choose from.
How to reheat stromboli in the microwave
When it comes to reheating your dishes, you’re probably used to using the microwave by now. It is undoubtedly one of the fastest and most comfortable reheating methods, especially if you want to keep the dish moist.
If you use the microwave to reheat the stromboli, you don’t have to worry about the inside staying cold/frozen, while the outside burns, as it simultaneously heats the entire stromboli, creating an even and constant temperature.
However, one thing to keep in mind when using the microwave to reheat leftover stromboli is that the crust may be slightly softer than it would be in the oven or deep fryer. Keep this in mind if you prefer a crispier outer layer.
Here are the steps to reheat stromboli in the microwave:
- To reheat refrigerated stromboli, take it out of the fridge and let it rest for about 30 minutes (or until it reaches room temperature). This will shorten the reheating process and give you a more consistent result.
- Prepare a microwave-safe plate and place the stromboli on it. Place the plate with the stromboli in the microwave. Add a small container of water next to the plate if you’re looking for a smoother texture.
- Set the microwave power to 50% and heat the stromboli for about a minute. If the piece is bigger, or you want more crust, you can leave it for 3-5 minutes.
- Take out the stromboli and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into thin slices.
How to reheat stromboli in a slow cooker
If you like your stromboli crunchy, reheating the stromboli in a slow cooker is not the best method for you. A slow cooker is used to cook food for a long period of time, leaving it moist and tender.
However, the slow cooker can be used to reheat doughs like stromboli, especially if you want the dough to be soft and the filling creamy and runny. The only thing to keep in mind is that you should not use the slow cook settings and overcook the dough.
Here are the steps to reheat stromboli in a crockpot:
- Prepare your slow cooker by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent the stromboli from sticking. Place the stromboli in the bottom, and also on the sides if it is larger.
- Brush the top of the stromboli with a little oil, especially if you want to reheat a frozen stromboli, to get a nice, golden crust. Add a little more cheese on top if you want it to melt onto the crust.
- Simmer for about 20-30 minutes if frozen, and about 10-15 minutes if refrigerated. Of course, if you’re looking for a crispier crust, you can always leave it a bit longer!
How to reheat stromboli in an air fryer
If you own an air fryer, we’re sure you’re obsessed with it. It is, without a doubt, one of the most versatile kitchen appliances, and not only when it comes to reheating food. An air fryer is basically a mini-oven with circulating hot air, and it doesn’t dry out your food.
As it works on the principle of hot air circulation, the air fryer preserves the moisture and juiciness of your food, without drying it out or overcooking it. However, you can get a nice golden crust on your dough when you make it on one of them.
Also, one of the great things about the air fryer is that it is one of the healthiest methods of food preparation. Basically, you don’t need to add any oil, but just a drizzle of oil of your choice will bring out the flavors.
Reheating stromboli, as well as any other type of dough, in an air fryer is definitely one of our favorite reheating methods. A stromboli reheated in an air fryer will taste like it’s freshly made and fresh out of the oven.
Here are the steps to reheat a stromboli in an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer for about 5-6 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the stromboli in the preheated air fryer, brush a little oil on top if you want more crust, and cook for 6-8 minutes, depending on how crispy you want the outer layer to be. For the frozen stromboli, keep it in the air fryer for at least 20-30 minutes, or until golden.
- Allow the stromboli to cool slightly before serving (otherwise the crust may fall apart and the filling may melt out of the dough).
How to reheat stromboli in the oven
Since we usually cook pizza, calzone and stromboli in an oven, the first option that comes to mind may be precisely the oven. By using an oven to reheat the dough, you can be sure it will heat up well, and you won’t be left with frozen/undercooked parts.
When you use an oven to reheat your stromboli, you want to make sure to preheat it. This will not only shorten the reheat time, but will also allow a thin, golden crust to develop. Also, we recommend using the convection setting for this method.
A small problem that you can have when reheating any type of dough in the oven is that it can come out a little dry. To avoid this, be sure to add a little oil of your choice or even melted butter on top of the stromboli to lock in moisture.
Here are the steps to reheat stromboli in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, using the convection setting.
- Prepare the pan by lining it with a cookie sheet or spraying the bottom with a little cooking spray to prevent the stromboli from sticking to it.
- Place the tray with the stromboli in the center of the oven and let it cook for about 20 minutes, depending on your oven.
- For an electric oven, you should place a pizza stone on the bottom rack before preheating the oven. This will allow all parts of the stromboli to cook properly.
How to reheat stromboli in the toaster oven
If you own a toaster oven, you probably already know that it’s one of the best methods for reheating all kinds of foods, including doughs like stromboli. A toaster oven provides even, gentle, and thorough reheating without overcooking.
Of course, if you want to prevent your food from drying out in this type of oven, you can always cover it with some aluminum foil. On the other hand, skip this step if you’re interested in a nice, golden crust.
Here are the steps to reheat stromboli in a toaster oven:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare a skillet/cooking tray by lining it with parchment paper, or just spray the bottom with a little cooking spray.
- Place the stromboli in the pan and cover with aluminum foil if you want to prevent it from drying out.
- If you prefer a golden crust, simply brush it with a little oil or butter and pop it in the oven.
- Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Can stromboli be reheated?
Yes, stromboli can be reheated and it even tastes just as good as freshly made. The secret is to choose the right method, and then follow each and every one of the steps that we have listed for each of the options.
Whether you’re reheating refrigerated or frozen stromboli, the steps are pretty much the same, except for the cooking time. A frozen stromboli will naturally take longer to fully cook and develop that characteristic golden crust.
If you don’t mind the crust and are more concerned about the stromboli being moist and mushy on the inside, your best options are the microwave, slow cooker, or simply adding a piece of aluminum foil on top for any of the above methods.
On the other hand, reheating stromboli in an air fryer, oven, or toaster oven will give you that nice crunch without drying out the insides.