There’s nothing like the taste of a piping hot pizza fresh from the oven. It makes a tantalizing choice for lunch or dinner. Even better, there’s usually some pie leftover at the end of the meal—which means you can enjoy it again the next day. But what is it that’s so tempting about a cold, leftover slice? It turns out there’s a science to this culinary phenomenon. Here’s what you should know.

Why Cold, Leftover Pizza is Delicious

1. Fresh Taste

You can’t always expect that the meal you ate for dinner last night will taste as good when you enjoy it the next day. Pizza is distinctive in that it tastes rich and flavorful when it’s piping hot—and just as savory when it’s cold. That’s because of its unique composition of spices, herbs, cheeses, and dough. When hot, these ingredients stand out on their own and lend the beloved pie its characteristic flavor. As it cools down, the components continue to react with one another to yield an even more complete, well-rounded taste.

2. Enriched Flavor

Umami is something of a buzzword in the culinary world, and it’s often used to explain the appeal of leftover pizza. The word, derived from the Japanese “umai” (delicious) and “mi” (taste), refers to the taste of the food’s savory qualities. Scientifically, it’s associated with glutamate, an amino acid found in tomatoes and cheeses. Umami brings dishes to life by generating richer, more potent flavors. Toppings like anchovies, ham, and extra cheese elevate a gourmet pizza’s umami factor considerably because of their glutamate content. When you eat cold leftovers made with umami-rich ingredients, those compounds are enhanced more the next day, creating a robust and fuller flavor profile.

3. Tantalizing Aroma

It also helps that pizza is so fragrant. Flavor and aroma go hand in hand, and an Oxford University study found that while tastes on their own may be bland, but when paired with a scent, it increases considerably. Brain activity in volunteers showed that the pleasure-inducing neurons fired up more frequently when they consumed something that was both flavorful and aromatic, rather than food that merely tasted good without any scent.

Since 1991, locals throughout Covington, KY, have made Riverfront Pizza & Sports Bar their go-to spot for mouth-watering pizza. They offer a variety of classic and specialty pies topped with all of your favorites—and they even have other delicious options, including hoagies, wings, and burgers. Visit the restaurant online to browse their menu, or call (859) 261-4800 to place an order. You can also place your order online and save 10%—or download the free “Riverfront Pizza” app from Chow Now for quick and easy ordering at your fingertips!