Did you know that the average American eats around 23 pounds of pizza a year? That’s a lot of pizza! But what happens when you have leftovers and don’t want to waste them? Can you put a pizza in the fridge and save it for later? And if so, how long is pizza good for in the fridge? Let’s take a look at some tips on storing and reheating pizza.
What is pizza?
Pizza is a flatbread made with wheat flour, water, and yeast. It is then topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and meats or vegetables. Pizza has been around for centuries and is thought to have originated in Italy.
Benefits of pizza:
- It’s a quick and easy meal option.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients.
- It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking.
- It’s relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to other takeout options.
- It can be a healthy option, depending on the toppings you choose.
Can Pizza Go Bad?
Pizza is a pretty durable food and can last for days, even weeks, in the fridge. However, it will eventually go bad and develop mold or other signs of spoilage. If you see any of these things, it’s best to throw the pizza out.
How Long is Pizza Good for In the Fridge?
Pizza is typically safe to eat for three to four days after it has been stored in the fridge. Of course, this depends on how well it was wrapped and how fresh it was to begin with. If you are unsure, it is always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out after three days.
How long does leftover pizza last in the freezer?
If you have pizza that you need to store for a longer period of time, the freezer is your best bet. Pizza will stay fresh in the freezer for two to three months. When you are ready to eat it, simply remove it from the freezer and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Tips for Storing Pizza
- Always allow pizza to cool completely before storing it in the fridge.
- Wrap pizza tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
- If you plan on eating the pizza within a few days, store it in the fridge. For longer storage, place it in the freezer.
- When reheating pizza, be sure to heat it until it is steaming hot all the way through. This will help to prevent foodborne illness.
- Never reheat pizza more than once.
How long does leftover pizza last after being frozen and thawed?
Pizza that has been frozen and then thawed can be safely eaten for three to four days. Be sure to reheat the pizza until it is steaming hot all the way through before eating. Never reheat pizza more than once.
How long does leftover pizza last at room temperature?
Pizza that has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours should be discarded. This is because the warm temperatures can cause bacteria to grow, which can lead to foodborne illness. If you are unsure whether or not the pizza is still safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
How to Store Pizza in the Fridge
- Allow pizza to cool completely before storing it in the fridge.
- Wrap pizza tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for three to four days.
How to Store Pizza in the Freezer
- Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and flash freeze for one hour.
- Once frozen, transfer pizza slices to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Store in the freezer for two to three months.
When you’re ready to eat, simply remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and reheat in the oven or microwave until steaming hot all the way through. Never reheat pizza more than once.
How to tell if your pizza is bad:
- The pizza dough is rising or has bubbles on the surface.
- The pizza sauce is watery or has chunks in it.
- The cheese is moldy or has changed color.
- The pizza crust is hard, dry, or crumbly.
- There is an off-putting smell coming from the pizza.
If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the pizza as it may no longer be safe to eat.
How to Reheat Leftover Pizza
In the microwave: 1. Place the pizza slice on a microwave-safe plate.2. Add a small amount of water to the plate (this will help to prevent the pizza from drying out).3. Cover the pizza with a damp paper towel or kitchen towel.4. Microwave on high for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the pizza is heated through.
In the oven: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.2. Place the pizza slice on a baking sheet and reheat for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pizza is heated through.
On the stovetop: 1. Place the pizza slice in a skillet over low heat.2. Cover the skillet with a lid and reheat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the pizza is heated through.
HOW TO THAW PIZZA PROPERLY
The best way to thaw pizza is in the fridge overnight. Simply remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and place them in the fridge. The pizza will thaw slowly and safely this way.
If you need to thaw pizza more quickly, you can do so by placing the frozen slices on a plate and microwaving them on the defrost setting for 1 to 2 minutes, or until thawed. Once thawed, be sure to reheat the pizza until it is steaming hot all the way through before eating. Never reheat pizza more than once.
Pizza that has been thawed in the fridge can be stored in the fridge for two to three days before it needs to be eaten or discarded.
Homemade Pizza Ideas
- Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Pizza
- Pepperoni Pizza
- Margherita Pizza
- BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Hawaiian Pizza
- Supreme Pizza
- Vegetarian Pizza
How to make Pizza at home?
FAQs
CAN YOU EAT LEFTOVER PIZZA AFTER 5 DAYS?
No, you shouldn’t eat leftover pizza after 5 days. Pizza is only safe to eat for 3-4 days after it has been stored in the fridge.
CAN YOU REHEAT PIZZA MORE THAN ONCE?
No, you should never reheat pizza more than once. Reheating pizza can cause foodborne illness.
HOW LONG CAN YOU STORE PIZZA IN THE FREEZER?
Pizza will stay fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months. When you are ready to eat it, simply remove it from the freezer and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
HOW LONG DOES LEFTOVER PIZZA LAST IN THE BOX?
Leftover pizza that has been stored in the box should be thrown out after 2 hours. This is because the warm temperatures can cause bacteria to grow, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Is Cold Pizza Safe To Eat?
If the pizza has been stored in the fridge and is cold to the touch, it is safe to eat. However, if the pizza has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it should be discarded as it may no longer be safe to eat.
Can You Freeze Pizza Dough?
Yes, you can freeze pizza dough. Simply place the dough in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use it, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight before using it.
How To Make Pizza Last 3 Times Longer Than Usual?
It’s simple: just put a glass of water in the microwave.
No need for fancy tools or secret ingredients. Just re-heat your pizza next to a glass of water. You will be surprised about how much longer your pizza stays warm and crispy.
The moisture from the water prevents the crust from getting stale, so you don’t have to worry about eating cardboard pizza ever again.
How Long Is Pizza Good After It’s Been On The Counter?
Pizza is only good for 2 hours after it’s been on the counter. After that, the warm temperatures can cause bacteria to grow, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Can You Eat Pizza That Has Been Left Out Overnight?
If the pizza has been left out overnight, it is no longer safe to eat. The warm temperatures can cause bacteria to grow, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Learn More About Grilling
If you want to learn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources!
