KnowBeast

The Truth About Leftover Pizza

Storing pizza the right way is more important than most people think. Nobody wants to eat a stale, dried-out slice of pizza that used to be delicious. Leave it sitting out too long, and bacteria start growing fast or throw it out you’re basically wasting money. 

So, how long is pizza good for inside and outside the fridge? Whether in the fridge for a couple of days or freezing it for later, knowing how to store pizza properly can save you from a ruined meal, wasted cash, and a stomachache!

How long can pizza sit out?

There is an unofficial ‘Two-Hour Rule’ that everyone allegedly knows, which says that pizza is safe to eat at room temperature for no more than two hours, or just one hour if it’s really hot outside (above 90°F or 32°C). After that, bacteria like Salmonella or Staphylococcus aureus can grow on it quickly, which can cause food poisoning. If the pizza is out for 2 to 4 hours, you should use it right away, but don’t put it back in the fridge. After 4 hours, it’s best to throw it away or you’d be risking getting sick. Meats and cheese on the pizza are especially at risk because they have moisture and nutrients where bacteria thrive. 

This rule is mainly intended to limit the time food is in the “danger zone” where bacteria grow the fastest.

If you’re going to store leftover pizza, let it cool to room temperature within that two-hour limit, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic, or put it in an airtight container. Then, store it in the fridge as soon as you can, at or below 40°F (4°C)  to slow down bacterial growth. 

Meat pizzas go bad faster than veggie pizzas, so try to refrigerate them more quickly to keep your pizza safe to eat for a longer time.

How to store pizza in the fridge the best way

To store pizza in the fridge and keep it fresh for 3 to 4 days, follow these simple steps. 

Pizza gets stale mainly because of two things: bacteria growing and starch turning into a hard texture (retrogradation). To slow bacteria, keep the fridge temperature between 1.6 to 3.3°C (35 to 38°F). 

1. Cool pizza to room temperature (no more than 2 hours).
2. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep air away. 
3. Use an airtight container with parchment paper between slices if storing multiple.
4. Store in the fridge at a temperature between 1.6–3.3°C (35–38°F). Place on middle or upper shelves of the refrigerator, away from raw foods.
5. Eat within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Meat pizzas should be eaten within 2 to 3 days, while other types of pizza can last 3 to 4 days. If the pizza has mold, smells sour, or feels slimy, throw it out. If you want to store it for longer, freeze it. 

Should you freeze pizza for long-term?

Freezing pizza is a simple way to keep it fresh for a long time. 

Always label the pizza with the freezing date to keep track of freshness. By following these steps, you can enjoy frozen pizza that still tastes great.

• Homemade pizza lasts up to 2-3 months in the freezer, but it’s best to eat it within 1-2 months for the best taste. 
• Store-bought cold pizzas can last 12-18 months if kept at 0°F (-18°C). 

If you want to freeze pizza properly for long-term storage, first let it cool completely to room temperature to prevent sogginess from condensation. To avoid freezer burn, which dries out pizza and causes icy patches, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. 

Be sure to label each item with the type of pizza and the date it was refrigerated, using freezer-safe labels to avoid smudging. Make sure to use the oldest pizzas first, following the “first in, first out” method, and try to eat them within 1 to 2 months for the best quality.

Is there a correct way to reheat pizza (without ruining it!)

Keep your pizza crispy and delicious, not soggy or dry

The best way to reheat pizza depends on how much time you have and how crispy you want it.

• The oven method is the best for crispiness: Just preheat to 375°F (190°C), heat a baking tray, and bake the pizza for about 8-10 minutes. 
• The skillet method revives the pizza with a fresh, pan-fried taste: Heat slices in a pan for a few minutes, then add a little water and cover it to melt the cheese. 
• The air fryer method is fast and effective to make the pizza crispy: Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the slices in a single layer, and heat for 3 to 4 minutes. 
• The microwave method is the fastest but can make the crust chewy: to avoid that, place a cup of water in the microwave. 

How to tell that your leftover pizza has gone bad

What are the signs that your leftover pizza is no longer good?

If your leftover pizza has mold, weird colors, or smells bad, it’s probably gone bad. 

Mold can look white, green, black, or even pink and may show up on the crust, cheese, or toppings. If the cheese or toppings look gray or yellowish, that’s another warning sign you shouldn’t miss. 

The texture can also indicate your pizza is bad—if the crust is too soggy or rock-hard, or if the cheese looks cracked, it’s probably spoiled. A sour or rotten smell means bacteria are growing, and if the toppings or cheese feel slimy or sticky, that’s another bad sign. 

Meat and dairy toppings, like pepperoni and cheese, spoil the fastest because they hold a lot of moisture, which helps bacteria like Listeria and Salmonella grow. 

Knowing these signs helps you avoid eating spoiled pizza, which can make you sick with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. To stay safe, always store your pizza properly and double-check it before eating.

Pizza storage hacks to make pizza last longer 

• Separate the slices: Put parchment paper, wax paper, or foil between slices to avoid them from sticking together and getting soggy.
• Refrigerate fast: Put your pizza in the refrigerator within 2 hours of baking. Wrap each slice in foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
• Freeze for longer lifespan: For storing pizza for a longer time, put them in a ziplock bag or airtight container. Use the best airtight containers: They can keep pizza fresh and prevent it from drying out or absorbing weird odors. Popular brands include Tupperware, Rubbermaid, and Pyrex. 
• Label the date on the container or bag so you know when it was frozen. Refrigerated pizza can last up to 2 months.
• If you plan to eat your pizza within a day or two, it’s okay to leave it in the original pizza box (or place the pizza in a clean box). 
• If you have pizza with fresh toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, or other ingredients that spoil easily, it’s best to remove those toppings before storing the pizza to keep it fresher longer.

Enjoy your leftovers the right way

Now that you know how to keep your pizza fresh, safe, and absolutely delicious, there’s no excuse for sad, stale slices! So go ahead, save that last slice, reheat it the right way, and enjoy pizza night all over again. 

Because let’s be honest, the only thing better than fresh pizza… is leftover pizza done right! 🍕🔥

Quick FAQs 

How long does pizza last in the fridge?

Pizza can safely stay in the fridge for up to four days when stored properly.

Can you eat pizza left out overnight​?

It’s not recommended to eat pizza left out overnight, as it can become a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if it has been at room temperature for more than two hours. Eating it could lead to foodborne illness.

Can I store pizza at room temperature?

Yes, for short-term storage (hours to a day), pizza can be stored at room temperature (68-77°F or 20-25°C)

How do I freeze pizza?

Cool the pizza, portion it out, wrap each portion tightly, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

How long is pizza dough good for in the fridge?

Pizza dough lasts 3 to 5 days in the fridge, depending on yeast amount. Dough with less yeast lasts longer. It is best used within 48 hours for freshness.

How long is pizza sauce good for in the fridge?

Pizza sauce is good for about 5 to 7 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. If stored in a non-airtight container, pizza sauce may only last 3 to 5 days in the fridge due to increased exposure to air, which can lead to quicker spoilage.

How long is uncooked pizza good for in the fridge?

Uncooked pizza is good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.