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How Long Is Pizza Good for in the Fridge?

How Long Is Pizza Good for in the Fridge?

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Americans eat about 3 billion pizzas each year. That’s a lot of pizza and probably a lot of leftovers. But how long is it safe to store pizza sitting around before it spoils? In this blog, we’ll dive into how long pizza actually stays good in the fridge, the best ways to store it, and a few tips to make sure your leftovers remain super delicious.

 

How Long Does Pizza Last in the Fridge?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recommend that perishable foods, like pizza, should not be kept in the refrigerator for longer than 3 to 4 days. After that, harmful bacteria can begin to grow on the surface. In the freezer, the pizza can stay good for up to 1 to 2 months.

 

How to Properly Store Pizza in the Fridge

Step 1: Before storing pizza in the fridge, let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes until it’s at room temperature. Sticking hot or warm food directly into the fridge can raise the fridge’s temperature, which can impact the freshness of other foods around it.

Step 2: Take an airtight container and make sure your slices fit inside. If they don’t, you can cut them in half to make them fit better. Keep the containers aside.

Step 3: Now, you’ll need to start wrapping the slices. Pizza doesn’t do well when exposed to air – that’s how it gets dried out and starts tasting like cardboard. You can either wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you’ve got multiple slices, stack them up with a layer of foil or plastic wrap between each slice and wrap all the slices together to keep them intact.

Step 4: Take the airtight container and place a paper towel at the bottom.

Step 5: Place your leftover slices in the container.

Step 6: Place your pizza on the middle shelf of the fridge. Avoid the fridge door since it tends to be warmer.

 

Signs That Your Pizza Has Gone Bad

Even if pizza has been stored for only a few days, it could spoil. Look for the following:

  • The pizza has a sour or rancid smell.
  • There are visible mold spots (green, white, or fuzzy spots) on the crust, cheese, or meat or vegetable toppings.
  • The cheese melt or meat toppings look dull, faded, or have unusual colors.
  • The crust is slimy or the cheese feels off.
  • The crust feels rock-hard, it’s probably past its prime.

 

How to Store Pizza in the Freezer

Step 1: Let your pizza cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap.

Step 3: Once wrapped in plastic, cover it with a second layer of aluminum foil.

Step 4: Place the wrapped slices into a large freezer-safe zip-top bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing it. If you prefer containers, you can use freezer-safe containers. Place the wrapped slices inside, stacking them up if needed.

Step 5: Place the bag or container in the middle or toward the back of the freezer.

 

How to Reheat Pizza

Reheating pizza might sound simple, but if you want that crispy crust and melty cheese – a few tricks can help. Here’s how to reheat your pizza:

 

Method 1: Conventional Oven or Toaster Oven

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly sprinkle a few drops of water around the edges of the refrigerated pizza.
  • Place the pizza on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet inside the oven.
  • Heat the pizza for 8-10 minutes. The cheese should be melted, and the crust should be heated through.

 

Method 2: Skillet (for the Best Crispy Crust)

  • Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan on medium heat for about a minute.
  • Place the pizza leftovers in the skillet. You don’t need to add any oil.
  • Cover the skillet with a lid.
  • Let it heat up on medium for about 5-6 minutes. If the crust isn’t quite as crisp as you like, you can leave it for another minute or so.

 

Method 3: Microwave

  • Place the pizza slice on a microwave-safe plate.
  • Place a small microwave-safe cup of water in the microwave next to the pizza. This helps create steam, which keeps the crust from drying out.
  • Heat for 30-60 seconds. Depending on your microwave’s power, this might differ.

Note: The microwave is the quickest method, but it can leave you with a rubbery crust if you’re not careful.

 

Summary

Leftover pizza can be just as tasty as the first slice – as long as you store and reheat it the right way! Keep your pizza fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or pop it in the freezer for longer storage. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, use the above tips to get that crispy crust and melty cheese back.

Love making pizza at home? Check out the MisterChef Pizza Maker! It’s quick, easy, and gives you that perfect, crispy crust every time. Shop with us today.

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