How long does leftover pizza last in the fridge?
Leftover pizza keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 1 to 2 months in the freezer, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Updated
| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Leftover pizza | 3 to 4 days | 1 to 2 months |
Can you freeze leftover pizza?
Yes. Leftover pizza keeps 1 to 2 months in the freezer, per USDA FoodKeeper. Freezer times are for best quality: food kept at 0°F stays safe longer, but it dries out and loses flavor. Freeze the slices on a tray first, then move them to a freezer bag so they do not stick together.
How to store leftover pizza
Put it in the fridge within 2 hours, not in the box on the counter overnight. Wrap the slices, or stack them in a sealed container with paper between the layers so the crust does not go soggy.
How long can leftover pizza sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it is above 90°F, such as at a summer picnic. After that, USDA says to throw it out.
Is pizza left out overnight safe to eat?
No. USDA's limit for cooked food at room temperature is 2 hours, and a night on the counter is far past it. Throw it out.
How do you reheat pizza so the crust stays crisp?
Heat it in a covered skillet over medium heat, or in the oven on a hot tray. A microwave is faster but makes the crust soft.
How to tell if leftover pizza has gone bad
Go by the days, not by the smell. The germs that cause food poisoning usually do not change how food looks, smells or tastes, so food past its time can seem fine and still make you sick. Mold, a sour smell or a slimy feel mean it has spoiled, but food without them is not safe just because it seems fine. Never taste food to check it. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to reheat leftover pizza
Heat leftovers until the middle reaches 165°F on a food thermometer, and bring soups, sauces and gravy to a rolling boil. Cover the food while it heats so it stays moist and heats all the way through. In a microwave, stir or turn it halfway. You can reheat frozen leftovers without thawing them first. It takes longer.
Times from USDA FoodKeeper, the storage data from USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service: data version 128, last changed September 6, 2018, still the current version. Public domain. The handling rules are from USDA's Leftovers and Food Safety.