How long does pizza last in the fridge?

We all love pizza, and it is one of my favorite foods, but have you ever wondered how long leftover pizzas can be stored in the fridge for safe eating?

Pizza can be delicious if it’s still fresh, and I have tried both homemade and takeout pizzas. I have noticed that not all pizza leftovers last the same amount of time. Normally, pizzas can last for a few days in the fridge, but the truth is that it depends on the type of pizza, including the toppings, crust, and storage method.

I found that even small details, such as using an airtight container or wrapping slices properly, can also make a significant difference in keeping them fresh.

In this guide, I will share my experience on how to store and reheat pizzas, how long they stay fresh, and the safest way to eat leftover slices. These are simple tricks and tips to ensure your leftovers are safe and tasty every time you eat.

Shelf Life of Pizza in the Refrigerator

When we make pizzas for a party or even a small gathering, there are always some leftover pizzas, and we just can’t throw them out in the trash, right? So keeping them in a fridge is a great way to enjoy them later without wasting them. I have learned that storing pizzas properly can make a significant difference in both taste and safety. Here are some of the rules I usually follow.

General Food Safety Rule (3–4 Days)

Pizza leftovers can typically last 3 to 4 days in the fridge if stored properly. From my experience, this method not only keeps it safe to eat but also tastes almost as fresh as it is. But I always make sure to keep it wrapped up my pizza tightly in plastic wrap.

Normally, after 4 days, I start to worry about the growth of bacteria, especially if the pizza has toppings like cheese, meat, and sauce. 

Just make sure to check a few things before you eat, such as the color of the cheese and pizza toppings, whether it looks soggy, has a few moldy spots, or has an unusual smell. When I see even one of these symptoms, I just throw it away, as I don’t want to take any chances.
By following these simple rules, it has worked just fine for me. 

Why do toppings, cheese, and sauces make a difference?

As I mentioned earlier, leftover pizzas can last for 3 to 4 days, but there is a catch. You see, not all pizzas can last the same amount of time in the fridge, as it depends on the toppings used to make the pizza.

Let me give you an example. When I store pizzas in the fridge with meat toppings, such as chicken, pepperoni, or sausage, I notice that they don’t stay fresh for much longer. So I eat them much sooner, within 1 to 2 days in the fridge, not more than that, as the meat toppings start to lose their quality and smell bad faster.

But in the case of vegetable pizzas, they usually last for a longer period. You see, veggies are more stable in the fridge, but of course, if they are fresh to start with, they will be even better when cooked.

When I cook pizzas with cheese and sauces, I have noticed how long they can stay fresh. For example, when I put a lot of tomato sauce or creamy sauces, it gets a bit soggy just after two days in the fridge. Too much cheese tends to trap extra moisture, allowing bacteria to grow faster, which can cause the pizza to spoil prematurely.

That’s why whenever I store the leftover pizzas in the fridge, I always keep in mind what kind of pizza it is. If I cook a simple Margherita pizza with just cheese and tomato, it doesn’t cause me too much worry. But in the case of Pepperoni or BBQ Chicken pizzas, I try to finish them within a day or two.

How Long Can Pizza Stay Out at Room Temperature?

When I eat pizza, I sometimes get distracted and forget to eat the few slices left on the table. I used to think that leaving the leftover slices for a few hours wouldn’t be a big deal, but later I realised it is not totally safe.

A well-cooked pizza can spoil faster than we expect, especially if the toppings contain meat. In this section, I will share with you what I have learned about the optimal storage time for pizza and how to prevent foodborne illness.

Can you eat pizza that has been left out overnight?

No, you shouldn’t. I have learned that once you leave a pizza alone for more than 2 hours, bacteria start to grow quickly, and by the next morning, you are smart enough to do the calculation. 

I tend to be extra careful when the toppings are especially made with meat, cheese, or creamy sauces, as they spoil more quickly than vegetables. It doesn’t mean that you will definitely get sick, but it is better not to take any chances.

Why is overnight pizza risky?

I never eat pizza that has been left out overnight. You see, bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria tend to grow very quickly at normal room temperature, and if it is hot and humid, then the bacteria grow even faster than you expect.

Even if a slice of pizza smell fine, the harmful bacteria might still be present, so I would say the safest approach is to discard them if the pizza is left out overnight to avoid food poisoning.

Safe time limits for pizza at room temperature

The safe time limit is not to leave the pizza out for more than 2 hours. Like I said earlier, it is not worth the risk. So, I try to eat the leftover slices before the 2-hour mark. If I don’t feel like eating, I store them straight in the fridge. This way, the refrigerated pizzas stay fresh, and I worry less.

How long is leftover pizza safe to eat?

I always try to be extra cautious with the leftover pizzas. Even though I stored my pizzas properly in the fridge, by sealing them in an airtight container, they still will not remain fresh forever, right?

I have shared my thoughts on how long you can keep your pizzas in the fridge and when to discard them.

2-day-old vs. 3-day-old vs. 5-day-old pizza

Although it is considered safe to eat leftover pizza within 2 to 3 days, there are still some exceptions. After the second day, the pizzas are still generally considered fresh, and they will taste almost the same as on the very first day.

By day 3, it will still be safe, but you will notice some changes. The pizza crust will be a bit hard to chew, and the toppings might start to lose their flavor and texture. 

But I never go beyond the fifth day, as the bacteria will start to grow even if you have stored them properly in the fridge. Even if the pizza looks fine, it’s better to trash it.

Signs your pizza is no longer safe

You will notice some unusual signs of spoilage, so I always check my pizza before eating it. For instance, if I see any mold spots, I instantly know that the pizza has gone bad. Even a sour-like smell or unusual dryness is good enough to indicate that the bacteria have started to grow on it.

Always remember that even if the pizza is just a day or two old in the fridge and still there are these kinds of unusual signs, it is not worth the risk of eating it.

Risks of foodborne illness

A spoiled pizza can get you sick. I mean, really sick. A few years ago, a cousin of mine ate a leftover pizza that had been left in the fridge for a long time and ended up with diarrhea.

Therefore, it is better to be cautious and always follow the fridge storage rules, as this can lead to severe, harmful symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting.

How Long Does Takeout Pizza Stay Fresh in the Fridge?

I have noticed that not all pizzas are the same, especially when compared to homemade ones. Over the years, I have tried several takeout pizzas from Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Little Caesars, Papa John’s, and others, but I have realized that they are not all the same.

For instance, some of them have a thinner and crispier crust, while others are soft and chewy. You must have observed that each of them has a different amount of cheese, sauce, and toppings, and these factors affect how long they will stay fresh in the fridge.

From my experience, leftover pizzas usually last in the refrigerator for about 4 days, but if you store them properly. According to USDA guidelines, it is quite safe to eat your refrigerated leftovers within this time period.

Let me give you some more tips on how to store your pizza and eat them safely, just as I do.

How to store your leftover pizzas in the fridge?

Storing my leftover pizzas in the fridge is quite simple, but I also make sure to do it correctly, as a small mistake can ruin my pizza and my hard work.

• Always use airtight containers or wrap the slices tightly in foil to prevent them from drying out.

• As soon as you are done eating, don’t leave it out for too long. Just put the leftovers in the fridge to keep them safe from bacterial growth and maintain their freshness.

• Don’t keep leftover pizzas in the delivery box; store them in the fridge instead. I have found that the cardboard pizza box traps the moisture and absorbs the smell, which can make your pizza taste less appealing.

How to reheat leftover pizzas the right way?

When I take my leftover pizza slices out of the fridge, it is important to reheat them properly so that they taste almost the same as when they were first baked. Leftover pizza slices can become soggy and lose their flavor if not heated properly.

However, if you reheat your pizza properly, the crust will stay crispy, the cheese will melt nicely, and the toppings can still taste fresh again. Over time, I have tried different methods for reheating my pizzas, including an outdoor pizza oven, skillet, microwave, and even an air fryer. 

• Preheat your oven to approximately 375°F (190°C) and then place your slice of pizza on the baking sheet. Heat it for about 10 minutes, and the crust will be crispy and the cheese will melt properly.

• If you are using a skillet, heat the pan on medium flame. Then take the pizza slice and place it in the pan. Cover it with the lid and warm it for 6-8 minutes.

• But if you have a microwave, it is the easiest way to reheat the takeout pizzas. Place the pizza slice on a microwave-safe plate, then put a small cup of water next to it in the microwave. And heat it for 40 – 60 seconds, and it is done.

• For an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and then place the leftover pizza slices in the basket. Let it heat for 3 to 5 minutes. This will help the crust remain crispy and melt the cheese nicely. Just make sure not to overheat it.

Pizza Types and Storage Differences 

When I first started storing my leftover pizzas in the fridge, I thought all pizzas needed the same amount of time to stay fresh. But later I realised that it was not true. Some of them held up really well, while others got wasted.

Over the years, I have been trying to figure out how to store pizzas carefully, and I have noticed that the type of pizza does matter when storing them in the fridge. A restaurant pizza and a home-cooked pizza are quite different from each other, and I think it is essential to understand these differences when storing them properly.

Homemade vs. Delivery Pizza

Have you ever wondered why, when you bake a pizza at home, it still doesn’t last longer in the fridge? I mean, you have used all the fresh ingredients, but still, the pizza starts losing its freshness faster.

The reason behind this is mostly due to the ingredients. Even though we use fresh ingredients like cheese, sauce, and toppings, we do not use preservatives, unlike many delivery pizzas. The crust also tends to dry out very quickly, so I try to finish my leftover pizza slices within 2 to 3 days.

Delivery pizzas, on the other hand, last a little longer because many restaurant cooks use cheese blends, oils, and sometimes preservatives, which help the pizzas to stay fresh for much longer. 

The crust of the restaurant pizzas is also thicker and greasier, which helps to keep them soft in the fridge. Generally, I have seen that delivery pizzas can stay fresh up to 4 or 5 days with proper storage.

However, I still prefer my homemade pizzas since they are fresher and healthier. Although delivery pizzas may not stay as fresh, they usually hold up longer.

Cheese Pizza vs. Meat Pizza

Usually, cheese pizzas last longer than meat pizzas because cheese does not spoil as quickly as cooked meats. Cheese pizzas, such as a classic Margherita or a plain cheese slice, stay fresh in the fridge for a long time, as there is a lower risk of bacterial growth.
If you wrap up a cheese pizza slice properly in the fridge, it will still taste okay even after 3 to 4 days.

However, in the case of meat pizzas, they won’t last very long and will spoil quickly, even if they are freshly cooked. In meat pizzas, we use toppings like chicken, pepperoni, or sausages, right? When we store these slices in the fridge, they tend to release excess oils and moisture, which makes the slices soggy and speeds up bacterial growth.

So, whenever I make a pepperoni pizza, I try to eat it within 1 to 2 days; otherwise, it will start to smell off and lose its flavor. One more important thing to consider is that meats are more sensitive to room temperatures. As soon as I finish eating, I put my leftover meat slices in the fridge, or else the slices will start to spoil too early.

Veg Pizza

Veg pizzas mostly last longer than other pizza types because the main reason behind it is the toppings used. I usually make Margherita and mushroom pizzas, and the vegetable toppings I mostly use are bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.

Now, these toppings are more stable and don’t spoil as quickly as meat in the fridge. These vegetables have low moisture and less protein, which prevents the growth of bacteria. So I always use airtight containers or wrap the slices properly in foil and then store them in the fridge.

However, the veg pizzas must be eaten within 3 to 4 days to enjoy their best taste and flavor.

Freezing Pizza for Longer Storage

Freezing pizzas is a practical way to extend their life and also makes it safe to eat. I have baked many pizzas with my wood-fired pizza oven for family gatherings and parties, and most of the time, there are way too many leftover slices that can’t be finished within 3 to 4 days.

Freezing pizzas comes in real handy for me. Unlike storing pizza slices in a fridge, which lasts only for a maximum of 5 days, freezing a pizza lasts much longer without making me worry about spoiling it.

Shelf Life of Frozen Pizza

Cooked pizza can stay safe in the freezer for around 1 to 2 months if you want to eat it at its best quality. Freezing a pizza works fine for me, as it helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and prevents it from spoiling too quickly.

However, it doesn’t mean it will stay fresh forever. Eventually, the crust will become harder to chew, and the cheese may lose its flavor if you don’t manage to wrap it up well enough. For wrapping my pizza slices in the freezer, I take each slice one by one and wrap it tightly in a plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, for extra protection, I put the wrapped slices in a freezer bag to make it as airtight as possible.  

As for me, I have found that frozen pizza is generally best eaten within the first month, as it tastes fresher. But if you want to go beyond this time period, it will still be safe to eat, but you won’t get that same texture and flavor you expect. If you want your pizzas to taste like they did on the very first day, then try to finish them within the first two months.

Storing My Frozen Pizza in the Fridge

After storing for around 2 months in the freezer, I take each slice out and move it straight into the fridge so that it dissolves slowly. I don’t keep them at normal room temperature for even a moment, as the bacteria can grow very quickly and make the leftovers unsafe to eat.

And once I let my pizzas thaw slowly in the fridge, I usually eat them within 1 to 2 days. But if you delay this time period, the texture and the flavor can change over time, and your leftovers will no longer be safe to eat.

This is how I store my leftover pizzas in the fridge, but there is one thing you must do: check the pizza carefully when you take it out of the freezer. If the pizza smells off, looks dry, or even has freezer burn, it’s best to discard it. This kind of situation is very rare, but it is worth a check.

Final Thoughts 

From my years of experience, I always try to eat leftover pizzas from the fridge within 3 to 4 days to enjoy the taste as fresh as possible. No longer than that.

Make sure to always check before eating that there is no mold, a strange smell, or any unusual texture on the pizza. If you notice such things, throw them away immediately to avoid any illness.

One last tip I want to share is that a Microwave might seem like a great option to reheat the leftover pizzas quickly with less hassle, but I found that sometimes the crust is too chewy and soggy. And this ruins the taste of my pizzas. So I always prefer to use my pizza oven to reheat it, and the outcome is just amazing