Pizza is everyone’s favorite. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a comfort food, and everything in between. A great way to save money is by purchasing an extra pizza when it’s on sale and freezing.
But we’ve got questions on how to store leftover pizza. Should it go in the freezer or the fridge? How long does it last? How to reheat.
Here’s the ultimate guide on how to store leftover pizza.
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Where Should I Store My Leftover Pizza in Freezer or Fridge?
The best place to store leftovers is in the refrigerator or the freezer; it depends on when you plan to eat them again. If enjoying the leftovers is in your short-term plans, place them in the fridge. The freezer is best if you can’t eat it in the next 3-4 days.
If you’ve decided on placing leftovers in the refrigerator, location matters. Some restaurant professionals suggest the top shelf for storage as it has the most consistent temperature.
Freezer bags are great for longer-term storage. Wrap the slices in wax paper to ensure they don’t stick together.
How To Store Leftover Pizza In Fridge
The best way to store leftover pizza in the fridge is by placing it in large Ziploc bags or air-tight containers. You do not want to store them in the box.
Place waxed paper in between slices, so they don’t stick.
Inside the fridge, place leftovers on the top shelf. This location has the most consistent temperature making it perfect for cooked food. Pizza should last 3-4 days if properly stored.
Can You Store Leftover Pizza In The Box?
Don’t store pizza in the box. Boxes are not airtight, which causes the food to degrade faster. The circulating air will quickly dehydrate the pizza. No one wants dried pizza.
Placing the pizza in large storage bags with wax paper between the sheets is best. The paper prevents them from sticking together.
The pizza lasts 3-4 days if properly stored in an air-tight container.
Can I Keep Pizza In the Fridge Overnight?
Yes, pizza can be kept in the fridge overnight. Take it out of the box and place it in storage bags or air-tight containers. Place wax paper sheets in between slices to prevent them from sticking together.
Pizza should last 3-4 days in the refrigerator if properly stored. If you can’t eat it in that timeframe, it’s best to freeze it using the same method.
Leftover Pizza Storage Containers
There are several options if you buy pizza often and are looking for storage solutions beyond plastic bags.
Amazon has a popular product, the Pizza Pack. This silicone container stores up to six slices and provides separators, so they don’t stick together. If you are tight on storage space, the Pizza Pack collapses.
The only gripe we have with this product is the size. We love New York pizza, and it’s simply not large enough to hold a slice. They recommend cutting the pieces to fit, but as someone who has had many half-slices at kids’ birthday parties, it is not the same in a smaller form.
If you are saving smaller pizzas, it’s a great option worth checking out on Amazon.
How Long Can Leftover Pizza Be Kept In The Fridge
According to the USDA, leftover pizza is good for 3-4 days if properly handled and stored.
Do not leave food on the counter for longer than two hours; this goes down to one hour if the temperature is 90 degrees or higher.
Store pizza in a shallow container or freezer bag and place it in the refrigerator. When reheating, it’s best to ensure the food’s temperature reaches 165 degrees. This is the temperature that kills pathogens like Salmonella.
What Is The Best Way To Reheat Pizza
The best way to reheat pizza is in a frying pan. Cover with a tight-fitting lid to steam, then remove to crisp the crust for the last few minutes.
You can throw the slices frozen; there’s no need to thaw them. The whole process should take less than 10 minutes.
If you are in a rush, you can microwave the pizza, but you won’t get a crispy crust.
How To Store Leftover Pizza FAQ
Let’s answer your questions about the best way to store leftover pizza.
Can You Put Pizza In A Ziploc Bag?
Yes! Ziploc bags are a great way to store leftover pizza. The slices can stick together, so separate them with wax paper or non-stick foil sheets.
This is also a great way to store pizza for the longer term. Pizza in Ziploc bags should last 1-2 months in the freezer.
Is 2-Day-Old Pizza Ok To Eat
You can eat two-day-old pizza. The USDA guidelines state that pizza lasts 3-4 days if properly stored.
Do not leave the leftovers on the counter for more than two hours. Do not store leftover pizza in the box. Place slices in Ziploc bags with wax paper or non-stick foil between the slices to avoid them sticking together.
It’s important to lead with your senses, if something doesn’t look or smell right, it’s best to toss it.
Can You Leave Pizza On The Counter Overnight
No. Do not leave the pizza on the counter overnight. You do not want to leave leftovers out for more than 2 hours.
“Leaving food out too long at room temperature can cause bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Campylobacter) to grow to dangerous levels that can cause illness,” according to the USDA.
How To Store Leftover Pizza — Is It Ok to Reheat Pizza the Next Day
Yes! As long as it’s been properly stored, it’s safe to reheat the next day. The leftovers are good for 3-4 days.
It’s important to handle food properly. Do not leave leftovers out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. When reheating, make sure it reaches 165 degrees.
What Do You Think?
Do you know how to store leftover pizza? What are your favorite tips and tricks? Let me know in the comments below; I’d love to hear.
Read More:
How To Use Up Freezer Food
How To Store Grapes
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