How long does leftover pizza stay good in the fridge? (2024)

by: John Clark

Posted:

Updated:

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — If you’re eyeing that week-old pizza in the fridge and wondering if it’s safe to eat it, you might want to think twice.

According to the USDA, if the pizza has been refrigerated at a temperature below 40 degrees, its only safe to eat for up to 4 days.

The USDA says that after 4 days, you run the risk of getting a food-borne illness, such as Salmonella, norovirus, or other diseases with horrifying Latin names.

That’s assuming that you followed the “2-hour rule” beforehand, which means the pizza was refrigerated and not left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.

Bacteria grows rapidly on foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, and casseroles that have been left at room temperature (between 40 and 140 degrees) for longer than 2 hours. Beyond that, the number of bacteria can double every 20 minutes in what is called the “danger zone” temperatures.

If the food has been left in temperatures above 90 degrees, it must be refrigerated in less than 1 hour, the USDA says.

Cooked pizza stored in a freezer can stay safe for between 1 and 2 months.

“When in doubt, throw it out!” is the USDA’s motto.

How long does leftover pizza stay good in the fridge? (2024)

FAQs

How long does leftover pizza stay good in the fridge? ›

According to the USDA's food safety guide, leftover pizza will last in the fridge for up to 4 days if correctly refrigerated within the 2-hour time frame. To store any leftover pizza in the fridge, they should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil on a plate or transferred to an airtight container.

Can you eat leftover pizza after 5 days? ›

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — If you're eyeing that week-old pizza in the fridge and wondering if it's safe to eat it, you might want to think twice. According to the USDA, if the pizza has been refrigerated at a temperature below 40 degrees, its only safe to eat for up to 4 days.

Is it okay to eat week old pizza? ›

Leftovers, including pizza, can be kept in the fridge for three to four days, according to the USDA. You can also freeze pizza—it'll be safe indefinitely but for the best flavor and texture, try to eat it within three months.

How long does it take for pizza to go bad in the fridge? ›

How Long Are Pizza Leftovers Good For? Meredith Carothers, a technical information specialist at the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, shares her insight on leftovers. In general, she says all cooked foods and leftovers can be kept in the fridge for no more than three or four days.

How to know if pizza is bad? ›

If anything smells rancid, musty, foul, or simply “off,” it's better not to take a chance. Texture – The texture of the pizza can change as germs multiply. Mushy or slimy cheese and toppings are a sign that the pizza has gone bad. Taste – The way your pizza tastes will also tell you a lot.

Is it safe to reheat pizza? ›

Yes! Some might say it's even nicer… just make sure to refrigerate your pizza in an airtight container for maximum deliciousness.

How long will pepperoni last in the fridge? ›

Hard or dry sausage (such as pepperoni and Genoa salami), whole and unopened, can be stored indefinitely in the refrigerator or up to 6 weeks in the pantry. After opening, refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. Hard or dry sausages will not have the phrase "Keep refrigerated" printed on the package.

Can you freeze leftover pizza? ›

Sure, you can keep leftover pizza in the refrigerator for three or four days, but when you freeze your pizza, on the other hand, you can actually keep it safe to eat for up to two months.

How do you store leftover pizza? ›

The best way is to stack and wrap: Place a single layer of slices on a dinner plate, top with a layer of wax, freezer, foil or parchment paper. Keep stacking, alternating pizza and paper, until all the pizza's on the plate. Wrap the whole thing tightly up in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator. That's it!

What does mold look like on pizza? ›

Q: What does mold look like on pizza? A: Mold can vary in color, ranging from white to black or even yellow and green. It may appear as spots, streaks, or thread-like strands on the surface of the pizza.

How long are leftovers good for? ›

Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away.

How long does Costco pizza last in the fridge? ›

FRIDGE – The leftovers can be stored in the fridge wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. FREEZER – Let the pizza cool completely before storing it in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. These leftovers can be stored for up to 4 months frozen.

What to do after eating bad pizza? ›

Some examples of what to eat after food poisoning include rice, toast, and clear broths. Clear liquids and drinks that help to rehydrate a person will aid in the recovery process after food poisoning, which occurs when a person eats contaminated or undercooked foods tainted with germs such as Campylobacter, E.

Can you eat a frozen pizza that has been in the fridge? ›

Thawed frozen pizza is safe if kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Check for bad odors, mold, or odd textures to ensure it hasn't spoiled.

What can happen if you eat bad pizza? ›

Dangers of eating pizza that's been out too long

Well, this increases your risk of getting food poisoning or contracting a food-borne illness. Food-borne illnesses can be serious and be things like: An infection from Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA bacteria). Salmonella.

How long can you keep Domino's pizza in the fridge? ›

As long as your pizza is piping hot, you can enjoy it the next day without worrying. Make sure you stick your Domino's pizza in the fridge within two hours of eating it. A plain cheese pizza can last in the fridge for up to four days, but anything with toppings will need to be thrown away after two days.

Can I eat out of date pizza? ›

A use-by date on food is about safety. This is the most important date to remember. Never eat food after the use-by date, even if it looks and smells ok, as it could make you very ill. You can eat food until midnight on the use-by date shown on a product, but not after, unless the food has been cooked or frozen.

How long can pizza stay in the freezer? ›

According to Kitchn, properly stored leftover pizza can last up to two months in the freezer — you just need to make sure it's protected from the cold properly to maintain quality. Your leftovers should be cut into separate slices and wrapped with foil or plastic wrap.

References

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