Did you accidentally order too much pizza, and now you’re stuck with leftovers? Then you’ll need to put it in the fridge before it starts going bad (two hours at room temperature). But how long does it last after it’s stored in the refrigerator?
Once the pizza is stored correctly – wrapped in plastic or aluminum foil or placed in an airtight container – it will last up to four days in the refrigerator (at 40F or below). Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming, such as dried-out and rock-hard crust and an odd scent.
Hello, pizza lovers! I’m Michelle, a self-taught baker with over ten years of experience. I make and order pizza regularly. That said, I know precisely how long pizza lasts in the fridge – and how to tell when it’s past its prime.
Keep reading to find out how long pizza lasts in the fridge (plus other handy info).
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How Long Is Pizza Good for in the Fridge?
When stored in the refrigerator, pizza can last up to four days per USDA food safety regulations. Of course, this is assuming that the pizza is refrigerated before the two-hour room temperature window and the refrigerator is kept at 40F or lower.
Suppose your fridge is a bit hotter, you might only get three days out of your leftover pizza slices. If your pizza has been sitting at room temperature for longer than two hours, you’ll need to toss it all together.
How to Store Pizza in the Fridge
Leftover pizza can last up to four days in the refrigerator. However, it must be stored properly. Incorrect storage can lead to dried-out, disgusting pizza that is too hard and chewy to consume.
Here is how to store pizza in the fridge correctly.
Wrap it Tightly
Your first option is to wrap individual pizza slices. You can use plastic wrap or tinfoil. The key is to wrap the pizza slices as tightly as possible. Ensure all areas of the pizza are covered. Otherwise, you can end up with hardened sections that are difficult to eat.
Store in an Airtight Container
The other option is to store the pizza in an airtight container. Simply place the slices inside the container and put the lid on top, ensuring it is completely shut and closed off. You don’t want any air entering the container, destroying your pizza.
Keep in mind that an airtight container does not equate to the box your pizza came in. It is not recommended to store pizza in its original box. Although convenient, pizza boxes allow for free movement of air, which can dry out your pizza and make it less than appetizing.
Ensure the Fridge is Below 40F
In order to get the most longevity from your pizza, you must ensure your fridge is below 40F. Otherwise, the higher temps will cause the pizza to go bad sooner (within two or three days). Adjust your fridge’s temperature to extend the lifespan of your leftovers.
How to Tell If Pizza Is Bad
Even with the best precautions, you might still be weary about eating your leftover pizza – especially if it’s been sitting in your fridge for four days. Consuming rancid pizza can lead to stomach aches, diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes, worse reactions that require a hospital visit.
The best thing to do is to double-check for signs of spoilage. These signs include:
1. Rock-Hard Crust
If you go to grab a slice of your leftover pizza and notice that the crust feels more like a rock than a delicious pizza crust, consider tossing it. While it might still be “safe” to consume, it won’t be very enjoyable.
2. Odd Scent
Pizza is supposed to smell delicious. But if yours is starting to emit a less-than-favorable odor, it’s time to get rid of it. (And honestly, who wants to eat something that smells rancid, anyway?)
3. Slimy Toppings
Give your toppings a good lookover. Do you notice any sliminess? Do they appear a little wet? If your toppings don’t look right and have subtle sliminess to them, get rid of the pizza ASAP. Sliminess on toppings is bacteria – and you don’t want to eat that.
4. Mold
Another thing you don’t want to eat? Mold. That said, give the whole pizza slice a look. If you see some colorful or fuzzy spots, don’t risk it. Toss the entire pizza and start fresh. (Maybe now’s the perfect time to try your hand at making a homemade pizza? Yum!)
5. Gross Flavor
If you don’t notice any other spoilage signs, try a small bite of the pizza. Does it taste incredible like it’s supposed to? Then you’re clear to eat the leftovers. Does it taste a little funky? Throw it in the trash can and get your pizza guy on speed dial.
FAQs
There you have it, pizza lovers – everything you need to know about how long pizza lasts in the refrigerator. Are you still curious about this topic? Then I have good news for you – I’ve added some frequently asked questions you might want to know the answers to.
Can you eat leftover pizza after 5 days?
Eating leftover pizza after five days is not ideal, nor is it recommended. Five-day-old pizza (or longer) has likely started to breed bacteria and go bad. If you’re dead set on consuming it, double-check for signs of spoilage (listed above). However, I suggest buying or making it fresh.
Can I eat 3-day-old pizza?
If the leftover pizza has been stored correctly in a refrigerator under 40F, then yes, there should be no problem with eating three-day-old pizza. However, I always recommend checking for signs of spoilage, even if the pizza’s only been in there for a day or two. Better to be safe than sorry.
Is pizza good after 7 days in the fridge?
Pizza is not good after seven days in the fridge. Even if it may be “safe” to consume, it won’t taste very good. Again, if you’re set on eating seven-day-old pizza, check for signs of spoilage before proceeding. However, I do not recommend eating seven-day-old pizza.
Pizza Can Last Up to Four Days in the Fridge
When properly stored in a fridge below 40F, leftover pizza slices can last in the refrigerator for up to four days. Always check your pizza slices for signs of spoilage before consuming. If you notice an odd smell, the texture’s turned hard, or there’s mold or sliminess, get rid of it ASAP.
How long do you store your pizza leftovers in the fridge? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!
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