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Pizza is one of the most popular foods around, but it also has a reputation for going bad quickly. With the right storage methods, however, you can extend the shelf life of leftover pizza and keep it safe to eat for several days. In this article, we’ll look at how long pizza can last in the fridge and the best practices for storing it.

IDEAL STORAGE TIME

The majority of leftover pizza can be kept in the fridge safely for 3 to 4 days when stored properly. The crust may start to get stale and hard after that time, but the pizza will still be safe to eat within a week as long as it has been refrigerated the whole time. Of course, the timeline depends on the specific ingredients. For example, pizzas with lots of meats and vegetables may spoil faster than a plain cheese pizza. As a general rule, consume refrigerated leftover pizza within 3 to 7 days for the best quality.

If you want your pizza to last longer, you can freeze it instead. Frozen pizza will maintain its quality and safety for 2 to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap so it doesn’t get freezer burn.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER PIZZA

To get the most shelf life out of your leftover pizza, follow these storage guidelines:

·         Let the pizza cool completely before refrigerating it. Putting warm pizza directly into the fridge can raise the temperature inside and put other foods at risk of spoiling faster.

·         Wrap the pizza well in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This prevents the pizza from drying out in the fridge.

·         Place the wrapped pizza in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. This gives an added layer of protection against contamination and keeps in moisture.

·         Make sure to put the pizza in the coldest part of the fridge, which is usually at the back on the bottom shelf. The consistent cool temperature is key for preserving pizza.

FACTORS THAT SHORTEN FRIDGE LIFE

While 3 to 4 days is the standard fridge life for pizza https://www.puzzlepizzala.com/blog/how-long-is-pizza-good-for-in-fridge, certain ingredients and storage mistakes can shorten its shelf life. Things to watch out for include:

·         Toppings like meat and vegetables make the pizza spoil faster.

·         Thick, doughy crusts get stale quicker than thin crusts.

·         Not having the pizza tightly wrapped exposes it to fridge odors and drying out.

·         Keeping the pizza in the door, which is the warmest part of the fridge, accelerates spoilage.

·         Frequent cold-hot temperature changes from opening the fridge speeds up spoilage.

·         Pizza that was left out for an extended time before refrigerating has a shorter fridge life.

HOW TO TELL IF REFRIGERATED PIZZA HAS GONE BAD

With properly stored pizza, the most obvious signs of spoilage are usually the crust becoming rock hard, dried out, or moldy. The toppings may also smell bad or look slimy. Here are some telltale signs your refrigerated pizza has gone past its prime:

·         Hard or rubbery crust

·         Dried out, cracked, or crumbling crust

·         Mold or white fuzzy growths on the crust or toppings

·         Discolored, slimy, or dried out toppings

·         Rancid or off smell

·         Tastes noticeably sour or bitter

When in doubt, remember the old saying “When in doubt, throw it out.” It’s better to be safe and dispose of pizza that seems even a little questionable.

Food safety experts also recommend reheating refrigerated pizza to 165°F before eating to destroy any bacteria that may have grown. Microwaving is the most convenient reheating method. Just make sure the pizza reaches 165°F in the center.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

·         Store leftover pizza wrapped tightly in foil or plastic in the fridge

·         Pizza keeps for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator

·         Freeze pizza to extend its shelf life to 2-3 months

·         Signs of spoiled pizza include dried out, moldy crust and rancid odors

·         Reheat refrigerated pizza thoroughly before eating for food safety

Following proper storage methods allows you to keep leftover pizza for several days safely. With freezing, you can even stock up on pizza for weeks. Just be diligent about checking your refrigerated pizza for any signs of spoilage before eating it. With the right care, you can continue enjoying pizza flavors long after the initial baking.