Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Pizza expire?
An unopened frozen pizza will typically last for 18 months in the freezer. If the pizza is refrigerated, it should be eaten within 3-4 days of being cooked. If left out at room temperature, the pizza should be eaten within 2 hours to avoid food-borne pathogens. Please remember that these timeframes are dependent on the exact ingredients of the pizza. For example, toppings like seafood or dairy products may spoil more quickly.
How do you tell if Pizza is bad?
Identifying a pizza has gone bad may involve a combination of signs. If the toppings, especially meat or cheese, have a slimy or moldy texture, it's possible the pizza has spoiled. The smell is also a clear indication; if it has a sour, strong, or foul odor, it's best to discard it. Also, if the pizza has been sitting outside the refrigerator for more than 2 hours, it's safer to throw it away as bacteria may have started to grow.
Tips for storing Pizza to extend shelf life
• Always store leftover pizza in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking or delivery.
• For best results, store pizza in an airtight container. This helps the pizza keep fresh longer and prevents the odor of the pizza from permeating other food in the refrigerator.
• If you have a large amount of leftover pizza that you want to keep for a longer period, consider freezing it. Pizza slices can be stored in freezer bags or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil. Be sure to consume the pizza within two months for the best quality.
• To defrost, you can simply reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees, place the pizza on a baking sheet and bake until it's hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.