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Pizza—warm, cheesy, and comforting—is a staple in millions of American households. Whether it’s a slice from last night’s party or the leftovers from your favorite pizzeria, many wonder: how long is pizza actually safe to eat from the fridge?
It might seem like a harmless midnight snack, but improperly stored pizza can become a serious health risk. In this updated 2025 guide, we break down how long pizza stays good in the fridge, how to store it right, signs it’s spoiled, and smart reheating tips from food safety experts.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways: How Long Does Pizza Last in the Fridge
- Pizza stays safe in the fridge for 3 to 4 days
— Whether it’s homemade, delivery, or frozen (after baking), store it below 40°F and eat within 4 days. - Perishable toppings shorten shelf life
— Pizzas with seafood, spinach, or high-moisture veggies should be eaten within 2 days. - Never eat pizza left out overnight
— Bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature. Discard it after 2 hours on the counter. - Use airtight containers and store at the back of the fridge
— This prevents drying out, contamination, and maintains consistent cold temperature. - Reheat pizza to 165°F (74°C)
— Use an oven, skillet, or air fryer. Avoid microwaves for food safety and texture. - Use your senses to spot spoilage
— Sour smell, slimy crust, mold spots, or off taste = time to throw it out. - Freezing is safe for up to 2 months
— Wrap slices properly and reheat directly from frozen for best results. - Veggie pizza isn’t automatically safer
— Moisture-rich vegetables spoil just as quickly as meat toppings.
The Shelf Life of Pizza in the Fridge: What You Need to Know
Most pizzas—whether homemade, takeout, or frozen—stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (source).
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Type of Pizza | Fridge Life (≤ 40°F) |
|---|---|
| Homemade Pizza | 3 to 4 days |
| Takeout or Delivery Pizza | 3 to 4 days |
| Frozen Pizza (after baking) | 3 to 5 days |
| Pizza with Perishable Toppings (shrimp, spinach) | Up to 2 days |
Going beyond that time frame puts you at risk for foodborne illnesses like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli.
Why the 4-Day Rule Matters
Many people assume the cold temperature of the fridge halts bacterial growth. But that’s not quite true. While it slows down bacteria, it doesn’t eliminate the risk entirely.
Key Risks of Eating Old Pizza:
- Stomach bugs and nausea caused by invisible bacteria
- Spoilage indicators like a sour smell or odd texture
- Cross-contamination if stored near raw meats or unclean surfaces
A small lapse in food safety can lead to big consequences, especially for kids, seniors, or people with weakened immune systems.
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Smart Storage Tips to Keep Pizza Safe (and Tasty)
If you want to make those slices last—and still taste great—proper storage is key.
1. Cool It Fast
Don’t leave pizza out on the counter for more than 2 hours. If you forget and it sits overnight, toss it. Even if it looks okay, it’s not safe.
2. Wrap It Right
Place each slice in aluminum foil or parchment paper, then seal it in a zip-lock bag or airtight container. This prevents the crust from drying out and blocks unwanted fridge odors.
3. Store Deep in the Fridge
The coldest zone is usually at the back of the bottom shelf, not the door. Make sure the temperature is consistently below 40°F (4°C).
How to Tell If Pizza Has Gone Bad
Use your senses to decide. Don’t rely solely on the calendar.
| Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Sour or funky smell | Likely spoiled due to bacteria |
| Slimy or dried-out crust | Moisture imbalance, possible mold risk |
| Mold spots | Immediate toss—it’s unsafe |
| Off texture or strange taste | Ingredients may have turned |
When in doubt, throw it out. No slice is worth risking your health.
Reheating Pizza the Safe Way
Reheating is more than just warming it up—it’s about killing bacteria. Your target internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
Best Reheating Methods:
- Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes on a baking tray
- Skillet: Medium heat, cover with lid for 5–6 minutes
- Air Fryer: 370°F for 3–4 minutes
Avoid the microwave unless you’re in a rush. It heats unevenly and may leave cold spots where bacteria can survive.
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What About Veggie Pizzas—Are They Safer?
You might think pizza topped with vegetables is a safer bet. Unfortunately, that’s not always true.
High-moisture veggies like spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms can spoil just as fast—if not faster—than meat toppings. Stick to the same 3 to 4-day rule for all types.
Can You Freeze Leftover Pizza?
Yes—freezing is a great way to extend your pizza’s life to about 1 to 2 months.
How to Freeze Pizza Properly:
- Let slices cool to room temperature
- Wrap individually in parchment paper or foil
- Store in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags
Reheat directly from frozen in an oven—no thawing needed.
Final Word: Enjoy Your Pizza Without the Risks
Pizza is too good to waste—but not worth getting sick over. With just a little attention to storage and reheating, your leftovers can be safe and satisfying.
Quick Safety Checklist:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours
- Eat within 3 to 4 days
- Reheat to 165°F
- Store in airtight containers
- Don’t eat pizza left out overnight
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FAQs
Can I eat leftover pizza after 5 days?
No, it’s not recommended. According to the USDA, leftover pizza should be eaten within 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). After 5 days, the risk of bacterial growth like Listeria or Salmonella increases, even if the pizza looks and smells fine. To stay safe, discard any pizza that’s been refrigerated for more than 4 days.
How to tell if pizza is bad?
Here are common signs your leftover pizza has spoiled:
Sour or unpleasant smell – A strong odor is the first warning.
Slimy, soggy, or overly dry crust – Indicates moisture imbalance and potential bacterial growth.
Mold spots – Even tiny patches mean it’s unsafe to eat.
Off taste or rubbery texture – Suggests the oils or toppings have gone rancid.
👉 When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t rely only on appearance.
Can I eat pizza that’s a week old?
No, eating pizza that’s a week old is unsafe. After 7 days in the fridge, even if it looks or smells okay, it may contain harmful bacteria that could cause foodborne illness. The USDA strictly advises consuming leftovers—including pizza—within 3 to 4 days for food safety.
How long does Domino’s pizza keep in the fridge?
Domino’s pizza, like all restaurant or takeout pizza, stays safe in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. After that time, it should be discarded. For longer storage, Domino’s pizza can be frozen and safely kept for up to 2 months.
Expert Sources & Links
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Muhammad Ahtsham is the founder of EatLike.Blog, where he shares real-world advice on clean eating, high-protein meals, and healthy weight loss. With hands-on experience in nutrition and food blogging, his recipes and tips are practical, tested, and made to help real people see results.
