Whether your freezer is full or you don’t have a freezer at all, you might wonder whether it’s possible to thaw a frozen pizza in the fridge. Fortunately, you’re in luck!
You can store frozen pizza in the fridge at 40 °F (4.4 °C) or below, but only for 3–4 days. Opening and closing the fridge can increase the chance of food contamination, so try to keep the door shut.
Is there a way to keep the pizza safe and also retain its quality? Let’s find out!
How Long Does Uncooked Frozen Pizza Last in the Fridge?
Uncooked frozen pizza can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days, but not without the risk of spoilage or contamination.
Unlike freezing, which stops the growth and spread of bacteria for a long time, refrigeration can only stop the growth and spread for so long.
The temperature in the refrigerator is usually around 40 °F (4.4 °C) or below, which is much higher than in the freezer. For this reason, you can only store uncooked frozen pizza in the fridge for 3–4 days.
However, this does not guarantee that your pizza will be safe from contamination. If frozen pizza is left outside the refrigerator for more than two hours, it could be compromised (source: University of Minnesota Extension).
Opening of the fridge can also change the temperature inside and let air in, which can cause rancidity and a decrease in quality due to oxidation (source: University of Minnesota Extension).
Foods stored in the Temperature Danger Zone of 40 °F to 140 °F are more likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria, including Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Campylobacter (source: USDA).
To keep your frozen pizza safe, store it in an airtight freezer container whenever possible, and keep it in the back of the fridge or freezer.
How Long Does Frozen Pizza Last in the Fridge After It’s Cooked?
Leftover pizza slices can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days at 40 °F (4.4 °C) and below (source: Food Safety). When stored in the freezer, it will still taste good if consumed within 3–4 months.
One of the most prevalent causes of foodborne illnesses is improper storage of cooked pizza leftovers. Bacteria can grow on food whether it’s cooked or raw. This means frozen pizza can get contaminated again even if it is safely cooked.
One tip is to immediately refrigerate the leftover slices after you eat it (source: Mayo Clinic). As a rule, food should not be left outside the refrigerator for more than two hours (source: USDA).
To reheat the leftover pizza, make sure the oven reaches a cooking temperature of 165 °F (74 °C), or wait until you can see that it gives off steam. If you’re using a microwave, rotate the pizza so it heats on all sides (source: USDA).
Another tip is to store the pizza leftovers in an airtight container to prevent air from decreasing the quality. Store the leftovers in the back of the refrigerator or freezer.
Whether you’re storing uncooked frozen pizza or refrigerating leftovers, keep these proper storage tips in mind for the best results!
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