Randy Chandler
There are differing opinions on whether leftover cheese pizza should be refrigerated. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), perishable food, including pizza, should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. However, some sources claim that leftover pizza does not need to be refrigerated at all, as the crust stays crispy and the higher temperature keeps the grease from congealing. Food safety specialist Benjamin Chapman states that people rarely get sick from unrefrigerated pizza, as the dry nature of bread and baked cheese is not conducive to bacterial growth, and the acidity of tomato sauce may also help to prevent spoilage. Nevertheless, the general consensus is that leftover pizza should be refrigerated to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, especially if it contains juicy toppings such as diced tomatoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you refrigerate leftover cheese pizza? | It is recommended to refrigerate leftover cheese pizza to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. However, some sources claim that it is safe to leave leftover cheese pizza at room temperature for up to two hours, or one hour in hot temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| How long does leftover pizza last in the fridge? | Leftover pizza can be safely consumed if refrigerated at a temperature lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit for up to four days. After four days, the risk of foodborne illness increases. |
| How to reheat leftover pizza | The recommended way to reheat leftover pizza is to use a skillet and hover it over a flame for about a minute, then transfer it to an oven heated to 400 degrees for five to eight minutes. |
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What You'll Learn
Leaving pizza out of the fridge
It's important to note that pizza is considered a perishable food, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that perishable foods should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. This is because the risk of foodborne illness increases as food sits in the temperature range known as the "danger zone," which is between 40°F and 140°F. For this reason, it is generally recommended to refrigerate pizza to keep it safe and reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
However, some sources suggest that leaving pizza out overnight may not be as risky as it seems, especially for cheese pizza. According to a food safety specialist, Benjamin Chapman, the combination of bread, baked cheese, and tomato sauce creates an environment that is not very friendly to germs, making it less likely for foodborne illness to occur. Nevertheless, it is important to use your judgment and be cautious, as individual experiences may vary.
Additionally, leaving pizza out of the fridge can affect its texture and taste. Some people claim that the crust stays crispier when pizza is left at room temperature, and reheating is not necessary. However, others argue that pizza is best enjoyed fresh, and leaving it out for extended periods can impact its quality and freshness. Ultimately, the decision to leave pizza out of the fridge depends on personal preference, but it is crucial to prioritize food safety and be mindful of the potential risks associated with perishable foods.
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How long pizza can be left out
Pizza is a perishable food item, and if left out, it can cause bacteria to grow and lead to possible foodborne illnesses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that perishable food, including pizza, should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. This is because, at room temperature, bacteria can grow rapidly on food, and this "danger zone" is between 40°F and 140°F. If the temperature is above 90°F, perishable food should not be left out for more than an hour.
Some people choose to leave pizza out overnight and eat it the next day, but this is not recommended. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Campylobacter, salmonella, and listeria can grow on pizza while it is left out, and ingesting even a small amount of spoiled food can be bad for your digestive system. The risk of foodborne illness is especially high for children, older people, and those with compromised immune systems.
If you want to store leftover pizza, it is best to put it in the fridge within two hours of cooking or taking it out of the oven. Leftover pizza can be kept in the fridge for three to four days and can also be frozen. However, some people believe that the best way to eat leftover pizza is to leave it out at room temperature, as this keeps the crust crispy and the higher temperature prevents the grease from congealing. While this may be convenient, it is important to note that this increases the risk of bacterial growth, especially if the pizza contains ingredients with low thresholds for bacterial growth, such as cheese, tomato products, meat, and cut vegetables.
To reheat leftover pizza, there are several methods you can use, such as using a microwave, an air fryer, or an oven. It is important to ensure that the pizza reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety.
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Reheating pizza
While some people enjoy eating cold pizza straight from the refrigerator, others prefer their pizza to be hot and crispy. Here are some detailed instructions on how to reheat pizza to achieve the best results:
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F.
- While the oven is heating up, take your pizza out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature.
- Line a baking tray or pizza pan with foil.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the foil-lined tray inside and let it get hot.
- Carefully remove the hot tray from the oven and place your pizza slices on it.
- Return the tray to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.
- Place a non-stick frying pan on medium heat.
- Put your pizza slice directly into the pan and heat for a couple of minutes.
- Add a few drops of water to the pan, ensuring they don't land on the pizza itself.
- Cover the pan and continue heating for a few more minutes to create steam, which will help melt the cheese.
- Place your pizza slice on a microwave-safe plate.
- Fill a microwave-safe cup with water and place it next to the plate in the microwave.
- Reheat the pizza in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or an air fryer liner.
- Place your pizza slices in a single layer in the basket.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then check if the cheese has melted.
- If needed, reheat in additional 30-second intervals until fully cooked.
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Freezing pizza
To freeze pizza, it is recommended to let it cool entirely before preparing it for the freezer. Remove the slices from the pizza box and separate them into individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or foil to avoid freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped slices in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Place the container or bag in the freezer, and your pizza slices will be good to go for up to three months!
There are various methods to reheat frozen pizza slices. Some popular options include using an air fryer, stovetop, oven, toaster oven, or cast-iron skillet. For reheating in an air fryer, place the frozen pizza directly into the fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 minutes. If using a stovetop, heat the pizza slowly in a pan with or without a lid to achieve a crispy bottom. For the oven, wrap the frozen pizza in foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35 minutes.
It is important to note that pizza should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, as it can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Freezing pizza is a convenient way to ensure you always have a tasty slice ready for those unexpected pizza cravings!
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Food safety guidelines
Leaving pizza out of the fridge can be a risky business, but it's not always necessary to refrigerate it. The general rule is that perishable food, including pizza, should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour in hot temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because the risk of foodborne illness increases the longer it's left out, and bacteria can start to grow.
However, there are some conflicting opinions on this. Some sources claim that leftover pizza is safe to eat at room temperature, without reheating, as long as it hasn't been left out overnight. The reasoning behind this is that the crust stays crispy, and the higher temperature keeps the grease from congealing. Additionally, a food safety expert, Benjamin Chapman, states that day-old cheese pizza is "low risk". He explains that the dryness of baked cheese and bread makes it difficult for bacteria to thrive, and the acidity of tomato sauce may also keep bacteria at bay. Nevertheless, he does recommend refrigerating pizzas with juicy toppings like fresh tomatoes.
On the other hand, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the FDA recommend refrigerating leftover pizza to stay on the safe side. According to the USDA, perishable foods, including pizza, should not be consumed if left out overnight. They also advise against eating pizza that has been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours, as the risk of foodborne illness increases.
If you choose to refrigerate your leftover pizza, it's important to note that it will only stay fresh for a few days. The USDA and food safety specialists recommend consuming cooked foods and leftovers within three to four days of cooking to prevent bacteria from growing. However, some sources suggest that pizza can be safely eaten after being refrigerated for up to five days, although the risk of foodborne illness increases after four days.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to refrigerate cheese pizza to reduce the risk of foodborne bacteria. However, it can be left at room temperature for up to two hours, or one hour in hot temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Refrigerated pizza is generally safe to eat for up to four days. After that, the risk of foodborne illness increases.
The best way to reheat pizza is to use a skillet and hover it over a flame for about a minute. Then, transfer the pizza to the oven and heat for five to eight minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, freezing pizza is a good option if you want to keep it for longer. Frozen pizza can be safely stored for one to two months.
While it is generally safe to eat leftover pizza at room temperature, reheating it can improve taste and reduce the risk of bacteria. However, some people prefer to eat it cold as the crust stays crispy, and there is no need to reheat it.
