HOW LONG DOES PIZZA LAST?
How long does pizza last?
Are you looking to save delicious pizza? If you are wondering how to store and keep your pie warm, you have come to the right place. Whether you’re determining how long your leftovers will last, considering washing or refrigerating your slices for an upcoming meal, or looking for the best reheating method, this helpful guide will teach you everything you need to know.
Sitting out at room temperature
How long should you leave a pizza on your kitchen table or in another room temperature? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) strongly recommends following the “two-hour rule” when leaving food, which means you should not leave pizza or takeout sit at room temperature for more than two hours before tossing it.
Bacteria grow fastest between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so eating food that has been sitting out can make you sick. A cardboard pizza box does not provide a lid, leaving your pie expose to the open air.
For leftover pizza that you plan to eat later, try storing it in the refrigerator instead of leaving it out. If you have left them around for a few hours or overnight, we advise you to throw them away. Although it is not good to waste food, you are protecting yourself from contaminated food.
Read also:HOW TO THICKEN TOMATO SAUCE IN THREE WAYS
In the refrigerator
How long does pizza last in the fridge? USDA food safety guidelines state that leftover pizza will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days — as long as the two-hour rule is followed. To keep your leftover pizza well refrigerated, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
In the freezer
How long does pizza last in the freezer? If the slices are wrapped in foil or plastic wrap or tightly sealed in an airtight container, your pizza can keep its quality for one to two months. Although it is good to eat more than that, it may not taste as good as it was then. That being said, if your pie starts to brown or smell, it’s time to throw it away.
After making your pizza in the refrigerator, you can store it for a few days before reheating and eating it. However, if you plan to thaw it in the oven or microwave, try eating these foods right away instead of reheating them.
How to reheat pizza again
If you are wondering how to reheat pizza, there are many ways to do it. Whether you use an oven, frying pan, air fryer, or microwave to heat your pie, we will explain each of these methods below.
1. In the oven
You can use three different types of ovens to bake pizza: a conventional oven, a convection oven, and toaster oven. When you heat a complete pizza, we recommend using the conventional oven or convection so you will have more space. Meanwhile, toaster oven is small and perfect for baking a slice or two.
If you are using an oven or convection, here are some steps to follow:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cover the top of a standard baking sheet with foil. Place the tray in the oven to keep it warm until the pizza is baked.
- Put the pizza in your oven and let it heat up for about 10 minutes, checking the slices every now and then to make sure they don’t burn.
- Carefully remove the pizza from the oven mitt once this time is up. Let it cool for a few minutes before enjoying the delicious slice!
If you are using a toaster oven, follow these steps to bake your pizza properly:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place your slice of pizza in the toaster oven after preheating it. You can place it directly on the cooking surface or on a small baking sheet covered with foil.
- Bake for about 4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slice. Carefully remove the slice using tongs and an oven mitt when you start to see melted cheese
- Let your slices cool for a few minutes, then enjoy!
2. In a frying pan
Like a toaster oven, a frying pan is best for toasting one or two slices of pizza at a time. If you use a frying pan to bake your pizza, we recommend using a non-stick pan on a medium stove for best results. Place your slices in the pan and let it heat until the cheese softens.
Next, put some water in the bottom of the pan next to the pizza. Cover the pan with a lid and let the pizza cool for about three minutes. When the cheese starts to melt, remove the lid and use a spatula to remove the chips from the pan. Transfer your pizza to a plate, let it cool and enjoy your hot slice!
3. In the air fryer
Although it’s a new method, air frying is just as effective for making pizza as the other methods we’ve discussed. This method is also good for heating one or two slices.
Read also:BROWN RICE OR WHITE RICE: WHICH IS THE BETTER CHOICE?
Follow these steps when reheating pizza in your air fryer:
- Place foil under your air fryer basket.
- Cover with oil and foil, then place your pizza on top.
- Air fry your pizza at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes. Once this time has passed, check the crispiness of your pizza and leave it longer if necessary.
- Carefully remove your pizza and let it cool for a few minutes. Enjoy!
4. In the microwave
Finally, microwaving is the fastest and perhaps most common method for reheating pizza. Simply place your pizza slice in a microwave safe dish and microwave it on high for about 45 seconds. Remove your pizza and let it cool before eating. Some microwave cooks recommend putting water in the microwave safe next to your pizza while heating to prevent the crust from burning.
Watch video here: