How long does leftover pizza keep?

United States Reviewed May 2026 Method v1.1 EU/UK: package use-by dates govern

Refrigerate leftover pizza within 2 hours at 40 °F (4 °C) or below and eat it within 3 to 4 days. Best freezer quality is about 1–2 months.

The 3–4 days is safety guidance under the USDA leftovers rule — and yes, it applies to pizza left in the box on the counter overnight: that pizza should be discarded.

Pantry

Not safe

Max 2 h at room temperature

Refrigerator ≤ 40 °F (4 °C)

3–4 days

Safety guidance

Freezer 0 °F

1–2 months

Best quality · safe indefinitely

Calculate a date for pizza

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Can I freeze it?

Generally suitable

Leftover pizza freezes well. Wrap slices individually; best quality about 1–2 months.

Reheated from frozen in a hot oven or skillet, frozen slices come back crisper than refrigerated ones.

Prepare & portion. Cool, then wrap slices individually so you can reheat one at a time.

Package. Wrap each slice in freezer wrap or foil, then bag together.

Thaw & use. Reheat from frozen in a 375 °F (190 °C) oven or covered skillet until hot through — 165 °F (74 °C).

Thawing and post-thaw handling

Reheat straight from frozen; no thawing step needed. Heat until hot throughout.

Refreezing

Do not refreeze reheated pizza. The general rules are in the refreezing guide and the Refreezing Decision tool.

Common mistakes

Leaving the box out overnight and eating it anyway — the 2-hour rule applies to pizza.
Freezing a whole stack of slices in one bag so they fuse together.

Calculate a date for this food Open in Can I Freeze It? Make a label

Source-to-claim map
3–4 day rule; 2-hour rule — USDA FSIS — Leftovers and Food Safety · Pizza storage detail — USDA FoodKeeper (FoodSafety.gov) · All sources · Change history · Report a correction