3 Steps to Store Leftover Pizza

Everyone in this world is fond of delicious pizzas and their mouth-watering smell makes us greedy and curious for more and more. And we order much more pizza than we can eat in one sitting.

There are always leftovers, sometimes one or two slices and sometimes many.

But wait,

Do you waste the leftover pizza?

If you do, then stop. It’s not worth wasting. For a pizza lover, a single bite is supposed to save.

Sometimes you don’t waste it directly, but actually, you are compromising its quality by storing it improperly.

The lazy way to store leftover pizza

We all often follow a lazy way of storing leftover pizza.

For example, when we are watching a movie, our whole mind is stuck on it and we don’t put attention to anything else. And in all this laziness, we leave the leftover pizza outside at room temperature for the whole night.

Later, we usually throw the whole pizza box in the fridge with the leftover pizza. Sometimes it is tricky to fit the pizza box in the fridge. There is always a space problem. Stacking the pizza box on other things will make it stand at an awkward angle.

And if you are going to store your pizza for days, then it will destroy the pizza quality despite all the mess. The pizza slices will become dry in the cardboard box because of the freely circulating air around it.

Now, this leftover pizza is actually a waste. It had a lot of bacteria in it that will affect your health so badly.

Many people have faced serious stomach and food-borne diseases because of their laziness. It can also cause intestinal problems. This pizza is only less than poison.

It also looks ill-mannered and awkward to put the pizza box in the fridge.

The smarter way to store leftover pizza

Other than this lazy way, here is a smart way to store your pizza. It will save you from diseases. Moreover, it will portray your management skills.

You can save and store your leftover pizza effectively in just five steps. It is not really easy as just putting the whole box in the fridge. But the reward of properly storing is the best quality that is retained for the desired time.

Earlier I also used the lazy way to store. But later I learned this way. It helped me a lot. Now I can enjoy my leftover pizza after months.

So let’s start.

Step 1: Let it cool

Let your pizza cool down to room temperature. Never store your oven hot pizza. It will affect the taste as well as hygiene.

For example, if you are enjoying your pizza watching a movie then you can put your leftover pizza aside after eating. After the end of the movie, you can easily store it.

But make sure that you store it before getting distracted by another activity. Otherwise, you will forget it outside overnight.

Step 2: Pack the slices

After your pizza is cooled, now it’s time to pack the slices. Never throw your pizza in the fridge without packing it. Here is the core process.

1. First of all, take a clean dining plate. Be aware it should be dry. If it is wet first dry it with a paper towel. Please avoid the use of cloth towels in the kitchen as they will promote bacteria.
2. Place tissue paper on it. Or you can also use a paper towel.
3. Set the slices on it. Don’t stack over and over. Put them side by side and one by one.
4. After that put on the aluminum foil or plastic sheet to wrap it. You may use wax or butter paper.
5. Wrap it thoroughly. Make sure that your wrapping is airtight.

You can also use airtight plastic boxes. You can easily store your pizza in it. It will also prevent the slices from reshaping.

Air-tight sealed plastic bags can also be used. I prefer the sealing bags as they require minimal space in the freezer. Moreover, the air-tight packing will preserve the taste and quality.

Step 3: Store your pizza

After packing your pizza, now you can store it the way you want.

You can store your pizza at room temperature for up to 2 hours. More than 3 hours will harm your health. Because after three hours the bacteria starts to grow. After every twenty minutes, they reproduce and multiply themselves.

As pizza contains both meat and cheese, they allow the bacteria to reside.

At room temperature, the bacteria will grow faster and the pizza will not remain safe to eat. So, you should preserve your pizza before it is home to bacteria.

You can store your pizza in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. After 2 to 3 days, it will be dried out. It may affect the taste or smell.

You can also store your pizza in the freezer for up to two months. Putting your pizza in the freezer will maintain its taste and texture.

I will recommend storing it in the freezer. It will be the best place to store pizza.

How to reheat your pizza?

You cannot eat chilled pizza. Obviously, you are going to reheat it before eating. You can reheat your pizza according to your ease.

You can also dress your pizza with diced tomatoes, basil, mushrooms, or other vegetables before reheating it. You can also drizzle some drops of olive oil or fresh cheese if needed. The addition of extra pizza sauce will also enhance the taste.

Reheating pizza with frying pan

You can use a frying pan to reheat your pizza. Ideally, a well-seasoned cast iron skillet is needed but a nonstick fry pan is just fine. There is no need to grease or pour oil or water.

1. Simply put a slice in the pan and cover it with the lid.
2. Now put the pan on the stove.
3. Just set your stove to a low flame.
4. Set a timer for 4 to 5 minutes.
5. Don’t check earlier than five minutes again and again. Checking your pizza earlier without any reason will allow the steam to escape
6. Remove the lid. The cheese had melted perfectly in the steam that was gathered under the lid. Moreover, the bread under it is much softer.
7. Now you only have to repeat if more pizza is needed.

Looking at your pizza from the lid will water your mouth and enhance your appetite.

Pro tip: You may need to adjust the instructions as there are a lot of variables. For example, the skillets type or the burner’s temperature.

Reheating pizza in the oven

You can also reheat it in the oven. Put your pizza in the baking tray. Don’t forget to put butter paper in the oven tray. Then place the baking tray in a preheated oven and set the timer for 8 to 10 minutes at 350°F (180°C).

Pro tip: Many people place the pizza in the oven with the cardboard box. Heating the pizza in it will destroy the taste and you will actually feel that you are eating the cardboard. It can also lead to fire hazards.

Reheating pizza in the air fryer

An air fryer can also help. Place your pizza in the air fryer. Set the timer to 5 to 6 minutes.

Reheating pizza in the microwave oven

You can also use a microwave oven. But heating your pizza in it will make the texture of the pizza soggy and rubbery. However, it is the fastest way.

Pro tip: To prevent your pizza from getting soggy, put a glass of water along with your pizza in the microwave. The water will absorb some of the bouncing rays which will cause the pizza to heat more evenly.

You can also use a panini press or a sandwich maker. Place a slice of pizza. Sprinkle some cheese on it. Place another slice on it. It will just look like a sandwich.

I have experienced all the above ways. I felt best with the air fryer. It kept the pizza fresh and juicy.

If you are heating the frozen pizza don’t forget to defrost it first. Let your pizza thaw on the countertop for at least an hour. Then follow the above instructions.

Enjoy your pizza

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your pizza. Grab the fork and knife. It’s your choice to enjoy lunch or snacks.

Enjoying the leftover pizza is more than a treat for a pizza lover. The only thing you need to do is come out of your comfort zone.

I know it is not as simple as throwing the pizza box in the fridge. But don’t you think, a little effort can serve much more?

You can store your leftover pizza, the longer you want. It can give you an extra meal.

Please tell us about your favorite tip in the comment box. We will love to hear back from you.