Yes, you should put pizza in the fridge.
Leftover pizza must be refrigerated because its ingredients—particularly the cheese, meat, and vegetable toppings—make it a perishable food item. Proper storage is necessary to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and ensure the pizza remains safe to eat later.
The Safety Imperative: Why You Must Refrigerate
Refrigeration is necessary because pizza is a high-risk food containing dairy, meat, and vegetables, all susceptible to bacterial growth at room temperature. The most significant concern is the “Danger Zone,” the temperature range between 40°F and 140°F where bacteria multiply rapidly. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus can double their population in as little as 20 minutes when food is held within this zone.
Perishable foods like pizza must be held at 40°F or below. Food safety guidelines establish the two-hour rule, which dictates that any perishable food left in the Danger Zone for longer than two hours must be discarded. If the ambient temperature is 90°F or higher, this safe window shortens to just one hour. Leftover pizza must be moved to the refrigerator promptly to prevent the proliferation of unseen, potentially harmful bacteria.
How to Store Pizza Without Losing Quality
After the pizza has cooled down, the focus shifts to preserving its texture and flavor in the refrigerator. Placing the whole box into the fridge is discouraged because the cardboard is not airtight and allows the crust to dry out or absorb refrigerator odors. The high humidity inside a refrigerator can also lead to a soggy crust if the pizza is not properly protected.
To combat sogginess, stack individual slices with a layer of paper towel, parchment paper, or wax paper between them before placing them in an airtight container. This layer helps to absorb excess moisture, preventing the crust from becoming unpleasantly soft. Alternatively, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to create a barrier against air and moisture loss. Using a container with a tight-sealing lid is preferred, as it seals out air and locks in the pizza’s flavor and moisture content.
Restoring Flavor: Reheating Methods
To enjoy refrigerated pizza, reheat it using a method that restores the crust’s original texture and re-melts the cheese evenly. While the microwave is fast, it heats the water molecules, resulting in a rubbery crust and unevenly melted toppings. For superior results, the oven, toaster oven, or stovetop skillet are the preferred methods for reviving a slice.
Using an oven or toaster oven involves preheating the appliance to a moderate temperature, such as 350°F, and placing the slices directly on a rack or a preheated baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate and slowly re-crisp the crust, typically taking between four and ten minutes. For a single slice, a skillet on the stovetop offers the fastest way to achieve a crunchy bottom. Cook the slice over medium-low heat until the crust is crisp, then add a few drops of water to the pan and cover it with a lid to create steam, which melts the cheese and warms the toppings.