How Long Does Frozen Pizza Last: Before it Goes Bad

How long does frozen pizza last? Frozen pizza when stored correctly can last for up to 18 months in the freezer.

One of the most common challenges that people have when it comes to frozen pizza is not knowing how long it will last before it is no longer safe to eat. Also knowing how to store frozen pizza so that it lasts as long as possible.

By the end of this article, you should have a good understanding of frozen pizza, what can make it go bad, and how long it can last. I will also provide some tips on how to tell if a frozen pizza has gone bad and what to do with it if it has.

How Long Can Frozen Pizza Last While Frozen?

When pizza is first frozen it should be kept frozen until ready to eat. When stored fully frozen at all times it can last for up to 18 months in the freezer.

There are a few different factors that can affect how long frozen pizza lasts while it is still frozen. These include the type of pizza, the storage conditions, and the expiration date. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors:

Type of Pizza

The type of pizza can have a significant impact on how long it lasts while frozen. For example, pizzas with a lot of toppings will generally not last as long as plain cheese pizzas.

This is because a lot of topping pieces have more chance to be contaminated before being frozen which can cause them to go bad more quickly.

Storage Conditions

The storage conditions of frozen pizza can also affect its shelf life. If the pizza is stored in a warm or humid environment or at room temperature before freezing it will not last as long as if it was stored in a cool and dry environment.

Expiration Date

The expiration date on the frozen pizza can give you an idea of how long it will last while frozen. However, it is important to note that the expiration date is not always accurate.

If the pizza was stored properly and has not been opened, it may still be safe to eat after the expiration date.

What Can Make Frozen Pizza Go Bad

Frozen pizza can go bad for a number of reasons. The most common reason is improper storage. If the pizza is not stored properly, it can become dry or freezer burned and if it is stored for too long, it will become stale.

Other reasons why frozen pizza can go bad include being thawed and refrozen, being exposed to oxygen, and being eaten after the expiration date. Let’s take a closer look at each of these reasons:

Thawed and Refrozen

If the frozen pizza is thawed and then refrozen, it can become dry and tasteless. The dough can also become tough and the cheese separates from the sauce.

Avoid this by thawing the pizza if you are going to reheat and eat it immediately.

Exposed to Oxygen

If frozen pizza is not kept in an airtight container or bag, it may become dry and tasteless due to exposure to air. The dough can become tough and the cheese may separate from the sauce, giving you average freshness and flavor.

Eaten After the Expiration Date

Consuming frozen pizza past its expiration date can result in a dry and unappetizing texture, as well as tough dough and cheese separating from the sauce. So consume the pizza if it is still within the expiration date

How to Tell If Frozen Pizza Has Gone Bad

There are a few signs that you can look for to tell if a frozen pizza has gone bad. These include

• signs of mold on the pizza
• the pizza being discolored
• signs of freezer burn
• looks dry or hard
• the cheese being rubbery or separated from the sauce
• the dough is tough

If you notice any of these signs it generally does not mean you cannot eat it but if you feel reluctant it is best to throw out the pizza.

What to Do With Frozen Pizza That Has Gone Bad

If the frozen pizza is expired or bad and you eat the pizza there is a risk of food poisoning which can be very dangerous. If you are unsure if the pizza is bad, it is best to err on the side of caution with perishable foods and throw them out.

What Happens if You Eat Expired Frozen Pizza

If you eat use by expired frozen pizza, you may experience food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Eating bad pizza can also cause other health problems such as infection. Best to only eat frozen pizza that is within the expiration date.

Storing Frozen Pizza

You can place the pizza straight into the freezer in the packaging provided, and ensure that it is intact.

Storing supermarket frozen pizza is easy and only requires a few simple steps.

• First, you need to find a suitable storage container.
• Second, you need to remove the stored pizza from the packaging and place it in a freezer bag.
• Third, place the freezer bags inside the tightly sealed container.
• Finally, for food safety, you need to label the container with the date that the pizza was purchased and the expiry date on the label.

When storing frozen pizza, it is important to keep in mind that the pizza will only stay fresh for a certain amount of time past its expiration date.

Once the pizza has been thawed, it should be eaten within two days. Frozen pizza should not be refrozen after it has been thawed.

Cooking Supermarket Bought Frozen Pizza

You don’t need to be a master chef to cook a delicious pizza. For best results pull out your favorite baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

It is also a good idea to brush some olive oil over the surface to prevent the pizza from sticking if cooked at a high temperature. Medium-high heat is the temperature I use – sometimes I cook it a little longer – but it never burns or dries out.

Follow the cooking instructions on the package to avoid your pizza forming a hard crust and “ensure you cook from frozen”. Then you’ll have a safe-to-eat, hot, cheesy meal in no time.

If you’re feeling creative, you can also add your own toppings to the pizza before cooking it. This is a great way to customize your meal and make it even more delicious.

Frozen pizzas are a quick and easy option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So next time you’re at the supermarket, be sure to pick up a few to keep in your freezer.

Reheating Pizza Leftovers

If you want to quickly reheat your cold pizza the next day, wrap the pizza slices in paper towels. This will help to avoid a dry crust, then heat on high in a microwave oven using 30-second increments.

Repeat as many times as needed until your pizza is hot. You can use this method regardless of whether it is a takeout pizza from Pizza Hut or your leftover frozen pizza.

FAQs

How Long Can I Freeze Leftover Pizza?

You can freeze a whole pizza or leftover slices of homemade pizza, for up to two months. However, the quality of the pizza will decrease the longer it is frozen, it must be stored airtight and labeled with a use-by date 2 months from the date you freeze it.

The best way to store leftover cooked pizza is to place the pizza slices in plastic wrap and then place them inside a freezer-safe bag.

You can also wrap the pizza in plastic wrap and then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Adding the layer of aluminum foil to leftover pizza slices will help stop the dry spots that can form on the pizza crust during freezing.

Read more about what the FDA says about storing food safely.

How Do I Reheat Frozen Pizza?

To reheat frozen pizza, you can place it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for How to reheat pizza in a toaster oven.

Can You Keep Frozen Pizza in The Fridge?

No, you should not keep your frozen pizza in the fridge. Frozen pizza should be stored in the freezer. Once the pizza has been thawed, it should be eaten within two days.

How Long Can Frozen Pizza Sit Out?

Frozen pizza should not sit out for more than two hours. After two hours, the quality of the pizza will decrease and it will become unsafe to eat.

Can You Eat Frozen Food Past Expiration Date?

Providing food is frozen before the growth of bacteria starts to grow on the food will be safe in the freezer as bacteria will not grow in the freezer. It will be safe to eat but may not be of its best quality. After the food has been frozen for a long time it can taste bland, have off-flavors, or be tough.

Read more about what the USDA (Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture) says about Freezing and Food Safety.

Want to know what cooks pizza the best? Gas or Woodfire Pizza Ovens.

Wrapping Up How Long Does Frozen Pizza Last

Frozen pizza can last eighteen months in the freezer. However, frozen pizza will only stay fresh for a certain amount of time. Once the pizza has been thawed, it should be eaten within two days.

Frozen pizza should not be refrozen after it has been thawed. If you notice any signs that the pizza has gone bad, it is best to throw it out. Eating bad pizza can cause food poisoning which can be very dangerous.

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!