If you are someone who reheats leftover pizza and leaves it in the oven, hoping to finish it later, it can be satisfying when everything goes as planned. Leftover pizza has a unique appeal. Unfortunately, due to my forgetfulness, I often leave my pizza in the oven overnight.
It can be unpleasant to think about eating pizza that has been left out overnight, and for good reason. Leaving food at room temperature for an extended period of time can cause bacterial growth, which may not be visible to the naked eye even after a few hours. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when deciding whether or not to consume leftover pizza.
The US Department of Agriculture advises against consuming pizza that has been left out overnight due to the risk of food-borne illnesses caused by contamination. Although their guidelines suggest not eating any perishable food left out for more than 2 hours, it is important to note that there is typically a low chance of contracting a food-borne illness from pizza left out overnight. Nevertheless, it is still recommended to avoid consuming such pizza to reduce the possibility of food poisoning.
It is recommended to refrigerate leftover pizza slices at all times, but if you choose to eat pizza that has been left out overnight, it is your decision. The author has eaten pizza left out overnight a few times without feeling sick. While it is best to store all food in optimal conditions, there is no need to panic if you have already consumed a forgotten pizza slice. However, it is advisable to make an effort to remember to refrigerate leftovers to prevent food poisoning in the future.
Experiencing food poisoning is an unpleasant and terrible experience, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through it.
It is advisable to be careful and monitor your health when consuming pizza that has been left out overnight. The effect on the pizza will depend on its ingredients. Cheese, tomato sauce, yeast-based bread, and vegetables can typically withstand being kept at room temperature for a night without going bad. This is because tomato sauce’s acidity prevents bacterial growth, cheese has undergone lactic acid fermentation resulting in low pH, and the bread is not thick enough to retain warmth and moisture necessary for bacillus growth.
Meat and other ingredients may pose a challenge. It is advisable to steer clear of meat that has been left out overnight.
Type of Pizza
Stored At Room Temperature
Stored In Freezer
Stored In Refrigerator
Homemade Pizza
2 hours
About 6 months
3-4 days
Delivered Pizza
2 hours
About 6 months
3-4 days
Frozen Pizza
2 hours
15-20 months
If heated first: 3-4 days. If placed in the refrigerator frozen: Count 3-4 days from the time it had thawed.
What Can Happen If You Eat Pizza That Was Left Out?
According to the USDA, foods that can spoil and are kept in temperatures ranging from 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit have a high chance of carrying bacteria. The longer the food is exposed to these temperatures, the greater the risk of bacterial contamination. It is generally safe to consume pizza that has been left out for a brief period, but extended exposure can be hazardous.
Consuming pizza that has been left out overnight can result in symptoms of food poisoning such as nausea, stomach aches, and gas. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the ingredients used, temperature, and individual reactions to certain ingredients.
As I cannot predict your reaction, my suggestion would be to refrain from consuming the pizza.
Does Reheating Pizza Kill Bacteria?
Many people know that extreme temperatures can prevent the growth of bacteria, but what happens when a pizza is left out overnight? Is it possible to eliminate any bacteria by reheating the pizza, making it safe to consume again? This article will explore this question.
Reheating pizza at temperatures higher than 165 degrees Fahrenheit can eliminate bacteria, but it may not be sufficient since some bacteria produce spores and toxins that are resistant to heat. If your food has already developed mold or bacteria, it is advisable to dispose of it as there is little else you can do.
It is not worth taking the chance. Although it may be unpleasant to throw away a pizza, it is preferable to experiencing discomfort or illness. Rest assured, there will be opportunities to enjoy pizza in the future.
The aforementioned guidelines explain why it is not advisable to remove food from the freezer, defrost it, and then refreeze it because although you can hinder the proliferation of bacteria, you cannot truly undo it.
How Long Does Pizza Last In the Box?
It may not be advisable to leave a pizza out in the open for more than 2 hours, but what about a refrigerated pizza?
Once you have acquired the pizza, consumed it, and kept the remaining slices in the fridge, it is safe to eat for approximately four days before its edibility becomes uncertain. While it is possible to store the entire box in the refrigerator, there are more effective methods of preservation. Personally, I recommend placing individual slices in a Tupperware container either stacked or separated by baking paper.
It is important to be aware of the signs that indicate a pizza has gone bad, especially if it has been left out for an extended period of time. The longer a pizza sits, the more apparent these signs will become, such as large mold spots on a pizza that has been in the refrigerator for several weeks, whereas a recently made pizza will exhibit minimal indications of spoilage.
Typically, relying on your sense of smell and touch is an effective method to detect a pizza that has gone bad. As time passes, the pizza will become dehydrated and its consistency will alter significantly. However, just a change in texture alone does not necessarily indicate that the pizza is spoiled since this transformation begins as soon as the pizza starts to cool down. If only the texture has been affected, it is still deemed safe to consume.
It’s important to pay attention to the smell of your pizza, as a rancid odor indicates that it has been left out for too long and should be discarded.
It is important to be aware of the health hazards that come with consuming food that has gone bad, therefore it is advisable to remain vigilant and opt for the most secure alternative if you have any uncertainties.
You can also check this video about “Can You Eat Pizza Left Out Overnight?”
