Can You Eat Pizza That’s Been Left Out Overnight?
We’ve all been there. You order a late-night pizza (or make one yourself), eat a slice or two, and then forget it’s sitting on the kitchen table. You discover it the next morning and think to yourself, “This is probably fine to eat … right?” Well, you’ll never need to wonder again. Here, we break down everything you need to know about those questionable leftovers.
Is It Safe to Eat Pizza That’s Been Left Out Overnight?
Unfortunately, it is not. Pizza is a perishable food, and according to the USDA, “when perishable foods sit at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F bacteria can multiply rapidly.”
Why It Is Not Safe to Eat Pizza That’s Been Left Out Overnight
Pizza that has been left unrefrigerated overnight has entered what is referred to as the “danger zone.” Danger zone is a term used to describe a range of temperatures, between 40°F and 140°F according to the FDA and the USDA, where, over time, cooked food can grow bacteria.
In order to keep perishable cooked food out of the “danger zone,” it should not be left out of refrigeration for longer than two hours (that time is cut in half if the temperature is above 90°F.)
What About Meat-Free or Vegan Pizza?
Unfortunately, this applies to all pizza, no matter the toppings. Carly Sedlacek, a registered dietitian from Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition, said in an interview with EatingWell that “the safe period for different kinds of pizza does not vary … if the pizza contains cheese and meat, or if you’re enjoying a vegetarian or vegan pizza, both contain perishable items that can collect bacteria if not stored properly.”
How to Store Pizza Safely
In the case of pizza, the best way to store it safely is to consider temperature. It’s important to keep hot foods hot (at or above 140°F) or, alternatively, to keep them from entering the danger zone by sitting unrefrigerated for too long.
So, if you order a pizza and plan to serve it over the course of an evening, keep it in a low (200°F) oven instead of out on the counter — it’ll be tastier that way anyway. If you know you’ll have leftovers, let them cool down a bit, so they’re not piping hot (although it is safe to refrigerate food while it’s warm) and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to eat them. (Hot tip: The best way to reheat pizza isn’t in the microwave.) Per the USDA, leftover pizza can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to four days or frozen for up to two months.