How long can pizza stay out safely?

Pizza for breakfast is a comforting treat, but if not stored properly, it could pose a risk. We’ve all had food left out too long, but how long is too long for pizza before it becomes unsafe to eat?

How long can pizza sit out safely?

After cooking, pizza should not sit out for more than two hours. This follows the same food safety rules as all perishable foods. Health codes for restaurants are clear, and the same guidelines apply to keeping food safe at home. Once food cools, it enters a risky zone where bacteria can multiply rapidly.

This critical temperature range, known as the 'danger zone', spans between 41°F and 141°F. Bacteria thrive in this range, which could lead to spoiled food and foodborne illnesses. According to safety rules, food should not stay in this zone for more than two hours, after which it becomes unsafe to consume.

Can you leave pizza out overnight?

Unless you're sleeping for less than two hours, pizza should not be left out overnight. With perishable ingredients like cheese, tomato sauce, meat, and veggies, it quickly enters the danger zone where bacteria thrive. After two hours, it must be refrigerated, or after eight hours, it’s likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria.

What happens if you eat pizza that's been sitting out overnight?

For some, nothing may happen after eating pizza left in the danger zone. But even one bad pizza can lead to serious illness. Food poisoning affects 48 million people annually, and tragically, around 3,000 die from it each year.

Bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter, and listeria can multiply on pizza while you sleep. Even if only a few grow, consuming spoiled food—no matter how small the amount—can disrupt your digestive system and cause harm.

In addition to severe stomach pain, food poisoning can lead to other digestive issues. Some people experience dehydration so extreme that hospitalization is required. Symptoms like fever, chills, vomiting, and sweating may also occur, which could confuse you into thinking it’s a cold when, in fact, it’s bad pizza leftovers.

Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to bacterial infections from contaminated food, but anyone can be affected. If spending your day in the bathroom isn’t your idea of a good time, it’s safer to toss out that pizza that’s been sitting on the counter overnight.

How to Store Leftover Pizza

After eating, and before the two-hour window closes, transfer your leftover pizza to a clean container—either a plastic tub with a secure lid or tightly wrapped in plastic or aluminum foil.

The same rules apply to homemade pizza: Store it in a separate container from the one you baked it in. Keep it in the fridge, and if you're tempted to eat it before it's been chilling for 6 hours, be sure to reheat it, as it could still be in the danger zone.

If it's been over 6 hours, you’re safe to eat it cold. When stored properly, pizza can last up to 4 days. You can freeze leftovers, but for better texture, it's ideal to freeze the dough and toppings separately before cooking. Reheated pizza often loses its original quality.

How to Reheat Leftover Pizza

You've successfully stored your pizza and now it’s time to enjoy those delicious leftovers. Whether you prefer it cold or reheated, getting it out of the danger zone is easy with the right method.

The simplest way to reheat pizza is to microwave it with a mug of water beside it, heating in 30-second intervals until hot throughout. Just be aware that microwaving can leave your pizza soft and soggy. If you're using an air fryer, set it to 350°F and cook for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning the outside while warming the inside. For a more traditional method, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the pizza on a foil-lined tray for about 10 minutes.

For the best combination of speed and texture, reheat pizza in a pan on the stove. Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Place your pizza in the pan and let it cook for a few minutes until the bottom crisps up. Then, increase the heat to medium, add one to two tablespoons of water, and cover with a lid. The steam will melt the cheese while keeping the crust crisp.

After about 3 minutes, your pizza should be perfectly reheated and ready to enjoy.