Do you need to refrigerate left over pizza?

Yes, leftover pizza should be refrigerated. Pizza contains perishable ingredients such as cheese, meat, and vegetables, which can quickly spoil at room temperature. Refrigerating leftover pizza helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and keeps the pizza safe to eat for longer.

Leftover pizza should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking or the last time it was at room temperature. When storing pizza in the refrigerator, it is best to place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods. Properly refrigerated pizza can be kept for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating leftover pizza, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria. This can be done by reheating the pizza in a preheated oven, toaster oven, or microwave until the cheese is melted and the pizza is thoroughly heated through.