Can You Freeze Pizza?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against Food Standards Agency (FSA) / NHS · Last updated 28 October 2026
Yes, you can freeze pizza. Best quality within 1–2 months; it stays safe beyond that at a constant -18°C.
What freezing does to pizza
Leftover pizza is a cooked, cooled product with a dry base and melted cheese, and FoodKeeper gives it just 1–2 months in the freezer. Shop-bought frozen pizza is listed separately at 12 months: it is made and frozen fresh and kept at -18°C throughout (keep frozen, cook as directed). The practical rule is to freeze leftover slices within 2 hours of serving, wrap them individually, and reheat from frozen until piping hot. A pizza that sat out overnight goes in the bin, not the freezer. FoodKeeper gives pizza a best-quality freezer window of 1–2 months. For comparison, the same database gives plain cooked chicken 4 months, cooked pasta 1–2 months, cooked rice 1 month.
You can also check the calorie content of pizza alongside its safety information.
Pizza and similar leftovers compared
| Food | Fridge | Freezer (best quality) |
|---|---|---|
| Leftover cooked pizza | Up to 2 days | 1–2 months |
| Quiche | Up to 2 days | 2–3 months |
| Cooked pasta | Up to 2 days | 1–2 months |
| Meat-based leftovers | Up to 2 days | 2–3 months |
How to freeze pizza
- Cool leftover pizza fully and freeze it within 2 hours of serving.
- Wrap slices individually in baking paper or foil, then put them in a freezer bag with the air pressed out.
- Freeze for up to 1–2 months for best quality.
- Reheat from frozen in a hot oven or a dry frying pan with a lid until the cheese bubbles and the middle is piping hot (75°C).
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More freezer essentials
Pizza next to similar foods
| Food | Freezer window |
|---|---|
| Cooked Rice | 1 month |
| Cooked Pasta | 1–2 months |
| Cooked Vegetables | 1–2 months |
| Pizza | 1–2 months |
| Gravy | 2–3 months |
Of the 16 cooked-dish and leftover foods in the freezing guide, pizza has a best-quality window that is longer than 1, equal to 2 and shorter than 12.
Pizza: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Safe |
| In the fridge | Up to 2 days in the fridge |
| Reheating | Yes — if stored properly |
| Left out overnight | No — throw it away (limit about 2 h) |
Common questions
How long can you freeze pizza?
For best quality, up to 1–2 months (USDA FoodKeeper). It stays safe beyond that, because bacteria cannot grow at a constant -18°C; the time limit is about taste and texture, not safety. Label the pack with the date so you can use the oldest first.
How should I freeze pizza?
Cool it fast (spread it in shallow containers, within an hour or two), then freeze in portion-sized containers or flat bags. Leave a gap at the top for expansion in liquids, and label with the dish and date.
How do I defrost pizza?
In the fridge overnight, or in the microwave on the defrost setting if you will eat it straight away. Reheat once until piping hot throughout (75°C); bring soups and sauces to a full simmer.
Can you refreeze pizza?
Not once defrosted, other than by cooking it into a new dish first. Freeze in portions so you only reheat what you will eat.
Fridge or freezer for pizza?
The fridge window for pizza is up to 2 days (FSA/NHS). If you are not going to finish it inside that window, freeze it while it is still fresh, ideally in the first day or two, since freezing only pauses the clock and anything frozen late goes in with less life left.
Is pizza with freezer burn safe to eat?
Yes. Freezer burn is dried-out, greyish patches where air has reached the surface; it affects texture and flavour, not safety (USDA). Cut away badly affected areas if you like, and prevent it by wrapping tightly and pressing out the air.
Is shop-bought frozen pizza different to freezing leftover pizza?
Yes. FoodKeeper lists frozen shop-bought pizza at 12 months (keep it frozen and cook it as directed), but leftover cooked pizza at only 1–2 months, because the base dries out and the toppings change texture once cooked, cooled and frozen.
Can I freeze pizza that was left out overnight?
No: pizza with cheese and meat toppings is a perishable food and should be thrown away after more than 2 hours at room temperature (see our page on pizza left out overnight). Only freeze it within 2 hours of serving.
What is the best way to reheat frozen pizza?
From frozen, in a hot oven or a dry frying pan with a lid, until the cheese bubbles and the middle is steaming hot (75°C). The microwave is safe but leaves the base soft.
Can I freeze homemade pizza dough or an unbaked pizza?
Dough freezes well for about a month before the yeast weakens; unbaked topped pizza can be frozen on a tray and then wrapped. Cook it from frozen, adding a few minutes.
Related answers
Primary source: Food Standards Agency (FSA) / NHS.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.