Can You Reheat Pizza?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against FSA/NHS reheating guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
Yes — leftover pizza reheats safely once (if it was refrigerated within 2 hours). A hot pan or oven beats the microwave for the crust.
What makes it safe (or not)
Reheating leftover pizza is safe under the same rules as home-cooked food — the catch is that takeaway food has already been cooked, transported and left out while you ate, so its safe window is partly used up. If it was refrigerated within 2 hours of delivery, you can reheat once until piping hot. If the containers sat out all evening or overnight, throw them away. Rice dishes deserve extra caution: refrigerate within 1 hour and eat within 24 hours.
You can also check the calorie content of pizza alongside its safety information.
Pizza reheating methods compared
| Method | Crisp base? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | Yes | Place on a hot baking tray; wait until the cheese bubbles and the middle is steaming hot |
| Frying pan with a lid | Yes | Dry pan, medium heat; the lid melts the cheese while the base crisps |
| Air fryer | Yes | Fast; cut slices to fit and check the centre |
| Microwave | No | Quickest, but the base goes soft |
Every method is safe provided the pizza was refrigerated within 2 hours and the middle reaches 75°C. Pizza left out overnight goes in the bin.
How to reheat pizza safely
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of the food arriving (1 hour for rice dishes).
- Eat within 1–2 days (24 hours for rice).
- Reheat in the oven, pan or microwave until piping hot all the way through — 75°C (165°F). Stir rice and noodle dishes halfway.
- Eat immediately; never reheat takeaway leftovers twice.
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Microwave plate cover
Traps steam so food heats evenly — the main cause of cold spots is dry heating.
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Shallow, microwave-safe portions cool faster and reheat more evenly.
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More kitchen essentials
Oven thermometer
Oven temperatures drift — a thermometer keeps cooking accurate.
Check Price →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 |
| In the freezer | Yes — freezes well (best quality for 1–2 months) |
| Left out overnight | No — throw it away (limit about 2 h) |
Common questions
Can you reheat pizza that was left out overnight?
No — throw it away. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature, and some produce toxins that reheating can't destroy. No reheat can rescue food left out overnight.
What is the best way to reheat pizza?
Reheat in a hot oven on a baking tray, or in a dry frying pan with a lid, or in an air fryer, until the cheese bubbles and the middle is steaming hot (75°C). The microwave is safe but leaves the base soft.
Can you reheat pizza twice?
No — once only. Portion out what you'll eat and leave the rest chilled.
How long do pizza leftovers last in the fridge?
1–2 days, assuming they were refrigerated promptly. Rice-based dishes: 24 hours.
Is the microwave OK for pizza?
Yes — it's the standard method. Cover the food, stir halfway, and make sure the centre is steaming hot before eating.
Can I freeze pizza instead of reheating it?
Yes. Cooled promptly and frozen in portions, it keeps for around 1–2 months for best quality (USDA FoodKeeper), and stays safe beyond that. Defrost in the fridge, then reheat once until piping hot. See our freezing guide for the details.
Can you reheat pizza that has been in the fridge for 3 days?
NHS/FSA advice is to eat cooked leftovers within 2 days, and the USDA's more generous figure for cooked pizza is 3–4 days. If in doubt, don't.
Can you reheat pizza in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe if the middle is steaming hot, but the base goes soft. An oven, air fryer or a dry frying pan with a lid gives a crisper result.
Can I reheat pizza that was left out overnight?
No. Pizza with cheese and meat is a perishable food, and reheating is not a reliable fix for bacteria that grew overnight. See our page on pizza left out overnight.
Related answers
Primary source: FSA/NHS reheating guidance.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.