Nobody wants to be eating leftover pizza for days on end after the initial meal. While pizza is often too good to part with, what to do with leftover pizza can sometimes be difficult to determine.
Throwing out perfectly good pizza seems wasteful, so finding new ways to repurpose those leftovers is important. This blog post will provide several tasty ideas and recipes for putting leftover pizza slices or whole pies to good use.
With a few simple tricks, your leftover pizza can be transformed into all-new dishes from breakfast sandwiches to salad toppings.
What Is Leftover Pizza?
Leftover pizza is simply pizza that wasn’t eaten or finished in one sitting and has been kept for consumption at a later time.
Despite the negative connotation often associated with “leftovers”, many people find that pizza, in particular, can taste even better the next day. This could be due to the flavors melding together and intensifying over time.
The texture might change, with the crust becoming chewier and the toppings a bit more rich. With proper storage, leftover pizza can be safely consumed for a few days, making it a convenient quick meal.
What To Do With Leftover Pizza?
Now, let me tell you what to deal with leftover pizza. By reading the list below, you can create many dishes for your loved ones.
1. Reheat Pizza The Right Way
While the microwave might be the quickest method, it often results in a soggy mess. Instead, try reheating your pizza in a skillet.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add your slice. Allow it to cook for a couple of minutes, then add a few drops of water to the pan (away from the pizza) and cover it.
The steam will help melt the cheese and restore the pizza to its original glory. Make sure not to overdo it to prevent your pizza from burning. Enjoy your slice as if it was freshly delivered!
2. Have Pizza For Breakfast
There’s something unapologetically fun about having pizza for breakfast, and with a few tweaks, you can turn it into a balanced meal.
Take your slice of leftover pizza and crack an egg over the top, then bake it in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F. The egg adds a good source of protein, turning your slice into a more nutritious breakfast.
Alternatively, you could transform your pizza into a breakfast casserole by layering slices in a baking dish, pouring over whisked eggs, and topping it with cheese. Bake until the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbling.
3. Add Pizza To Your Soup Or Salad
Adding leftover pizza to your soup or salad might seem unconventional, but it’s a fantastic way to revamp your meal.
For soup, tear up a slice into bite-sized pieces and add it to the crust will act like croutons, absorbing the broth and the toppings will impart a unique flavor. Similarly, in a salad, you can chop the pizza into smaller pieces and toss it in.
Pizza with fresh veggies, crisp lettuce, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction can bring a delightful twist to your standard salad. Just remember to balance the ingredients to avoid overpowering the fresh produce.
4. Make Pizza Fries
Pizza fries are a fun and tasty way to give a second life to your leftover slices. Start by cutting your pizza into thin strips and arrange them on a baking tray, making sure they do not overlap.
Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until they turn crispy. Take out the tray and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella or cheddar, then return it to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve your pizza fries with marinara sauce for dipping. It’s an innovative and easy snack certain to impress!
5. Build a Pizza Kebab
Pizza kebabs are a fun, easy-to-make snack that everyone will love. Begin by cutting your leftover pizza into small, bite-sized squares.
Slide these onto wooden skewers, alternating with pieces of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or red onions.
Brush the kebabs lightly with olive oil and place them on a preheated grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook until the vegetables are tender and the pizza pieces are heated through, turning occasionally to ensure even grilling. Enjoy your pizza kebabs hot off the grill for a delightful twist to your usual leftover pizza experience.
6. Make Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls are a great way to repurpose leftover pizza into a bite-sized delight. Start by cutting your pizza slices into two halves.
Place a mozzarella cheese stick at one end of the half slice, and roll the pizza around the cheese stick. Secure the roll with a toothpick if needed. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place your pizza rolls on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch them carefully to avoid any cheese spillage. These pizza rolls are perfect for a quick snack or a fun appetizer at a party!
7. Stick Pizza In a Waffle Iron
Sticking leftover pizza in a waffle iron is an innovative and delicious method to enjoy your slices in a whole new way.
Start by folding your pizza slice in half, with the toppings facing inward. Preheat your waffle iron, then place the folded pizza inside. Close the lid and let it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the crust becomes crispy and the cheese is melting.
Be careful not to overcook it to prevent the toppings from burning. The result is a delightful pizza pocket with a crispy waffled exterior and a gooey, piping-hot interior.
Enjoy your pizza waffle as is, or dip it in marinara sauce for an added flavor punch.
8. Freeze Slices For Another Day
Freezing leftover pizza for another day is a great way to ensure you always have a quick meal at hand.
Start by wrapping individual pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap, making sure all areas are covered to prevent freezer burn. For added protection, you can then place the wrapped slices in a zip-top freezer bag.
Label the bag with the date for reference. When you’re ready to enjoy your pizza, preheat your oven to 375°F.
Unwrap the frozen slice and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy.
9. Toast Avocados With The Crust
Toasting avocados with a leftover pizza crust is a unique and nutritious way to use up the remaining slices. Begin by scraping off the toppings from your pizza slice and cut the crust into small, bite-sized pieces.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. On a baking tray, lay out the crust pieces and thin avocado slices, then sprinkle them with a bit of salt and pepper. Toast them in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the avocados are heated through.
Enjoy the blend of the buttery avocado and the crunchy pizza crust for an unexpected, wholesome snack.
Need more ideas for reuse leftover pizza, please watch the video below!
How Long Is It Okay To Eat Leftover Pizza?
After discovering what to do with leftover pizza, you surely want to know how long it’s safe to eat it because no one wants to get food poisoning from their favorite meal.
Actually, leftover pizza can be safely consumed up to 3 or 4 days after purchase, as long as it has been stored properly in the refrigerator. To ensure food safety, always refrigerate your leftover pizza within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing it.
When reheating pizza, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming. However, if your leftover pizza has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it is best to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
If you have a large amount of leftover pizza that you won’t be able to consume within a few days, consider freezing it for later use. Frozen pizza can last up to 1 or 2 months in the freezer.
Just remember to always follow proper food safety guidelines and use your best judgment before consuming any leftover food.
Which Method Of Storing Leftover Pizza Is The Best?
You’ve known clearly what to do with leftover pizza. Now, I will provide you with 2 effective methods to maintain the best condition of pizza.
1. Stack In a Resealable Bag
The easiest method to store leftover pizza is to stack it in a resealable bag. Simply place a piece of wax or parchment paper between each slice, then stack them on top of each other in a large resealable bag.
This method not only saves space in your refrigerator but also makes it easy to take out individual slices as needed. Remember to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag to keep the pizza fresher for longer.
2. Layer and Wrap Tightly In Plastic Wrap
Another efficient way to store leftover pizza is to layer it and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place a slice on the plastic wrap, add a layer of wax or parchment paper, then place another slice on top.
Repeat until all slices are stacked, then wrap tightly, ensuring no air is trapped. This method keeps the pizza fresh and makes it easy to reheat one slice at a time.
Do Different Toppings Affect How Long Pizza Lasts?
Absolutely! Certain toppings can greatly affect the shelf life of pizza. For example, dairy and meat toppings such as cheese, sausage, and pepperoni can spoil quickly if not stored properly.
Meanwhile, vegetarian toppings like vegetables and fruits tend to last longer. This is because they have a high water content which helps keep them fresh.
Additionally, more perishable toppings like seafood and chicken should be consumed within 2-3 days of purchasing or cooking, while heartier toppings like onions and peppers can last up to 4-5 days.
Consider the types of toppings on your pizza when deciding how long it will stay fresh in the refrigerator.
How Do You Prevent Leftover Pizza From Drying Out?
Leftover pizza can often become dry and unappetizing if not stored properly. To prevent this, here are a few tips:
1. Wrap leftover pizza in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to seal in moisture.
2. Place a damp paper towel on top of the pizza slices before reheating to add some moisture back into the crust.
3. Add a small cup of water in the microwave when reheating pizza to create steam and prevent it from drying out.
4. If using a toaster oven or regular oven, place a small dish of water on the rack below the pizza while reheating. This will also help keep the crust from getting too crispy.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your leftover pizza stays moist and delicious for days to come. So don’t let any leftover slices go to waste and get creative with these methods for enjoying your pizza in new ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what to do with leftover pizza need not be a conundrum anymore. With methods ranging from proper storage to transforming it into creative, nutritious snacks, you can ensure every slice is enjoyed to the last bite.
Remember, the key lies in proper storage that curbs bacterial growth and maintains the pizza’s freshness. So, next time you are faced with the delicious dilemma of leftover pizza, recall these tips and ensure each slice gets the appreciation it deserves.