How To Freeze Pizza

We’ve all been there: you order a pizza, indulge in a few mouthwatering slices, but can’t quite manage to finish it all.

Now, you’re left with half a pizza and the dilemma of what to do with the leftovers. There’s a simple solution that can help you avoid waste and provide a tasty snack for later – freezing your pizza! Yes, that’s right.

You can store those leftovers in the freezer and reheat them when you’re ready, retaining much of their original flavor and texture. Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to freeze and reheat pizza like a pro.

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How To Freeze Pizza

Before you throw your remaining slices into the freezer, you need to ensure that they’re prepped properly. Freezing pizza correctly is crucial to maintain its texture, flavor, and overall quality.

Cool Down

First and foremost, let your pizza cool down at room temperature. However, don’t leave it sitting out for more than two hours to avoid any food safety concerns.

Check out my post on how long pizza can sit out to learn more about why it shouldn’t be left out longer than two hours.

Wrap it Up

Once the pizza has cooled, wrap each slice individually. Wrapping each piece will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors from other items in your freezer or worse, sticking to each other.

Use high-quality plastic wrap, then add an extra layer of aluminum foil for extra protection.

Not all pizzas are created equal, and the freezing process might slightly vary depending on the type of pizza you have. Here’s a handy guide for you:

Type of Pizza	Special Instructions
Thin Crust	No special instruction. Just follow the basic steps.
Deep Dish	Because of its thickness, make sure it’s cooled thoroughly before freezing.
Stuffed Crust	Consider separating the crust and the rest of the slice before freezing, as the stuffed crust can become soggy.

How To Freeze Homemade Pizza Dough and Sauce

If you’ve got a bit of a chef inside you, chances are you’ll have some homemade pizza dough and sauce left over after your pizza-making extravaganza. Here’s how you can freeze both:

Pizza Dough

1. After kneading the dough, divide it into the sizes you typically use for one pizza.
2. Form each portion into a ball, and lightly coat it with oil to prevent it from drying out.
3. Wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap, then foil or place it in a resealable freezer bag.

Pizza Sauce

1. Let the sauce cool completely.
2. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top as the sauce will expand when frozen.
3. Seal tightly and label with the date.

For some great ideas on topping combinations for your homemade pizza, check out these top 20!

Best Way To Defrost And Reheat Pizza

When it’s time to bring your pizza back to life, the thawing and reheating process is just as important as the freezing process. Here are the two methods you can use:

Refrigerator Thawing

This method is best if you plan ahead:

1. Remove the pizza from the freezer and keep it in the fridge for around 12 hours.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the pizza on a baking sheet.
3. Reheat for about 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling.

Direct Oven Reheating

For those last-minute pizza cravings:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the frozen pizza slice on a baking sheet.
3. Heat for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling

For a more in-depth guide, check out my post on how to reheat pizza in the oven which offers more tips.

Remember to always check that your pizza is thoroughly heated before eating! You can also reheat your pizza in the air fryer for a crispier crust.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a complete guide on how to freeze pizza and bring it back to its original glory! So the next time you have leftover pizza, think twice before considering it a waste.

Properly freezing your slices ensures that you can enjoy a bite of pizza anytime you want. With a little preparation and a bit of patience, you can transform your pizza-eating experience.