From Fridge to Fantastic: Storing Your Ohio Pizza for Reheating
The Afterlife of Great Pizza
There’s something undeniably special about opening a box of Plaza Pizza®. Whether it’s the All The Way, Buffalo Chicken, or All The Meats, each slice is a thin-crust masterpiece served fresh from the oven. But what happens when you can’t finish the whole pie? Should you toss it in the fridge? Freeze it? Eat it cold (gasp!)?
If you love pizza in Ohio, especially from a local favorite like Plaza Pizza®, learning how to store and reheat it the right way means enjoying that same flavor and crunch the next day—without food safety risks. In this guide, we’ll cover how to store your leftovers properly, when to refrigerate vs. freeze, and how to reheat them like a pro.
Why Proper Storage Matters: More Than Just Taste
While Ohio pizza is known for its flavor, storing it properly is essential to avoid foodborne illness. According to the Government of Canada, thousands of people get sick each year due to improper food storage. Reheating yesterday’s dinner isn’t just about taste—it’s about your health.
Poorly stored pizza can:
- Grow harmful bacteria between 40°F–140°F (the “danger zone”)
- Lose texture, becoming soggy or dry
- Absorb odors from the fridge
- Spoil within 48 hours if not refrigerated
Don’t worry—we’ll help you keep your leftovers both delicious and safe.
Step 1: Storing Your Pizza from the Plaza Pizza Menu
Whether you’ve ordered the BLT Pizza or the BBQ Chicken Pizza, follow these steps to properly store your Ohio pizza:
✅ Cool It Quickly
Let the pizza cool slightly at room temperature (no more than 2 hours). Then refrigerate promptly. Leaving food out too long can allow bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria to multiply.
✅ Use Airtight Containers
Transfer your slices into an airtight container or layer them between sheets of wax or parchment paper inside a resealable bag. This prevents moisture loss and fridge odors from seeping in.
✅ Label and Date
If you're putting away several types of pizza, label the container and include the date. This way, you’ll know how long it’s been stored and which toppings to expect.
Step 2: Fridge vs. Freezer – What’s Best?
Knowing when to refrigerate and when to freeze your Ohio pizza can make all the difference in quality and safety.
Refrigeration (Short-Term)
- Best for: Eating within 3–4 days
- Ideal temperature: 4°C / 40°F or colder
- Storage tip: Keep raw meats or seafood in separate compartments to prevent cross-contamination
Freezing (Long-Term)
- Best for: Preserving pizza for up to 2 months
- Ideal temperature: –18°C / 0°F or colder
- Storage tip: Wrap each slice in foil, then seal in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn and preserves texture.
Pro Tip: Plaza Pizza’s thin crust freezes better than deep-dish styles—meaning you’ll retain crispness when you reheat.
Step 3: Reheating Like a Pizza Pro
Reheating leftover pizza in Ohio isn’t rocket science—but it can feel like an art. Here are four reliable methods to restore your slice to glory:
🍕 Skillet Method (Recommended)
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium
- Place your slice crust-side down
- Cover with a lid and cook for 3–5 minutes
- Result: Crispy crust, melty cheese
🔥 Oven Method
- Preheat to 375°F
- Place slices directly on the rack or a baking sheet with foil
- Bake for 8–10 minutes
- Result: Even heat, solid crunch
⚡ Microwave + Skillet Combo
- Microwave slice for 30 seconds on a plate with a damp paper towel
- Transfer to skillet for 2 minutes to re-crisp crust
- Result: Faster, with good texture
❌ Avoid: Microwave Alone
- It often makes crust chewy or soggy
- Cheese may overheat and harden
Safety Tips for Leftover Pizza in Ohio
When enjoying leftover pizza, especially with meat or dairy-based toppings from the Plaza Pizza menu, follow these food safety tips:
❗ Don’t eat pizza that’s been out more than 2 hours
Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.
❗ Only reheat once
Repeated cooling and reheating increases food safety risks.
❗ Ensure a safe internal temperature
Reheated pizza should reach at least 74°C / 165°F.
❗ Store below or away from raw food
Prevent contamination by storing cooked leftovers on upper shelves in your fridge.
How Long Can I Store Pizza?
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3–4 days | Keep in airtight container |
| Freezer | 1–2 months | Wrap tightly in foil and seal in freezer bags |
| Room Temp | Max 2 hours | Then refrigerate or discard |
What About Specialty Pizzas?
Some toppings don’t hold up well over time. Here’s what to know:
- BLT Pizza: Remove lettuce and tomato before storing. Add fresh toppings after reheating.
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Store with extra sauce in a separate container to drizzle after heating.
- Veggie Pizza: Vegetables may release water; dab with a paper towel before reheating.
Each variety on the Plaza Pizza menu can be stored and enjoyed again—just follow the right prep.
The Best Ohio Pizza Deserves the Best Reheat
If you’re craving more than leftovers, you’re not alone. Plaza Pizza® has been serving the best pizza in Ohio for over 50 years with a thin crust that reheats to perfection. With locations in Heath, Newark, and Johnstown, it’s easy to grab a fresh pie any day of the week.
Don’t forget—you can order online or by phone for pickup or delivery, and we also offer rewards for loyal pizza lovers.
🍕 View the Full Plaza Pizza Menu
Love Your Leftovers
Reheating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. When stored properly and reheated with care, your leftover Ohio pizza can taste just as fantastic as the first bite. Whether you’re enjoying All The Meats at midnight or finishing Veggie Pizza for lunch the next day, follow these tips for a fridge-to-fantastic experience.
Got leftovers? Don’t toss them—transform them.
