All About Pizza crust
Your complete guide to pizza crust - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Pizza crust Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for pizza crust in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened shelf-stable (pantry)Follow 'Best By' date, typically 2-4 weeks beyond purchase, or several months for some vacuum-sealed varieties.
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (fuzzy spots, various colors), strong off-odor (sour, yeasty, alcoholic), unusually hard or brittle texture, discoloration.
How to Check
Visually inspect the packaging and crust for any signs of mold. Perform a sniff test for any unpleasant or sour smells. Touch the crust to check for unusual hardness or stickiness.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Keep the package intact until ready to use.
opened shelf-stable (fridge)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold, sour or off-smell, overly dry and brittle texture, or a slimy feel.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any mold growth. Perform a sniff test for any sour, musty, or unpleasant odors. Touch the crust to check if it feels slimy or unusually dry and hard.
Storage Tips
To extend freshness, reseal the unused crust tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or an airtight container to prevent drying out and absorbing fridge odors.
unopened refrigerated dough (fridge)Follow 'Use By' date on package, typically 1-2 weeks from purchase.
Signs of Spoilage
Package swelling (due to excessive yeast activity/gas production), strong sour or alcoholic smell, noticeable discoloration (e.g., gray, pink, or green spots), excessively sticky or slimy texture.
How to Check
Check the packaging for any signs of puffiness or swelling. Perform a sniff test for a strong, off-putting sour or alcohol-like odor. Visually inspect the dough for any unusual color changes or mold. Touch the dough (if accessible without opening) to feel for stickiness or sliminess.
Storage Tips
Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Do not freeze raw dough unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer, as it can alter the texture and yeast activity.
opened refrigerated dough (fridge)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Accelerated development of strong sour/alcoholic smell, significant discoloration, excessive stickiness or sliminess, or visible mold growth.
How to Check
Perform a sniff test immediately after opening for any strong, unpleasant odors. Visually inspect the dough for discoloration or mold. Touch the dough to check for an overly sticky or slimy texture.
Storage Tips
It's best to use opened refrigerated dough immediately. If not, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container to prevent drying out and further spoilage. The quality will rapidly decline.
unopened frozen crust/dough (freezer)Up to 3-6 months past 'Best By' date, if kept consistently frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Quality may decline after this period.
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (large ice crystals, dry/discolored patches on the crust/dough), strong off-odor once thawed, or mold (if improperly thawed and refrozen).
How to Check
Visually inspect the package and crust/dough for signs of heavy freezer burn. Once thawed, perform a sniff test for any unusual or off-putting smells. The texture might be compromised if severely freezer-burned.
Storage Tips
Keep in original, sealed packaging. Ensure your freezer temperature is consistently maintained at or below 0°F (-18°C). Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or according to package instructions.
opened frozen crust/dough (freezer)1-3 months
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to unopened frozen, but accelerated freezer burn if not re-sealed properly. Dry, tough texture, or off-flavors once thawed and cooked.
How to Check
Visually inspect any unused portions for freezer burn. After thawing, perform a sniff test for off-odors.
Storage Tips
To preserve quality, re-wrap any unused crusts or dough tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and absorption of freezer odors.
cooked pizza crust (fridge)3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (fuzzy spots, various colors), sour, musty, or rancid smell, slimy or excessively dry/hard texture.
How to Check
Visually inspect the crust for any signs of mold growth. Perform a sniff test for any unpleasant or off-odors. Touch the crust to check if it feels slimy or unusually dry and hard.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap/foil to prevent drying out and absorbing fridge odors. For best quality and safety, reheat leftover pizza thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).