Your complete guide to premade pizza crust - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
Storage times and freshness tips for premade 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.
Visible mold (even small spots), strong sour or yeasty/fermented smell, slimy or very sticky surface, hard and dry edges, rubbery texture.
Visually inspect carefully for any mold growth, especially on edges or folds. Smell for any off-odors. Gently touch for sliminess or excessive stickiness. If it feels hard and dry, it's stale and quality will be poor, though it might still be safe for a short period.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place in an airtight container to prevent drying out and absorption of refrigerator odors. Use as quickly as possible for best quality.
Visible mold (green, white, black fuzzy spots), unusual discoloration (dark spots not part of the crust), sour or fermented odor, swollen or puffed-up packaging (indicating gas production from microbial growth).
Inspect the packaging for any signs of damage or swelling. Visually check the crust through the packaging (if clear) or immediately after opening for mold or discoloration. Smell for any off-odors upon opening.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. High humidity can shorten shelf life. Do not store near strong-smelling foods as the crust can absorb odors.
Visible mold, strong sour or yeasty/fermented smell, slimy or excessively sticky texture, hard and dry edges.
Visually inspect for any mold growth. Smell for any off-odors (sour, pungent, alcoholic). Gently touch the crust for sliminess or unusual stickiness. If it's hard and dry, it's likely stale.
Keep in its original sealed packaging. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Do not freeze if the product states it should not be refrozen.
Significant freezer burn (large ice crystals, dry, discolored patches on the crust), off-smell upon thawing, changes in texture (crumbly or mushy) after thawing.
Visually check for excessive ice crystals or freezer burn through the packaging. After thawing, smell for any sour or unpleasant odors before use.
Keep tightly sealed in original packaging to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours before use. Do not refreeze after thawing.
Freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), off-smell upon thawing, changes in texture (crumbly or mushy) after thawing.
Visually check for freezer burn. After thawing, smell for any sour or unpleasant odors. Note that quality may degrade faster than unopened frozen crusts.
Wrap individual crusts tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn and extend quality. Label with the date of freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.