Totino’s pizza rolls are a popular frozen snack that can be quickly baked or microwaved for an easy meal or appetizer. They come frozen in a bag and have a shelf life of around 6 months in the freezer. But what if you don’t eat the whole bag at once? Can you safely refreeze leftover Totino’s pizza rolls?
The Short Answer
Yes, you can safely refreeze leftover Totino’s pizza rolls, as long as you follow a few guidelines. The most important factor is making sure the pizza rolls are handled and stored properly after initially being cooked. As long as they haven’t been left out at room temperature for an extended period of time, and are quickly cooled and frozen, the pizza rolls can be refrozen for future use.
Guidelines for Refreezing Totino’s Pizza Rolls
Here are some key tips to follow for safely refreezing leftover pizza rolls:
- Refreeze pizza rolls within 2 hours of initially cooking them. Don’t leave them sitting out at room temperature any longer.
- Quickly cool the leftover pizza rolls prior to freezing. Spread them out in a single layer on a sheet pan or plate and place in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.
- Transfer the cooled pizza rolls to an airtight container or freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly.
- Label the container with the contents and refreeze date. Use within 1-2 months for best quality.
- Avoid refreezing pizza rolls more than once. The texture will become mushy with repeated thawing and freezing.
Why Can Totino’s Pizza Rolls Be Refrozen?
Pizza rolls can safely be refrozen because they are a commercially prepared frozen food that has been processed for extended freezer storage. Here’s why it works:
- They contain preservatives that help maintain quality during frozen storage.
- The filling is sealed inside the thick outer crust layer, protecting it from air exposure.
- They have a low moisture content, which prevents excessive ice crystal formation.
- The breading helps prevent the filling from drying out in the freezer.
As long as you handle the leftover pizza rolls properly after cooking, these protective qualities allow them to be refrozen without much loss in texture or flavor.
How Long Do Refrozen Pizza Rolls Last?
Refrozen Totino’s pizza rolls will maintain best quality for:
- 1-2 months in a home freezer at 0°F or below
- 2-3 weeks in a self-defrosting freezer kept at 10-15°F
Properly stored refrozen pizza rolls remain safe to eat beyond these times, but the texture may become more soggy. It’s best to eat refrozen pizza rolls within the recommended storage times for optimal freshness.
Thawing and Reheating Refrozen Pizza Rolls
To thaw and reheat refrozen pizza rolls:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave on defrost setting.
- For oven baking, spread on a sheet pan and bake at 400°F for 5 minutes.
- For microwaving, microwave individual rolls on a plate for 20-30 seconds.
- Eat immediately once reheated. Don’t leave them sitting out.
The pizza rolls may have a slightly different texture after refreezing, but should still taste good. Let them thaw thoroughly before reheating so they don’t get too soggy.
Food Safety Tips
To keep refrozen pizza rolls safe, follow these food safety guidelines:
- Never refreeze pizza rolls that have been left out at room temperature for over 2 hours.
- Don’t refreeze pizza rolls more than once. Discard if they’ve been thawed and refrozen before.
- Store in sealed airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
- Use refrozen pizza rolls within recommended storage times (1-2 months maximum).
- Look for signs of spoilage like off smells, colors, or textures before eating.
Visual Guide to Refreezing Pizza Rolls
| Step | Image |
|---|---|
| 1. Cool cooked pizza rolls | |
| 2. Transfer to airtight container | |
| 3. Label and freeze | |
| 4. Thaw before reheating |
Benefits of Refreezing Pizza Rolls
Some benefits of refreezing pizza rolls include:
- Reduces food waste – use up leftovers instead of throwing them out
- More economical – get more mileage from your frozen food purchase
- Saves time – no need to freshly make snacks or meals
- Provides convenience – easy freezer meal ready when you need it
Potential Drawbacks
Some potential drawbacks of refreezing pizza rolls:
- Texture may become mushier with each refreeze
- May lose some flavor/quality after defrosting
- Have to use them up within 1-2 months
- Risk of foodborne illness if not handled properly
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you store and reheat previously frozen pizza rolls?
To store and reheat previously frozen pizza rolls:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave defrost setting.
- For oven baking, spread on a sheet pan and bake at 400°F for 4-5 minutes.
- For microwaving, microwave individual rolls on a plate for 15-20 seconds.
- Eat immediately after reheating and don’t leave sitting out.
Can you refreeze pizza rolls after thawing?
Yes, pizza rolls can safely be refrozen after thawing as long as they were thawed properly in the fridge and haven’t been left out at room temperature for over 2 hours. Refreeze immediately in an airtight container.
What happens if you refreeze pizza rolls twice?
Refreezing pizza rolls twice is not recommended. The texture will likely become very soggy and mushy after thawing the second time. The filling may also separate from the crust. For best quality, only refreeze Totino’s pizza rolls once.
How long do thawed pizza rolls last in the fridge?
Properly thawed Totino’s pizza rolls will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them covered in the fridge. Reheat thoroughly before eating refrigerated pizza rolls.
Can you eat expired frozen pizza rolls?
It’s not recommended to eat frozen pizza rolls after their expiration date. The flavor, texture, and safety may be compromised. For best quality, use frozen pizza rolls within the date printed on the bag.
Do pizza rolls need to be thawed before microwaving?
It’s best to thaw frozen pizza rolls before microwaving to prevent uneven cooking. Microwaving from frozen can result in hot centers and cold dough. Thaw first for a more evenly reheated snack.
Conclusion
With proper handling, Totino’s pizza rolls can safely be refrozen after initially cooking them. Allow them to cool quickly, store in airtight packaging, and use within 1-2 months for best quality. Following food safety guidelines will reduce the risk of illness when refreezing pizza rolls. Overall, refreezing is a great way to reduce waste and save time when craving this tasty convenient snack.