Deli & Prepared Foods
How long does cooked rice last in the fridge?
Cooked rice keeps 4–6 days in the fridge — but only if it went in promptly, not after an afternoon on the stove.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge | 4–6 days |
|---|---|
| Freezer | 6 months |
Can you freeze cooked rice? YES, FREEZE IT →
Can it sit out?
Cooked rice is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if cooked rice has gone bad
- A sour or funky smell instead of plain starch
- Slimy or gummy grains
- Any spot of mold — one spot condemns the container
When in doubt, throw it out.
Cool rice fast: spread it shallow in the container so the fridge can pull it out of the danger zone quickly.
Quick answers
How long does cooked rice last in the fridge?
Cooked rice keeps 4–6 days in the fridge — but only if it went in promptly, not after an afternoon on the stove.
Can you freeze cooked rice?
Cooked rice freezes well for 6 months — flat bags, fast cooling, and it reheats fluffier than day-three fridge rice.
How long can cooked rice sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to cooked rice. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).