Everything You Need To Know About Reheating Leftovers

Julie R. Thomson
Updated

There's nothing better than opening your fridge and remembering that you havespaghettileft over from the night before. It's like winning the jackpot, but better because you get to eat itimmediatelyand there's no greater score, if you ask us.

Leftovers can make a quick lunch or give you an excuse to skip cooking dinner. All in all, they're great. That is, until you have to reheat them. So often does an awesome dinner reheat into a sad, sad lunch. And it's all because people haven't done their homework when it comes to heating up leftovers.

We hate to be the ones to tell you this, but you can't just throw yourTupperware of spaghetti in the microwaveand expect it to taste great. Reheating, like cooking, is an art. Some foods reheat quickly and nicely in the microwave, while others require the stove top and a little added oil. And then there are some foods that should absolutely, under no circumstance be reheated EVER. We've outlined it all for you below (mostly because we can't stand the thought of one more person microwaving their leftover pizza).

Eggs

According to the <a href="http://consumerist.com/2014/01/21/how-to-reheat-7-foods-youve-been-reheating-incorrectly-until-now/" target="_blank">Consumerist</a>, you should never, EVER, reheat your eggs. Eat them cold -- they're really good like that anyway -- or don't eat them at all.

Pizza

Whatever you do, stay away from the microwave. The oven isn't a good idea either because it takes too long. Bon Appetit taught us to<a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/cooking-tips/slideshow/how-to-reheat-leftovers/?slide=1" target="_blank"> heat up leftover pizza in a covered hot skillet</a> for 3-4 minutes to obtain the best results.

Soups and stews

Soups were made on the stove and they should be reheated on the stove. Add about <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipes/cooking-tips/thawing-reheating-frozen-food" target="_blank">1/4-1/2 cup of water to prevent scorching</a>.

Muffins

Warm these up in the oven at 350. Be sure to give it enough time to heat all the way through. Most muffins need about <a href="http://consumerist.com/2014/01/21/how-to-reheat-7-foods-youve-been-reheating-incorrectly-until-now/" target="_blank">15 minutes covered</a>, and an additional three uncovered.

Steak

Bon Appetit warns that a <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/cooking-tips/slideshow/how-to-reheat-leftovers/?slide=3" target="_blank">good steak does not get better </a>after a night in the fridge -- but, it can still be good. The best way to reheat steak or chicken is to slice it into small pieces and warm it in an oiled skillet.

Roasted Veggies

There's a motto we like to go by: If it was cooked in the oven, it should be reheated in the oven. While this isn't true 100 percent of the time, when in doubt it's the best way to go. And when it comes to roasted veggies, only the oven will bring them back to their former glory.
There's a motto we like to go by: If it was cooked in the oven, it should be reheated in the oven. While this isn't true 100 percent of the time, when in doubt it's the best way to go. And when it comes to roasted veggies, only the oven will bring them back to their former glory.

Pasta

The microwave does strange things to pasta; the oven tends to dry it out. If you have to reheat your pasta -- guys, it's really tasty cold -- do it in a pan with a little oil.
The microwave does strange things to pasta; the oven tends to dry it out. If you have to reheat your pasta -- guys, it's really tasty cold -- do it in a pan with a little oil.

Casseroles

Reheating casseroles in the microwave is just fine. Be sure to cover it with wax paper with a vent cut into it to allowing the steam to escape.
Reheating casseroles in the microwave is just fine. Be sure to cover it with wax paper with a vent cut into it to allowing the steam to escape.

Coffee

Just drink it hot the first time around, please. If you absolutely must, you can give coffee a couple seconds in the microwave but IT WILL NEVER TASTE THE SAME.
Just drink it hot the first time around, please. If you absolutely must, you can give coffee a couple seconds in the microwave but IT WILL NEVER TASTE THE SAME.

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