Yahoo Lifestyle Wait, Can I Reheat a Casserole More than Once?
When my kids see a casserole hit the dinner table, they know to expect to eat the leftovers for the next few days. Casseroles are quick to prepare for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd during the holiday madness. But after dinner, a few questions pop up. Can a casserole be reheated more than once? How long are leftovers safe to eat?
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To make sure that you can focus on the taste of your delicious dish, use this cheat sheet to know exactly how many times you can reheat a casserole and how to tell when it’s the proper temperature, plus some practical tips for freezing casseroles.
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Can You Reheat a Casserole More Than Once?
You can reheat a casserole more than once, but ensure each portion is heated thoroughly to at least 165°. This exact temperature ensures that any disease-causing organisms are killed. Before reheating, leftovers must be properly cooled and stored—this means refrigerating them within two hours of cooking. Stored correctly, leftovers remain safe to eat for 3–4 days in the fridge.
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How Many Times Can You Reheat a Casserole?
Ideally, reheat only the portion you plan to eat. Food safety experts generally recommend that cooks reheat food only once to reduce the risk of bacterial growth and food-borne illnesses, which can occur when food is reheated multiple times. Any repeated reheating can degrade the quality and texture of the dish, so it's best to warm up just what you need.
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Casserole Reheating Tips
Now that we know that casserole portions must reach an internal temperature of at least 165°, how do you know if it’s done? Well, it will be steaming and piping hot. Another tip is to use a food thermometer to test the thickest part of the casserole.
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Casseroles can be reheated in a microwave, oven or stovetop. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) doesn’t recommend reheating food in chafing dishes, slow cookers or steam tables because, as they say, “foods may stay in the "Danger Zone" between 40° and 140° too long. Bacteria multiply rapidly at these temperatures.”
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Casserole Freezing Tips
The great thing about casseroles is how well they keep in the freezer. You can cook a casserole with the express purpose of freezing it or you can freeze leftovers. No matter which option you're going for, cool the casserole thoroughly before labeling it and transferring it to the freezer. You can wrap and freeze freezer-safe baking dishes or transfer smaller portions to heavy duty zip-top bags or airtight containers. Refrigerating it for a few days before freezing may cause the ingredients to become mushy. If you’re considering freezing a casserole for future meals, follow these tips:
Wrap tightly. Avoid freezer burn and keep the air out by using foil, plastic wrap or a freezer-safe container. Even better, wrap the casserole with plastic wrap, then foil.
Divide it up. Divide the casserole into smaller portions before freezing so it's easier to reheat exactly how much you need.
Skip the toppings. To prevent the toppings from getting soggy, add them after reheating.
Reheat properly. To reheat a frozen casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in the microwave. You can also thaw it in cold water, but make sure the container is leakproof container to avoid a soggy dinner. Once the casserole is thawed, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave until steaming.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (the USDA), “cooked foods that cannot be used within four days should be frozen for longer, safe storage. Leftovers are safe in the freezer indefinitely, but they are at best quality for a few months.”
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Our Very Best Thanksgiving Casserole Recipes
Looking for a great casserole recipe for right now or to make and freeze for later? Check out some of our favorites below.
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