Fall is here! I love this season of crunchy leaves, cozy sweaters, and—of course—casseroles! As the days get shorter and the nights cooler, there’s no better way to bring warmth to your home than with a big, comforting dish straight out of the oven. But what about those delicious leftovers? You know, the ones you look forward to just as much as the original meal? There’s nothing worse than a reheated casserole that’s turned dry and sad.
I got you! I’ve got some super simple tips to help you reheat your casserole leftovers without turning them into a dried-out disaster. So, grab a fork and let’s dive in!
Now you have all the more reason to make extra casseroles just for the purpose of stocking the freezer with leftovers to reheat later.
Best Methods for Reheating Casseroles
1. Reheat a Casserole in the Oven
The oven is your go-to for reheating an entire casserole. It’s the perfect method for when you’re feeding the whole family again or just looking for the original casserole goodness without losing the flavor or texture.
- Let it warm up first: Take the casserole out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before reheating. This way, you won’t shock it with sudden heat.
- Preheat the oven: Around 325°F to 350°F is usually perfect.
- Add a little moisture: If your casserole looks a bit dry (we’ve all been there), drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth along the edges.
- Cover it up: Use foil or a lid to trap in the moisture while it heats.
- Don’t overdo it: You’re just reheating, not baking it all over again. Most casseroles will need about 20 minutes to reach 165°F in the center.
- Get that crunch back: If your casserole has a crispy topping (think breadcrumbs or cheese), take off the foil for the last few minutes or give it a quick broil. Just be sure your dish can handle the broiler!
2. Reheat a Casserole in the Microwave
For those days when you just can’t wait (or when you’re sneaking some leftovers for lunch), the microwave is your best friend. It’s quick and perfect for reheating individual portions.
- Use a microwave-safe dish (because no one wants a melted mess).
- One portion at a time for the best results.
- Loosely cover it: A paper towel or slightly vented plastic wrap will do the trick—no one needs an exploding casserole.
- Heat in intervals: Reheat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. After about 1.5 to 2 minutes, your casserole should be good to go.
- Add some steam: Pop a small bowl of water next to your dish in the microwave. The steam will keep your casserole from drying out and turning into a brick.
3. Reheat a Casserole in the Air Fryer
Did you know your air fryer is more than just a french fry machine? It’s also a casserole-saver! If you’ve got crispy toppings that you want to keep crunchy, the air fryer is worth trying.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Turn it down: Once it’s ready, lower the temp to 325°F so the casserole doesn’t dry out.
- Reheat for 3-5 minutes, and enjoy that crispy, delicious hotdish with its topping still intact!
4. Reheat on the Stovetop
Got smaller portions? The stovetop method is quick and keeps you in control (you know, just in case your casserole tries to get sneaky and dry out on you).
- Heat a little butter or oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add your casserole, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
- If things start looking a bit dry, just splash in some broth or water to help rehydrate it.
5. Reheat on the Grill or BBQ
Just because grilling season is winding down doesn’t mean you can’t use your BBQ for something other than burgers. If your casserole has a crispy topping, the grill is a great way to bring that back without sacrificing the rest of the dish.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover loosely with foil, and let it heat up.
- For that perfect crunch, remove the foil during the last few minutes of grilling.
Proper Storage for Leftover Casseroles
How you store your leftover hotdish plays a huge role in how tasty it’ll be when reheated. Here are some tips to help you store them so they stay fresh and delicious for round two (or three):
| Type of container | Storage location | Reheating Method | Tips: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Pan with cover | Freezer | Oven | Best for reheating entire casseroles. Perfect for gifting casseroles. |
| Ziplock Bag | Freezer or Fridge | All | Best for freezing individual portions. Thaw in the fridge first. |
| Plastic Storage | Fridge | Microwave or Air Fryer | Great for small portions, be mindful of moisture. |
| Original Casserole Pan | Fridge | Oven | Best for reheating the entire leftover casserole. Add a small bowl of water alongside to add moisture. |
Tips for Reheating Frozen Casseroles
Reheating a frozen casserole can take a little extra time and care, but it’s totally worth it.
Thaw for better results: If you can, take the casserole out of the freezer and thaw it in the fridge for 24 hours before reheating. Let it sit on the counter for 30-60 minutes to bring it closer to room temp for even heating.
Oven Method: Preheat the oven and plan for about 1-1.5 hours of reheating time. Cover with foil to retain moisture and heat evenly.
How to Fix a Dry Casserole
Accidentally dried out your hotdish? Don’t worry!
Before reheating, gently stir in a little broth or water. If you can’t stir it, drizzle the liquid around the edges. And when reheating, don’t forget to add that small bowl of water next to the dish—it’ll work wonders to keep it moist.
Common Reheating Mistakes
- Don’t use the slow cooker: It doesn’t reach a safe temperature fast enough, which could be risky.
- Avoid reheating more than once: Each time you reheat, you lose more flavor and texture (and it’s not the safest thing, either).
- Always cover your casserole: Reheating without a cover will dry it out—use foil or a lid to lock in moisture.
- Reheat, don’t re-bake: Overheating can cause your casserole to get gummy or greasy, and no one wants that.
