28 Best Foods That Reheat Well for Delicious Leftovers
Finding foods that reheat well can make your busy life easier and tastier. Whether you’re packing lunch for work or heating up dinner for the family, knowing which dishes maintain their flavor and texture is key. From comforting casseroles to savory stir-fries, certain meals just taste better the next day.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of delicious options that reheat beautifully, ensuring your leftovers are something to look forward to. Say goodbye to soggy or dry reheats and hello to convenient, flavorful meals!
28 Foods That Reheat Well
1. Meatballs
Meatballs, whether served with pasta, in a sub, or on their own, reheat well without losing their juiciness. To reheat, place them in a covered dish with some sauce and bake in the oven, or use the microwave. This method helps keep the meatballs moist and flavorful, ensuring they taste just as good as when freshly made.
2. Bean Dishes
Bean dishes, such as black bean soup, baked beans, or bean chili, reheat exceptionally well. The flavors continue to develop, making them even more delicious. To reheat, use the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the beans have thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain the creamy texture.
3. Casseroles
Casseroles, such as cheesy broccoli casserole, hearty shepherd’s pie, and comforting tuna noodle bake, are excellent for reheating. These dishes are typically made with ingredients that meld together beautifully over time. To reheat, cover the casserole and warm it in the oven until it’s heated through. This method helps maintain the dish’s original texture and flavor.
4. Soups and Stews
Soups and stews, like chicken noodle soup, beef stew, and chili, often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Reheat these dishes gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. The added bonus is that soups and stews are generally very easy to portion out for future meals.
5. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, maintain their flavor and texture well when reheated. To reheat, use the oven or a toaster oven to bring them back to their crispy, caramelized state. You can also quickly reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop to preserve their roasted goodness.
6. Grilled Meats
Grilled meats such as chicken breasts, steak, and pork chops reheat well without becoming too dry if done correctly. To retain moisture, reheat them in the oven wrapped in foil or in a skillet with a bit of broth or water. This method helps to avoid overcooking and keeps the meat tender and flavorful.
7. Pizza
Pizza is a classic leftover that reheats beautifully. For the best results, use an oven or a skillet to bring back the crispy crust and melty cheese. Avoid the microwave as it can make the crust soggy. If you’re in a hurry, a toaster oven works wonders too. Reheating pizza properly ensures that it tastes just as good, if not better, than when it was first made.
8. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a versatile and hearty option that reheat well. Whether topped with cheese, sour cream, or chives, they retain their fluffy interior and crispy skin. To reheat, wrap them in foil and place them in the oven, or cut them in half and microwave them until warm. This method ensures they stay moist and flavorful.
9. Stir-Fries
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Stir-fries are quick and easy meals that reheat beautifully. Dishes like vegetable stir-fry, chicken stir-fry, or beef stir-fry maintain their vibrant flavors and textures. To reheat, use a skillet or wok over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or water to keep everything moist. This way, the veggies stay crisp and the meat tender.
10. Quiche and Frittatas
Quiches and frittatas are excellent for reheating, making them perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These egg-based dishes, filled with vegetables, cheese, and meats, reheat well in the oven or microwave. Simply cover them with foil to prevent the edges from drying out and bake until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
11. Chili
Chili is a hearty dish that only improves with time as the flavors meld together. Whether it’s a classic beef chili, turkey chili, or vegetarian chili, it reheats well on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick. Enjoy with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños.
12. Baked Pasta Dishes
Baked pasta dishes, such as ziti, manicotti, and stuffed shells, reheat wonderfully. The combination of pasta, sauce, and cheese melds together perfectly over time. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven until hot and bubbly. This method helps maintain the creamy texture and ensures the cheese is melty and delicious.
13. Burritos and Enchiladas
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Burritos and enchiladas are packed with flavorful ingredients that reheat well, making them ideal for meal prep. These dishes can be reheated in the oven, covered with foil to keep the tortillas soft, or in the microwave for a quicker option. Adding a bit of salsa or sauce before reheating helps keep them moist and adds extra flavor.
14. Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that reheats excellently. The combination of ground meat, seasonings, and a savory glaze tastes even better the next day. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and warm it in the oven covered with foil or use the microwave. This method keeps the meatloaf juicy and flavorful, perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish.
15. Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is a flavorful dish that reheats very well, retaining its tender texture and rich taste. To reheat, place the pulled pork in a covered dish with a splash of barbecue sauce or broth to keep it moist. Heat it in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Pulled pork is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a standalone main dish.
16. Lasagna
Lasagna is a quintessential comfort food that tastes even better when reheated. The layers of pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and melted cheese meld together beautifully. To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and bake in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly. This method helps maintain the dish’s structure and ensures the cheese is perfectly melty.
17. Shepherd’s Pie
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Shepherd’s pie, with its layers of savory meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, reheats wonderfully. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven until warmed through. This method ensures the mashed potatoes stay creamy and the filling remains juicy. Microwave reheating works too, especially for individual portions.
18. Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers, filled with a mixture of rice, meat, and vegetables, are excellent for reheating. The flavors blend together well, making them even tastier the next day. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in the oven. Alternatively, microwave them on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring the peppers stay tender and the filling remains moist.
19. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food that reheats beautifully. Whether it’s creamy stovetop mac and cheese or a baked version with a crispy topping, it can be easily reheated. To maintain its creamy texture, reheat mac and cheese in the microwave with a splash of milk, or in the oven covered with foil. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
20. Curries
Curries, such as chicken curry, vegetable curry, and beef curry, are perfect for reheating as the flavors continue to develop over time. Reheat curries gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if needed to keep the sauce from thickening too much. The microwave also works well, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
21. Fish Tacos
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Fish tacos are a delightful meal that can be reheated with care. To maintain their texture, reheat the fish separately from the tortillas. Warm the fish in the oven or a skillet, adding a bit of oil if needed to prevent dryness. Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Assemble the tacos just before serving to ensure they stay fresh and delicious.
22. Baked Chicken
Baked chicken, whether it’s whole chicken, thighs, or breasts, retains its flavor and moisture well when reheated. To reheat, wrap the chicken in foil and place it in the oven to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave with a bit of broth or water. This method ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender, making it a versatile leftover for salads, sandwiches, or main courses.
23. Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan, with its layers of breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, reheats beautifully. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven until hot and bubbly. This method ensures the breaded eggplant retains its texture while the cheese melts perfectly. For a quicker option, use the microwave, though the oven provides the best results.
24. Fried Rice
Fried rice is an excellent dish to reheat, as it retains its flavor and texture well. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or water to keep the rice from drying out. Stir frequently to ensure even heating. The microwave is also a good option; cover the rice and heat, stirring occasionally.
25. Risotto
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Risotto, known for its creamy texture, reheats well with a little care. To reheat, add a bit of broth or water and warm it gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently to maintain its creamy consistency. The microwave can also be used, but be sure to stir and add liquid to keep it from drying out.
26. Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff, with its tender beef, mushrooms, and creamy sauce, is perfect for reheating. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth or cream if needed to maintain the sauce’s consistency. The microwave works too, just be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent the sauce from separating.
27. Braised Short Ribs
Braised short ribs, slow-cooked to tender perfection, reheat very well. The flavors often deepen after a day or two. To reheat, place the ribs and their sauce in a covered dish and warm in the oven until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This method ensures the meat stays tender and the sauce rich and flavorful.
28. Pot Pie
Pot pies, whether chicken, beef, or vegetable, reheat wonderfully while maintaining their flaky crust and hearty filling. To reheat, cover the pie with foil and bake in the oven until warmed through. This method helps keep the crust crisp and the filling hot. The microwave can be used for individual portions, but the oven provides the best texture.
