Casseroles are one of the best comfort foods around. They're easy to make, and you can put whatever you want in them. Plus, they're perfect for feeding a crowd.
But what do you do if you only have one or two people to feed? Don't worry - there's a way to reheat a casserole without ruining it.
Keep reading for tips on how to reheat a casserole in the oven.
Enjoy!
Oven vs Microwave
When reheating a casserole, there are two main options: the oven or the microwave. Each has its own set of pros and cons.
Reheating casseroles in the oven will result in a tastier, moister end- product(as long as you do it correctly). With that said, ovens are slower and expend more energy.
The oven is a good option for starchy casseroles, as they can become sticky or gummy when microwaved.
Microwaves heat very quickly and therefore ideal when you're short on time. They're also a good option if you're only reheating a smaller portion of casserole. (However, if you have a toaster oven it's a superior option).
Reheating a Casserole in the Oven
If you have a leftover casserole, you can always reheat it in the oven. The following steps will ensure that your meal is moist tasty when served again.
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. While the exact reheating time for casseroles will vary depending on the dish, typically a casserole should be reheated in the oven for about 20-30 minutes.
2. Place aluminum foil over the top of your casserole before placing it in the oven. This will lock in any moisture allowing everything to heat up quicker.
3. Remove the foil from the top of the dish mid-reheating and place it back into the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. The time it takes to reheat a casserole will vary depending on the specific ingredients and how cold they were when you first stored it. This will help crisp up the crust without over-crisping.
4. Let the casserole cool before serving. This will help lower the temperature of the dish enough to ensure your casserole is safe to eat without people burning the roof of their mouth (day ruiner for sure).
The time it takes to reheat a casserole will depend on its size and how cold it was when you put it into the oven.
Casseroles that are still frozen should be heated for about 30 minutes, while those that were kept overnight in the fridge may only require 20 minutes.
Reheating a Casserole in the Microwave
Casseroles and casserole-like dishes are nearly as common as pasta, especially in American households, and everybody knows that the dish is best eaten when it's freshly made.
With that said, whose ever eaten a whole casserole in one night?
Not us 🙂
Generally, casseroles should be microwaved for 3 to 5 minutes.
1. Heat the casserole in a microwave-safe dish along with a small cup filled with a bit of water to create steam. This will help keep the casserole moist and prevent it from drying out.
2. Give it a quick stir halfway through microwaving (if possible).
3. Let the casserole cool before serving it up!
Reheating a Casserole on the Stove
Why would you reheat casserole on the stove when you could nuke it in minutes?
Well, if you have the proper sized pan and lid, you can essentially provide a similar environment to the oven. This will result in a moister, more flavorful casserole.
The high heat involved can also help re-crisp the outer layer. This can be a positive or negative quality depending on how crisp the outer layer was prior to reheating.
The downside to the stove is that you really won't know the proper heat setting until you've tested it out. This may take some trial and error but this is a great option for those trying to reheat smaller portions of casserole.
Here are the proper steps to reheat casserole on the stove...
1. Warm up a large skillet over medium/medium-low heat, and add the desired amount of oil or fat before heating up your casserole.
2. Distribute your casserole into equal portions before placing them on the skillet.
3. Reheat and cook each section for about 3 minutes and then flip them over to cook on the other side.
Reheating a Casserole in a Toaster Oven
Reheating a casserole in a toaster oven is an easy way to make your leftover casserole taste like it's been freshly made, without wasting the energy involved with using your household oven.
While many foods can be reheated in a microwave, the taste and appearance of a casserole baked in a toaster oven will often give it a more restaurant-quality flavor.
Here are some tips for reheating casseroles in a toaster oven:
1. Place your leftover casserole on a baking sheet. This will heat the bottom of the casserole through quickly and evenly.
2. Preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the baking sheet with the casserole in it on an oven rack about six inches from the top of the oven. Allow it to preheat for five minutes then check on its progress. If it still appears too cold, continue to reheat at five-minute intervals.
3. Remove the casserole from the oven when it's heated through.
How to Reheat a Green Bean Casserole
The steps and process of reheating a green bean casserole in an oven are pretty much the same as reheating any type of casserole.
When reheating a green bean casserole in the oven, keep in mind that they are delicate vegetables.
The maximum amount of time you should leave it in the oven is 20 minutes. Anything longer than that could ruin your dish.
Tips for Reheating a Breakfast Casserole
There are a few key tips to remember when reheating a breakfast casserole. Casseroles that are frozen should be reheated for about 30 minutes, while those that were kept overnight in the fridge may require 15-20 minutes.
Make sure that the dish is covered in a layer of foil or baking sheets before you reheat it. This will help to prevent it from becoming too dry or crispy.
Finally, make sure that the dish is reheated slowly and evenly so that it doesn't take on that chewy texture from rapid heat.
Tips on Reheating a Tater Tot Casserole
Reheating a tater tot casserole is a pretty simple process. Just preheat your oven to 350°F, and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Bake it for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly.
The oven is the ideal method to reheat tater tots, but they may also be heated on a stovetop or in an air fryer. Try to avoid reheating it in a microwave if you don't want to end up with a soggy dish.
How long to Reheat a Casserole in the Oven
While the exact reheating time for casseroles will vary depending on the dish, typically a casserole should be reheated in the oven for about 20-30 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even heating.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about how to reheat a casserole.
We hope this information was helpful and that your casseroles turn out perfectly every time. If not, be sure to let us know in the comments below – we’re always happy to help!
Please let us know your favorite leftover casserole recipe, and the reheating method that works best for you.
Cheers,
Michael
Founder of Robust Kitchen
