If you’re planning on serving leftover lasagna that tastes like it was just whipped up, then you need to know how to reheat lasagna the right way.
While you may think it’s as easy as cutting off a square, tossing it in the microwave, and hitting start, there are some tried-and-true methods for reheating this classic family dish that will make it turn out even better the second time. Whether you want to learn the steps to reheat lasagna in the oven or the best way to reheat lasagna in the microwave, we’ve got you covered.
How to Reheat Lasagna in the Microwave
If you’re wanting to learn how to reheat lasagna when frozen, a microwave can work like a charm. Why? Because it’s easy and convenient. Plus, when you know how long to reheat lasagna in the microwave, you keep it from exploding all over the place. If you can, it’s best to reheat individual portions of lasagna one at a time.
With that said, it’s time to learn how long to reheat frozen lasagna in the microwave. To be on the safe side, take the frozen lasagna out of the freezer and put it in the refrigerator overnight. But, if you don’t have time for that step, you can still reheat frozen lasagna leftover and make it delicious.
Here, Fabio Viviani, executive chef and partner of DineAmic Group, shares the seven steps you should consider when you reheat frozen lasagna in the microwave.
- Place a single serving of lasagna on a microwave-safe dish.
- Drop about two tablespoons of water on top of the lasagna.
- Wrap the lasagna with plastic wrap.
- Heat the lasagna for five to six minutes, in 90-second increments.
- Take lasagna out of the microwave.
- Make sure it’s heated all the way through. The internal temperature of the lasagna should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit with an oven thermometer.
- Serve!
Another cooking guru, Janet Gianetti from Mr. Meal Delivery, says foods like lasagna can be difficult to heat evenly. “Even with the most modern microwave, heating things like a dense, cheesy lasagna can be difficult to get right,” she explains.
For those wondering how long to cook lasagna that has been refrigerated, Gianetti says she likes to use a little trick that’s helpful when dealing with difficult to reheat food.
She uses an apple corer to remove a quarter-sized hole from the center of the dish. Once removed, place the core on the edge of the dish as not to waste anything. Having a hole in the middle helps heat the dish more evenly, as it is usually the center that is most resistant to the powers of the microwave. But make sure you only try this method with a tube-shaped corer; Gianetti says it’s the only corer that won’t make a mess.
How to Reheat Lasagna in the Oven
Is it OK to reheat lasagna in the oven? It sure is — especially if you want that “almost” fresh taste when you take your first bite of leftover lasagna. For most leftovers, the oven is the preferred method when it comes to reheating food. Even though the steps to reheat lasagna in the oven are fairly straightforward and self-explanatory, there are a few important things to note.
First, knowing how long to reheat lasagna in the oven is key to getting this delicious meal to turn out just right. If you’re starting with lasagna from the fridge, the time in the oven will be shorter. But if you’re looking to reheat frozen lasagna in the oven, add anywhere from five to 10 minutes onto the time. Here, Viviani shares his six steps to reheat lasagna in the oven.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish.
- Drop about two tablespoons of water on top of the lasagna.
- Cover the oven-safe dish with foil.
- Place the lasagna in the oven and heat for 15 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated all the way through (this could take up to 25 minutes). The internal temperature of the lasagna should read 165 degrees F with an oven thermometer.
- Serve!
If you prefer to keep your oven at a lower temperature, you may want to know how long to reheat lasagna in the oven at 350 degrees F. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes to reheat lasagna in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For planning purposes, stick to the upper end of this range.
The oven method works great for frozen or thawed leftover lasagna from a restaurant. It’s also a preferred method to reheat homemade frozen lasagna.
Bonus: You can use similar steps to reheat lasagna in an air fryer for a speedier cooking time. Set your device to 375 degrees F and start by heating for 10 minutes, then check and continue heating in five minute increments until cooked all the way through.
How to Safely Reheat Leftover Lasagna
Leftovers are a real life-saver, especially when you’re busy. But failing to pay attention to the safety steps for storing and reheating leftover food can make you regret ever holding onto that half-remaining tray of lasagna.
If your lasagna has meat or poultry in it, you will want to follow all safety guidelines that involve meat and poultry. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection, you need to refrigerate poultry or meat within two hours of cooking or reheating.
How Long Can You Store Leftover Lasagna
When it comes to packaging lasagna safely, make sure to cover leftovers or seal them in storage containers meant for the refrigerator. Then, immediately put the lasagna in the fridge or freezer.
If you’re opting to store the meal in the fridge, the lasagna can be kept in there for three to four days. But if the freezer (0° F or below) will be home to your homemade lasagna, rest assured that it can stay there for up three to four months and still be safely eaten once properly warmed up.
There you have it: plenty of easy ways to reheat this family-favorite meal. Before you decide which method to try, remember to plan ahead so you know how long to reheat lasagna and what time to tell your dinner guests to be at the table. If you’re counting on reheating lasagna in the oven, give yourself enough time to heat it all the way through. No one likes to bite into a cold piece of lasagna, after all.
