Reheating Casserole to Perfection: A Complete Guide

Casseroles are a convenient and delicious meal option. But leftovers don’t always reheat well, drying out or becoming soggy. Follow these tips to perfectly reheat casserole using a microwave, oven or other appliances.

Reheating Casserole in the Microwave

The microwave provides a quick method for reheating casserole.

• Remove casserole from fridge and uncover. Microwaves heat food unevenly when covered.
• Transfer casserole to a microwave-safe dish. Glass or ceramic work best.
• Heat in 30 second intervals, stopping to stir and check temperature. This prevents overcooking.
• For a large casserole, heat for 2-3 minutes, stir, then continue heating in 1 minute intervals.
• Heat until steaming hot and 165°F internally. Check temperature with a food thermometer.
• Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before serving. This lets heat distribute evenly.
• Add a splash of milk or stock if mixture seems dry. Stir to combine.

Microwaving is fast, but can create hot and cold spots. Stirring occasionally helps distribute heat. Use lower power levels for more even results.

Reheating Casserole in the Oven

The oven gently reheats casserole dishes without drying them out.

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Transfer casserole to an oven-safe baking dish. Ceramic, glass and metal all work well.
• Cover dish with foil to prevent drying out. Vent foil slightly to allow steam to escape.
• Heat 30-45 minutes until steaming hot and 165°F internally. Check with a food thermometer.
• For a large casserole, heat for 45-60 minutes. Check occasionally and add moisture if needed.
• Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving. The oven reheats evenly for tender results.

The oven takes more time but evenly reheats casserole without drying it out. Lower temperatures around 300°F work well too.

Reheating Casserole on the Stovetop

The stovetop lets you reheat casserole gently while adding extra moisture.

• Transfer casserole to a saucepan or skillet on medium-low heat.
• Slowly reheat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
• Add a splash of milk, stock or water if mixture seems dry. This adds moisture.
• Heat through until steaming hot and 165°F internally, about 15-20 minutes.
• Reduce heat if casserole begins drying out around the edges.
• Allow to rest before serving so flavors can blend.

The stovetop reheats evenly while letting you monitor casserole texture. Just take care not to scorch the bottom.

Tips for Reheating Casserole

• Always reheat casserole to an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate bacteria.
• Add extra liquid like milk or broth if casserole seems dry after reheating.
• Stir periodically during reheating for even heat distribution.
• Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after reheating so flavors can blend.
• Cover during reheating to prevent drying out, venting if using oven or microwave.
• Slice into individual portions after reheating for faster serving.

With some trial and error, you’ll find the perfect reheating method to make those casserole leftovers taste fresh-baked.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reheat a casserole?

• Microwave: 2-5 minutes
• Oven: 30-60 minutes
• Stovetop: 15-20 minutes

Reheating time depends on casserole size and temperature. Always allow extra time for large or frozen casseroles.

Can you reheat casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, a slow cooker reheats casserole gently on low heat. Add extra liquid to prevent drying out and cook 2-4 hours until heated through. Stir periodically and check temperature.

What is the best bakeware for reheating casserole?

Glass, ceramic, and metal baking dishes all work well. Avoid plastic containers, which can melt in the oven. Uncover or vent casseroles during reheating.

How do you reheat frozen casserole?

To reheat frozen casserole, thaw first in the fridge overnight. Then reheat uncovered in the oven at 325°F for 45-60 minutes until hot and steaming. Check temperature and moisture and allow to rest before serving.

Can you reheat tuna casserole?

Yes, tuna casserole can be reheated using any of these methods. Be extra careful to heat tuna mixtures thoroughly to 165°F. Add a splash of milk if tuna casserole seems dry after reheating.

Recipes

Classic Tuna Casserole

Ingredients:

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain.
2. In a large bowl, mix together cooked noodles, tuna, soup, milk, cheese and peas.
3. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
4. Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
5. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

To reheat, cover dish in foil and bake at 325°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 cup milk
• 10 oz cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup frozen vegetables

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cheese, milk, soup, rice and vegetables.
2. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
3. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until bubbly.
4. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

To reheat, microwave on 50% power in 2-3 minute intervals until heated through.

Hearty Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 2 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk eggs and milk.
2. Add hashbrowns, ham and cheese and mix well.
3. Pour into a greased baking dish.
4. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until set.
5. Let cool 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

To reheat, cover dish in foil and bake at 300°F for 20-25 minutes until hot.

Here are some recommended models for reheating casserole:

Microwaves:

1. GE JES1656SMSS – 1000 Watts, 1.6 cubic feet capacity
2. Panasonic NN-SN966S – 1200 Watts, 2.2 cubic feet capacity
3. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS – 1100 Watts, 1.2 cubic feet capacity
4. Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL – 1200 Watts, 0.9 cubic feet capacity
5. Nostalgia RMO4BK Retro – 800 Watts, 0.9 cubic feet capacity

Ovens:

1. GE JB645DKWW – Electric Double Oven, 5.3 cubic feet capacity
2. Frigidaire FFET3025PS – Electric Single Oven, 5.3 cubic feet capacity
3. KitchenAid KFEG500ESS – Electric Single Oven, 5.0 cubic feet capacity
4. Bosch HGI8054UC – Electric Single Oven, 4.6 cubic feet capacity
5. Oster TSSTTVDGXL-SHP – Digital Convection Oven, 32L capacity

Stovetops:

1. GE JS760SLSS – 30″ Slide-In Electric Range with 5 burners
2. Frigidaire FFGF3054TS – 30″ Freestanding Gas Range with 5 burners
3. Samsung NE58K9560WS – 30″ Slide-In Electric Range with 5 burners
4. LG LSE4613ST – 30″ Slide-In Electric Range with 4 burners
5. Bosch HGI8054UC – 30″ Slide-In Electric Range with 5 burners

Reheating casserole can seem daunting, but with some tried and tested techniques, you can enjoy delicious leftovers that taste just-prepared. Match your reheating method to the casserole size and ingredients. Microwave for quick reheats, oven for gentle even warming, and stovetop to add extra moisture. Check internal temperature, stir periodically, and add liquid as needed. With the proper steps, your leftover casserole will impress as if right out of the oven. Experiment to find your favorite reheating method and enjoy casserole many meals in a row.