Reheat and Reimagine: Leftover Stuffing Recipes

Stuffing is a delicious side dish that is commonly served during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Leftover stuffing can be easily reheated using a variety of appliances. Follow the steps below for reheating stuffing using a microwave, oven, air fryer or stove.

Reheating Stuffing in the Microwave

The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat stuffing.

• Place the stuffing in a microwave-safe container. Glass or ceramic dishes work best.
• Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. This will help the stuffing retain moisture as it reheats.
• Microwave the stuffing on high power for 1-2 minutes. The time will vary based on the amount you are reheating.
• Stir the stuffing and continue microwaving in 30 second intervals until heated through.
• Allow the stuffing to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This lets the heat distribute evenly.

Reheating Stuffing in the Oven

Using your oven is another hands-off approach for reheating leftover stuffing.

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Transfer the stuffing to an oven-safe baking dish.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to help the top get crispy.
• Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Reheating Stuffing in an Air Fryer

Air fryers make reheating stuffing crisp and crunchy.

• Place the stuffing in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry at 370°F for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals until the stuffing is hot.
• Use a fork to fluff and stir the stuffing before serving.

Reheating Stuffing on the Stove

You can also use the stovetop to reheat leftover stuffing.

• Place the stuffing in a skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of chicken or vegetable broth to add moisture.
• Continuously stir the stuffing to evenly distribute the heat.
• Cook for 4-6 minutes until heated through. Add more broth as needed to prevent sticking.
• Serve the stuffing straight from the skillet.

Tips for Reheating Stuffing

• For best results, reheat stuffing within 3-4 days of preparation.
• Portion stuffing into shallow containers for quicker and more even reheating.
• Add a splash of broth or gravy to help restore moisture.
• Stir periodically while reheating and fluff with a fork before serving.
• Don’t reheat stuffing more than once. Cooked stuffing should not be refrigerated again after reheating.
• To restore moisture, add a tablespoon or two of broth, stock, or gravy when reheating. Chicken or turkey broth works well.
• Place stuffing in a baking dish or casserole dish before reheating for more even heating.
• Preheat oven or toaster oven before reheating stuffed to prevent drying out.
• Cover baking dish with foil to keep moist. Remove foil last 5 minutes if crisping top.
• Stir stuffing halfway through reheating to redistribute moisture and flavor.
• Fluff and stir stuffing with a fork before serving to lighten texture.
• Add herbs, sausage, nuts or cranberries to liven up leftover stuffing.
• Don’t reheat stuffing more than once or refrigerate after reheating.

Common Questions

How long does it take to reheat stuffing in the oven?
Stuffing takes 15-20 minutes to reheat in a 350°F oven. Use foil to cover the dish and prevent drying out.

Can you reheat frozen stuffing?
Frozen stuffing can be reheated from frozen state. Just add a few extra minutes to the reheating time. Defrost first for quicker results.

What is the best way to reheat a small amount of stuffing?
For small portions, the microwave provides the quickest reheating method. Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover and heat for 1-2 minutes. Check frequently and stir.

How do you keep reheated stuffing moist?
Add a bit of broth or gravy when reheating stuffing to help retain moisture. Covering the dish during reheating also prevents drying out.

How long does stuffing last in the fridge?
Cooked stuffing lasts 3-4 days when properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Discard any uneaten stuffing after that time.

Recipes

Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover stuffing
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1/4 cup turkey broth

Instructions:

1. Combine stuffing, cranberries, pecans, maple syrup, sage and turkey broth in casserole dish.
2. Cover and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until hot.
3. Remove cover last 5 minutes to crisp top. Fluff with fork before serving.

Sausage and Apple Stuffing Gratin

Ingredients:

• 4 cups leftover stuffing
• 1 diced apple
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
• 3 slices crumbled cooked sausage
• 1/4 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Combine stuffing, apple, cheese and sausage in casserole dish.
2. Pour milk over and gently stir to moisten.
3. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until hot and browned on top.

Curried Stuffing Bites

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover stuffing
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoons curry powder
• 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Mix together stuffing, egg, curry powder and breadcrumbs.
2. Form into 1-inch balls and place on greased baking sheet.
3. Brush tops with melted butter.
4. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Here are 5 specific model recommendations for reheating stuffing:

Microwaves:

• Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor (1.2 Cu.Ft)
• Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S with Inverter Technology (1.2 Cu. Ft)
• Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL 1800W Microwave (1.1 Cu. Ft)
• LG NeoChefTM LMC0975ST Countertop Microwave Oven (0.9 Cu. Ft)
• Sharp ZSMC0710BW 700W Countertop Microwave Oven (0.7 Cu. Ft)

Ovens:

• GE JB655SKSS 30″ Single Electric Wall Oven
• Bosch Benchmark BO530PT 50 ActiveClean Electric Single Wall Oven
• LG LDE4415ST Double Electric Wall Oven
• Frigidaire 30” Electric Single Wall Oven FPEW3077RF
• Whirlpool WOS31ES0JS Single Electric Wall Oven

Air Fryers:

• Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven
• Ninja AF101 Air Fryer (4qt)
• Cosori Dual Blaze Smart Air Fryer (6.8qt)
• Chefman TurboFry 3.5 Liter/3.6 Quart Air Fryer
• GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Air Fryer

Stovetops:

• GE Profile 30″ Gas Downdraft Cooktop
• Bosch 800 30″ Gas Cooktop
• Frigidaire Gallery 30” Electric Induction Cooktop
• LG Electronics 30″ Electric Cooktop
• Whirlpool 30″ Electric Coil Cooktop

Reheating and enjoying leftover stuffing is easy with several appliance options. Follow these tips for tender and flavorful stuffing every time.