Lasagna is one of those recipes that you don’t typically cook in a single portion. That’s great if you need to feed a family. But, if you live alone, you might end up with some leftovers. Well, at least dinner for the next couple of days is already taken care of.
The only problem with reheating this pasta dish is that it tends to dry out. So, you might be wondering: what is the best way to reheat leftover lasagna without drying it out?
Keep reading to find the best way to reheat lasagna, so it tastes as fresh as you just baked it!
How To Store and Reheat Lasagna Safely
As a rule of thumb, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours after cooking. Pack in a sealed, airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days. If you plan to keep them for more than a week, try freezing them. Properly frozen, they stay fresh for up to 2 to 3 months.
For reheating frozen lasagna, thaw it out in advance in the refrigerator. To avoid the risk of food poisoning, never defrost it on the counter. You can also defrost it in the microwave if you want to reheat and serve it immediately.
Lasagna is typically dense and heavy. It can be challenging to heat evenly, particularly in the center. Regardless of the reheating method, make sure the casserole is thoroughly heated tall the way to the center. The temperature should reach at least 165 ºF to kill off any harmful bacteria.
The usual concern with reheating lasagna is that it tends to dry out. Here are our simple tips for reheating this pasta dish without drying it out.
– Don’t forget to cover it before reheating. Use aluminum foil for reheating in the oven and plastic wrap for microwaving.
– Drizzle extra sauce or a splash of water to keep it moist as it reheats.
Whether you love classic recipes with meat ragout or the vegetarian version with vegetables and cheeses, they can be heated up quickly in the oven, microwave, or even skillet!
Check our ultimate guide below to reheat leftover lasagna, so it tastes as delicious as it just came out of the oven!
How To Reheat Frozen Lasagna In An Oven (Or A Toaster Oven)
Generally, your oven is the most preferred for reheating leftover casseroles. It works well to achieve the closest texture and flavors of a freshly baked one. The only downside is that it takes longer than other techniques.
If you’re only reheating a slice or two, a toaster oven is an excellent choice as well.
1. Preheat your oven to 350 to 375 ºF (or 176 to 190 ºC).
2. Unwrap the lasagna and cut it into individual serving.
3. Place in a baking sheet, drizzle with extra sauce and cover with aluminum foil.
4. Bake for 20 to 45 minutes or until thoroughly heated, the edges start to sizzle, and the cheese is fully melted. Reheating a single portion takes less time.
5. Take out of the oven. Allow to sit for a couple of minutes and serve!
How To Warm Up Lasagna In A Microwave
Reheating leftovers in a microwave is the quickest and most convenient way. If you have frozen lasagna, you can also pop it right away. You just need to microwave it a little longer.
The only problem is that the sauce tends to splatter. So, don’t forget to cover it before microwaving.
Here is what you should know when reheating lasagna in a microwave.
1. Place a slice of lasagna on a plate or a microwave-safe dish.
2. Drizzle extra sauce on top to keep it moist as it reheats. If you run out of the sauce, drop 1 to 2 tablespoons of water.
3. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent the sauce from splattering, microwave for 1 to 1 ½ minutes interval on medium power. For frozen lasagna, microwave for extra 2 to 5 minutes.
4. Check if it is perfectly warmed all the way through the center. If it’s not, continue reheating with short intervals.
If the exterior is already piping hot, but the center is still cold, cut it in half and reheat for another 30 to 60 seconds.
How To Heat Up Lasagna In A Skillet
Reheating lasagna in a skillet might not be as popular as doing so in the oven or microwave.
In terms of cooking time, it takes longer than a microwave but shorter than the oven. Plus, it works great to savor the flavor and texture. Here is how to do it.
1. Place a slice of lasagna in a skillet. You can also reheat two or more pieces at a time. Just make sure that the pan is large enough to accommodate them and some extra liquid.
2. Add around ¼ cup of water for each slice and extra sauce. The added liquid helps to soften the pasta sheets and prevent them from drying out.
3. Cover the skillet with the lid.
4. Over medium heat, bring it to simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
5. When the liquid is simmering, remove the lid and cook for another 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can you reheat lasagna twice?
Yes. Technically, you can reheat leftover lasagna as many times as you want. To ensure safety, the internal temperature must reach at least 165 °F. However, its texture and flavor degrade as it reheats. Thus, it is best to reheat it only once to enjoy its excellent taste. (*)
Can lasagna be prepared the night before?
Absolutely yes. You can prepare and assemble it in an oven-safe dish, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate overnight. The unbaked lasagna can stay in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 to 3 months.
Can you eat lasagna after 2 days?
Yes. It should stay safe and delicious for 3 to 5 days as long as it is appropriately refrigerated. Simply reheat it shortly before serving.
The Bottom Line
Heating frozen lasagna can be tricky if you don’t know the trick. You can simply reheat lasagna in an oven, microwave, skillet or even air fryer. Regardless of the appliance you choose, pour some extra sauce and cover it. This way, the casserole won’t dry out as it reheats.
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
