A piece of hot, scrumptious lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. But once you put it in the refrigerator, it’s hard to restore its gooey and cheesy consistency. In fact, simply popping it in the microwave results in a dry, crumbly piece of lasagna that’s only half as good as it was when it was fresh.
And it’s not just pasta that you need to be mindful of. You need to consider the ground meat, Parmesan and ricotta cheese, tomato sauce, and even roasted veggies to ensure the perfect piece of reheated lasagna.
So how can you ensure that it tastes exactly as it did when you took it out of the oven? How can you restore its original taste and texture? Here’s everything you need to know.
Can you reheat lasagna in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat lasagna in the microwave, but this also depends on how much you want to reheat. Microwaving the lasagna is the best option if you just want to reheat a small serving or a couple of slices.
Generally, a whole dish of lasagna is too big to thoroughly reheat in the microwave. In such cases, it’s better if you use the oven.
But the problem with using the oven is that it takes a lot of time. You can expect it to take up to 45 minutes to heat the lasagna. And not to mention, you will also have to wait until the oven preheats.
Now, who can wait that much to get their hands on that delicious piece of lasagna leftovers? Certainly not me. Especially considering that it’ll hardly take a minute and a half for the lasagna to be reheated in the microwave.
And the best part is, you get the same taste with both reheating methods if you do it right. Plus, there’s no safety concern with either method.
How to reheat lasagna in microwave?
To reheat lasagna in the microwave, put the slices you want to heat in a microwave-safe container and add some drops of sauce or water on top to keep it moist. Place a toothpick in the middle to make sure the layers don’t slide off. Cover the dish with a paper towel to prevent the lasagna from drying out. Microwave it for 1½ minutes on high to fully reheat it.
If you stored the lasagna correctly, whether in the refrigerator or in the freezer, then you can easily recover its original texture and taste. With the right method, you can get hot, delicious, and moist lasagna that doesn’t dry out in the microwave.
To get started, first cut the amount of lasagna you want to microwave and put it in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle some drops of sauce or water to make sure it doesn’t dry out. Along with that, put a toothpick in the middle of the lasagna such that it sticks out a bit. Cover the dish with a microwave cover, microwave-safe plastic wrap, or a paper towel to trap steam.
Once that’s done, put the dish in the microwave and reheat it for 1½ minutes on high power. Once the time’s up, check to see if it’s hot enough. If it isn’t, you can continue microwaving it in 30-second increments until it is hot enough or the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
The internal temperature is important because of ingredients like cheese, vegetables, and sauce. When heated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, these things are safe to consume without you worrying about getting food poisoning due to undercooked food.
Once you’re sure that the lasagna is thoroughly reheated, stop the microwave. Allow the dish to sit for another 30-60 seconds in the closed microwave. This will eliminate any cold spots and ensure the lasagna is evenly heated.
After a minute is up, take out the lasagna from the microwave. Sprinkle some of your favorite hot pasta sauce along with a bit of Parmesan cheese or other melty cheese and enjoy!
How long to Reheat Lasagna in Microwave?
It takes a minute and a half to completely reheat a slice of lasagna at high power. It’s better if you reheat single pieces of lasagna because overcrowding the microwave can come in the way of even heating. Plus, more lasagna will take more time to heat.
Keep in mind that the longer you heat the lasagna, the higher the chances of the top layer drying out or the lasagna causing a splatter.
Also, it is better to use a meat thermometer and ensure that the lasagna has an internal temperature of 165 degrees before consuming it.
How can you ensure that the lasagna is thoroughly heated?
To ensure that the lasagna heats up thoroughly, use an apple corer to cut a small hole in the middle. Then microwave it to ensure that heat reaches all the areas, including the middle which is often left cold.
If you’ve ever reheated lasagna in the microwave, you know that it doesn’t heat through completely. The dense, cheesy layers make it very difficult to heat the lasagna thoroughly. And if you leave it in the microwave for very long just to get the middle hot, the top and even the pasta can dry out.
To prevent this from happening, you cut a small hole in the center and place it at the side so that it also heats up with the rest of the dish. Doing so will make sure the heat passes through all the layers so that you have evenly reheated lasagna. Remember to use plastic wrap if necessary to cover a large dish.
Can you reheat lasagna multiple times?
Like with all other foods, you should only reheat lasagna once. Discard any leftover lasagna since reheating it multiple times will only increase bacterial growth and lead to foodborne diseases.
If you don’t plan on finishing off the leftover lasagna, you shouldn’t reheat the whole dish. Instead, discard any leftover lasagna that you have already reheated once.
To avoid wasting leftover pasta, you can refrigerate or freeze it in small portions, say one or two slices, so that you don’t have to thaw or reheat the entire batch.
This extends to all kinds of food. So it’s better to just reheat only the amount you plan on eating and storing the rest of it away.
Tips to reheat lasagna in the microwave
When reheating leftover lasagna in the microwave, we all want hot and moist lasagna that tastes almost as good as it tasted when it was fresh. But to get the desired results, here are some things to keep in mind:
- If you’re heating a couple slices of frozen lasagna at the same time, make sure they don’t touch each other. Also, ensure there’s sufficient space between the two. Ideally, it’s better to reheat one slice of frozen lasagna at a time to avoid overcooking.
- Don’t forget to moisten your frozen lasagna a little with a bit of sauce or water and cover it with a microwave-safe dish. But make sure the cover doesn’t touch the lasagna otherwise the melted cheese will stick to it. You can stick a toothpick or a wooden skewer to keep the lid elevated.
- Avoid overheating the lasagna since it can result in an explosion of melted cheese and boiling hot sauce.
- Don’t consume the lasagna if the internal temperature isn’t around 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, you can fall sick.
What is the best way to reheat lasagna?
Reheating lasagna in the oven is the best way to go about it. It’s not only the safest method but also the one that reheats the lasagna evenly without drying it out. However, there a few other methods such as microwaving as we’ve discussed or reheating the lasagna using the stove.
Each method has it’s own pros and cons to consider.
Reheating Lasagna in Oven
Lasagna can be reheated in the oven by placing it in an oven-safe dish, sprinkling with water or sauce, wrapping in aluminum foil, and baking until heated through (up to 45 minutes for larger portions).
One advantage of reheating lasagna in the oven include that it is a convenient way to heat up lasagna without having to use a stovetop or microwave, and that it can result in a crispy top. So if you’re a fan of crunchy lasagna then this is the method to choose.
Cons of reheating lasagna in the oven include that it can take longer than other methods, and that it may not be as convenient if the oven is already being used for something else.
Reheating Lasagna on the Stove
Reheating lasagna on the stove can be a bit of a challenge. The best way to do it is by adding them to a cast iron skillet with some olive oil over medium-high heat. They should be flipped and adjusted as needed until heated through and crispy on both sides. This method will result in drier leftovers, so it is ideal to serve them with sauce on the side.
FAQ
Is lasagna better reheated in oven or microwave?
Both methods of reheating lasagna has it’s advantage over the other so whether one method is better depends on which suits your situation. Reating lasagna in the oven will result in a crispier top whereas reheating in the microwave is quicker. Moreover, using the oven will allow you to reheat more lasagna at once if you’re feeding a large group.
How long does it take to reheat lasagna in oven?
It takes around 30-45 minutes to reheat lasagna in the oven. This is however, assuming you’re reheating a larger portion and that your oven has been preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are reheating slices it may take about 10-15 minutes.
How do you reheat lasagna in the oven?
To reheat lasagna in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F. If the lasagna is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator or by running it under warm water. Place the lasagna in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through and the cheese is melted.
Can you microwave frozen lasagna?
Yes, you can microwave frozen lasagna. Simply thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator or by running it under warm water and then follow the instructions for reheating in the microwave as mentioned above.
Can you reheat lasagna in a loaf pan?
Yes, you can reheat lasagna in a loaf pan. Simply place the lasagna in the pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat the lasagna in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
How do you reheat refrigerated lasagna?
To reheat refrigerated lasagna, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the lasagna in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat the lasagna in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Can you reheat lasagna in a toaster oven?
Yes, you can reheat lasagna in a toaster oven. Simply place the lasagna in the toaster oven, cover with aluminum foil and set it to 350°F. Reheat the lasagna for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Can I reheat lasagna more than once?
Yes, you can reheat lasagna multiple times but it will result in drier leftovers each time. It is therefore advisable to only reheat the amount you plan on eating and store the rest away. If you do need to reheat, add some water or sauce to moisten the lasagna first.
What is the best way to store leftover lasagna?
The best way to store leftover lasagna is by refrigerating it in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. It can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.
How to reheat lasagna without microwave?
There are a few ways to reheat frozen lasagna without using a microwave. The first is by oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before placing the lasagna in an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle with water or sauce, wrap in aluminum foil, and bake until heated through (up to 30-45 minutes for larger portions).
Another way to reheat frozen lasagna without a microwave is on the stovetop. Add them to a cast iron skillet with some olive oil over medium-high heat and flip and adjust as needed until heated through and crispy on both sides. This method will result in drier leftovers, so it is ideal to serve them with sauce on the side. Finally, you can also refrigerate the lasagna for up to four days or freeze for up to three months before reheating in one of the methods described above.
What is the temperature you should aim for when reheating frozen lasagna?
The ideal temperature to reheat frozen lasagna is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the lasagna is cooked through and safe to eat.
Wrapping It Up
You now know how to reheat frozen lasagna in the microwave. If you follow the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can be sure of getting thoroughly heated lasagna that’s not soggy or dry.
Plus, you no longer have to wait for the oven to heat up and then for the lasagna to get hot enough before you can eat it. Just nuke it for a couple of minutes in the microwave, and you’ll have hot, steamy, and moist pasta ready for you to dig in!