Reheating leftovers can be a convenient and time-saving way to enjoy a meal without having to cook from scratch. However, not all foods are created equal when it comes to reheating in the microwave.
Some foods can become a culinary catastrophe if reheated in this way. From soggy pizza crusts to rubbery noodles, microwave heating can be a recipe for disaster if you’re not careful.
1. Pizza
Reheating pizza in the microwave can lead to a crust that’s as limp as a wet noodle. The microwave’s heat can cause the sugar in the dough to melt, leaving the crust soggy. Reheating pizza in the microwave can reduce its texture and flavor by up to 50%.
The perfect way to reheat pizza is to bake it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place your pizza on a baking sheet, and bake for 8-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method allows the crust to retain its texture and the cheese to melt evenly, resulting in a pizza that’s as delicious as it is crispy.
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
2. Casseroles
Casseroles are another food that can become dry, flavorless disasters when reheated in the microwave. The microwave’s heat can cause the moisture in the dish to evaporate, leaving the food dry and overcooked. Reheating casseroles in the microwave can reduce their moisture content by up to 75%.
The perfect way to reheat casseroles is to bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C), place your casserole in a baking dish, and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the food is heated through. This method allows the food to retain its moisture and flavor.
3. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a dish best enjoyed fresh, but reheating it in the microwave can lead to a soggy, flavorless mess. The microwave’s heat can cause the noodles to become overcooked and the sauce to become watery, reducing its texture and flavor by up to 60%.
Reheating Pad Thai involves stir-frying it in a wok or skillet. Heat some oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat, add your Pad Thai, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until the noodles are heated through. This method allows the noodles to retain their texture and the sauce to remain flavorful.
4. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but reheating it in the microwave can lead to a dry, flavorless disaster. The microwave’s heat can cause the breading to become soggy and the meat to dry. Reheating fried chicken in the microwave can reduce its moisture content by up to 80%.
The perfect way to reheat fried chicken is to bake it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place your fried chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the breading is crispy and the meat is heated through. This method allows the breading to retain its crunch and the meat to remain juicy.
5. Noodles, Pasta, & Rice Dishes
Noodles, pasta, and rice dishes are another food group that can become a rubberized nightmare when reheated in the microwave. The microwave’s heat can cause the starches in the food to break down, resulting in a dish that’s as unappetizing as it is unpalatable. Reheating noodles, pasta, and rice dishes in the microwave can reduce their texture and flavor by up to 70%.
The perfect reheat of your noodles, pasta, and rice dishes is to cook them on the stovetop or in a skillet. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add your noodles, pasta, or rice, and cook until they’re heated through.
Alternatively, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat, add your noodles, pasta, or rice, and cook until they’re heated through. This method allows the food to retain its texture and flavor.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.