Reheat Lasagna in the Oven So It Tastes As Good As Day One
on Oct 01, 2021, Updated Nov 19, 2023
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Knowing how to Reheat Lasagna in the Oven is a key skill so that the leftover lasagna tastes just as good as the day it first came out. If you simply microwave it until it’s heated through, you may risk having mushy, unappetizing lasagna.
Lasagna is the comforting Italian-inspired dish we all crave at some point. Baking your own lasagna at home allows you to customize it with your favorite cheeses, meat, veggies and sauces. Best of all, leftover lasagna can be stored in the fridge or freezer, to be enjoyed at a later date. To achieve the best results, you have to make sure it’s reheated in the right way.
What is the Best Way to Reheat Lasagna?
Without a doubt, reheating in the oven is the best way option for frozen or refrigerated lasagna. Using the microwave can ruin the texture of the pasta and it all becomes a mushy mess. Reheating in the oven allows you to enjoy a meal that tastes freshly baked.
How to Reheat Lasagna in the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F, placing the oven rack in the upper middle position.
- Cover the lasagna tightly with aluminum foil. Poke a hole in one corner to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 30 minutes if refrigerated (or 1-2 hours if frozen). To confirm doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the lasagna and look for a reading of at least 160°F.
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and remove the foil. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper or fresh basil for an attractive presentation before serving.
How Do You Reheat Lasagna Without Drying it Out?
Although reheating in the oven is the best option for your lasagna, you do run the risk of drying out the dish. An easy way to prevent this is to add a few tablespoons of sauce, water or broth to the lasagna and cover the dish with foil. This allows the lasagna to retain its moisture. Remove the foil in the last 20 minutes of baking for a golden brown top.
How Long to Cook Lasagna That Has Been Refrigerated?
When reheating refrigerated lasagna in the oven, your cooking time largely depends on the size of your lasagna. When reheating at a temperature of 350°F, it will usually take about 30-45 minutes to heat through. Make sure the center of the lasagna is hot and the sauce on the surface is bubbling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Reheat a Whole Lasagna?
Yes, a whole lasagna can be reheated in the oven and will taste just as delicious as when it was first baked. The cooking time will depend on the size of the lasagna, so be sure to use the guide above.
Is it Better to Reheat Lasagna in the Oven or Microwave?
If you’ll just be enjoying a small, single serving of lasagna, you may not want to use the oven. But reheating using a microwave may cause mushy lasagna that doesn’t taste that great. We recommend using the oven to reheat your lasagna for the best results.
Can you Reheat Cooked Frozen Lasagna?
Lasagna stores very well in the freezer and reheats easily when you’re ready to eat. The USDA recommends cooking frozen lasagna without thawing it first to minimize the risk of contamination. Preheat the oven to 350°F and put the frozen lasagna in a baking pan. Depending on the size of the lasagna, baking can take up to 2 hours for large servings.
How Many Times Can You Reheat Lasagna?
It’s best to reheat lasagna once. Repeatedly thawing and reheating food can make you sick and it also won’t taste very good. When you’re ready to reheat, only take out the portion that you need.
How Long Does Lasagna Last in the Fridge?
Lasagna can be stored in the fridge for up to 6 days. Any longer than that and you’re better off freezing it.
Other Ways to Reheat Lasagna
Reheat Lasagna in Toaster Oven
For small servings, there’s no need to fire up the big oven. A toaster oven will do just fine. Refer to your oven’s manual to determine the appropriate cooking time.
Reheat Lasagna in Microwave
Though it’s not ideal, the microwave is a convenient way to reheat individual servings of lasagna. Place the leftover on a microwave-safe dish and drizzle a few drops of water on top. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave at medium heat for about a few minutes or until heated through.
Reheat Lasagna on a Skillet
The stovetop option takes longer than the microwave, but is much quicker than an oven. It’s best to use a cast-iron skillet. Add a tablespoon of water for each serving of lasagna. Cover and allow the lasagna to simmer for about 20 minutes.
Reheat Lasagna in an Air Fryer
Your trusty air fryer is a great way to reheat lasagna. Preheat to 375 and put the lasagna in a loaf pan that will catch any melted cheese. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
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How to Reheat Lasagna (Step By Step Instructions)
Ingredients
- lasagna, refrigerated or frozen
- black pepper, freshly ground
- fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F, placing the oven rack in the upper middle position. Turn on the convection or forced air if available.
- Cover the lasagna tightly with aluminum foil. Poke a hole in one corner to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 30 minutes if refrigerated (or 1-2 hours if frozen). It should be heated all the way through with the sauce bubbling. (Note: These times will also depend on the thickness of the lasagna.) To confirm doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the lasagna and look for a reading of at least 160°F.
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and remove the foil. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and/or fresh parsley for an attractive presentation before serving.
Notes
- If your leftover lasagna looks dry, you can add a small amount of water before reheating.
- Remove the foil in the last 20 minutes of baking if you prefer a golden brown top.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
I tried this with a bit of broth poured over a slightly overcooked refrigerated lasagna. I poured just a bit of broth over the lasagna and brushed a little sauce on top and on the sides. It completely rejuvenated the lasagna!