If you have leftover casserole from last night’s dinner, reheating it correctly is essential to bring back the delicious taste and texture. But, what temperature should a casserole be heated to?
What’s the Right Temperature a Casserole Should Be Heated To?
With a few easy tips, you can save time and enjoy a tasty meal as if freshly cooked. In this guide, I’ll answer all your questions!
Vegetable casseroles or those with a lot of moisture, reheat at a temperature of 350°F to 375°F for 20-30 minutes.
For casseroles with crispy toppings like breadcrumbs or cheese, try reheating them in an air fryer or oven at a higher temperature of 400°F to 450°F for about 20-25 minutes.
For casseroles made of raw meat, reheat at the same usual temperature of 350°F to 375°F for 20-30 minutes.
However, you should be sure the casserole keeps an internal temperature of 165°F, which is a safe temperature to eat.
Whether you’re reheating a store-bought casserole or a homemade one, I suggest using an instant-read thermometer to check whether it has reached the right temperature.
Once you see that the center of the casserole reaches a temperature of 165°F, you’re good to go.
Different methods work for different types of casseroles. Read on to find the best method for your leftovers.
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Best Ways to Heat a Casserole
Oven Method
One of the best ways to reheat a casserole is in the oven since it allows even heating throughout the entire dish.
Refrigerated casserole: Before reheating a refrigerated casserole in the oven, it’s important to let it sit at room temperature for a little while. This takes the chill off and allows even heating. And keeps the edges from burning before the middle is hot.
I like to take the casserole out of the fridge for 30 minutes before I plan to reheat it.
- To reheat a large portion or entire casseroles, I use an oven-safe dish covered with aluminum foil at a 350F for about 30 minutes or until hot.
- Add a small amount of water to the dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the oven until warmed through or it has an internal temperature of 165F. Check with a food thermometer for best results.
- If you’re reheating smaller portions, place the individual pieces in oven safe dishes.
Frozen Casserole: If reheating a frozen casserole, bake at an lower oven temperature like 300F for 30 minutes and then increase the temperature once it has thawed and is starting to reheat.
For best results, defrost it or thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or until thawed through. Reheat it like a refrigerated casserole.
Microwave Oven Method
Refrigerated casserole: Before reheating a refrigerated cooked casserole in the microwave, be sure the casserole dish is a microwave-safe dish. If not, transfer to one and then proceed.
- Place in the microwave and heat in 1 minute intervals until heated all the way through.
- The best way is to cut into individual or small portions for more even heating.
- Cover with microwave safe plastic wrap or cover to keep the moisture inside.
Frozen casserole: It’s best to thaw the casserole before attempting to reheat it. Check the instructions for your microwave.
You can use an auto-defrost or defrost it by weight before reheating.
It’s a good idea to reheat in single portions or smaller pieces for even heating.
Best Casserole Tips
- Check the internal temperature at regular intervals so you don’t dry out or overheat the casserole leftovers. No one likes a dry casserole.
- Cover the casserole dish in aluminum foil in the oven.
- Use microwave-safe plastic wrap to prevent the plastic from melting and releasing harmful chemicals into the food.
- Stir and rotate the baking dish to ensure even heating, even with smaller portions.
- Try to use an instant-read thermometer to make sure that the center of the casserole has reached the safe temperature of 165°F.
- Depending on the type of casserole, you can choose the best method to reheat it. Meat casseroles with large pieces of meat, the oven is best to keep the meat tender. All the rest are ok with a microwave method.
Deliciously Reheated Casseroles for Any Time
If you’re looking to get inspired with a few delicious casserole dishes that are safe for reheating, check out these fan favorites below.
Cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This recipe combines shredded potatoes, cheddar cheese, and chicken soup cream to create a gooey and delicious side dish.
To reheat smaller portions, I place them in the microwave at half power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
For an entire container, I simply place it in a hot oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Beefy Potato Taco Casserole
This recipe takes a delicious twist on classic tacos, featuring layers of taco meat, potatoes, cheese, and made in a slow cooker!
To reheat individual portions, I microwave them on high for 1-2 minutes. To reheat the entire casserole, I place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, pin this to your favorite casserole Pinterest board and share it on your favorite social media channels!
Don’t be afraid to make extra batches of your favorite casseroles now you know the best methods and what temperature the casserole should be reheated to to enjoy it the next day.
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