Do you have a delicious, cheesy lasagna waiting in your fridge or freezer? Follow these easy tips for How to Reheat Lasagna (plus 4 different ways to do it!) and never stress about dry, messy leftovers ever again!
Have you baked up a delicious, cheesy, saucy lasagna to store for later? Or maybe you have leftovers? Either way, one thing is for certain: you want to store and reheat that lasagna correctly!
Pasta dishes have a tendency to dry out in the fridge. This is because the noodles will absorb the sauce over time, causing the rest of the dish to lose its moisture. Proper reheating is the best way to recreate that fresh-from-the-oven taste that we all know and love. It’s not rocket science, but it’s also not as simple as throwing a slice of lasagna into the microwave willy-nilly.
Luckily, we’re sharing four easy ways to reheat lasagna, plus extra tips for storing and freezing. If you’re wondering how to reheat lasagna, these are the best and easiest ways to do it!
Reheating Lasagna So It Doesn’t Dry Out
You’ve put all that effort into making the most delicious lasagna, don’t let it go to waste when you reheat your leftovers! Here are some tips when it comes to reheating lasagna:
- Add extra liquid. A splash of water, sauce, or stock in the dish before reheating is usually enough. The steam helps to keep things moist!
- Cover the pan. Depending on which method you’re using to reheat the lasagna, cover the dish with foil, plastic wrap, or a damp paper towel.
4 Easy Ways to Reheat Lasagna
Here are 4 different ways to reheat lasagna that stays moist and crisp, without drying out.
Microwave
Convenience is king, and the microwave can’t be beat in terms of speed. Reheating lasagna in the microwave is super easy, but it’s also an exercise in restraint – heat in short bursts, covered, to avoid any unwanted bursts of sauce all over!
- Find a microwave safe dish. Or make sure that your whole lasagna is prepared in a microwave-safe dish! Microwaving admittedly works best for single servings, but you do you – place your lasagna into a dish or plate.
- Drizzle with water. Sprinkle a spoonful or two of water over your slices. Lock in that moisture!
- Cover. Place a toothpick into the center of the lasagna slices. This will prop up your “tent” that will hold in all the steam, so make sure enough of the toothpick sticks out. Drape a paper towel or microwave safe piece of plastic wrap over the lasagna, so that the toothpick keeps it from touching the cheese.
- Heat. Heat the lasagna in the microwave, tent and all, for 90 seconds at a time until the layers are warmed through. This should take about 5-6 minutes depending on the power of your microwave. If you’d like to double check, the lasagna is heated when the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Be careful to not overheat!
Oven
The oven is by far the best way to reheat lasagna! It’s the original cooking method, after all. While it does take the longest, if you aren’t in a hurry, it’s more than worth it! Especially if you’re reheating a whole lasagna, the oven is the way to go.
- Preheat. Low and slow is the goal when it comes to reheating lasagna in the oven. Preheat your oven to a nice 350ºF, as this will ensure that the lasagna doesn’t overheat and dry out too quickly!
- Cover. No need for water with this method – reheating in gentle temperatures, covered, is usually enough to seal the moisture into the lasagna. Cover your baking dish with foil, and use the toothpick method above if you’re reheating a single slice.
- Bake. Let your lasagna heat in the oven for 30-45 minutes. It should be 165ºF in the middle before it comes out. Otherwise you can go by eye and note that it’s done when the edges start to sizzle and the cheese is melty again.
Air Fryer
Fast and easy is the name of the game when it comes to your air fryer, and reheating leftover lasagna is no different! The hot air heats your food in minutes, making this a good option for quick, hands-off reheating.
- Preheat. Set your air fryer to preheat to 375ºF.
- Place the lasagna in a dish. An oven-safe dish or loaf pan is the best for reheating lasagna in the air fryer. Not only does it keep the basket from becoming a melty, cheesy mess, but it’s easier to cover!
- Cover. Cover the pan with foil to keep the lasagna moist while it heats.
- Cook. Close the lasagna in the air fryer for 10 minutes, and then check it for doneness. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to keep it in longer. Work in 5 minute increments, and the lasagna is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Stovetop
Faster than the oven method but slower than the microwave. Heating lasagna on the stovetop falls somewhere in between, and the end result is much more similar to an oven-baked pasta. You’ll need a sturdy skillet, with a lid to keep the moisture in!
- Place in a skillet. Place your individual lasagna slice(s) into a skillet. Usually one or two will fit without overcrowding! Pour in a quarter cup of water per slice.
- Simmer. Let the lasagna and liquid come to a gentle simmer (no need for a rolling boil) over medium-high heat.
- Cover and heat. Lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid. Leave the lasagna to cook for about 20 minutes or so, and give the pan a gentle shake every now and again to loosen things up. Remove the lid as you near the end of the cooking time. Most of the water will be absorbed, and the lasagna can get nice and crispy in the last 5 minutes!
How to Store Lasagna Properly
Now that you’ve cooked up a delicious lasagna, it’s time to store it properly. Here’s how to keep your lasagna fresh in the fridge as well as the freezer!
Fridge
Store lasagna airtight in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. A container with a lid will work, or you can cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil.
Freezer
To freeze lasagna for later, store it in an airtight container, or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Lasagna will keep frozen for up to 2-3 months.
How Many Times Can You Reheat Lasagna?
As long as the internal temperature comes to 165ºF each time, you can technically reheat lasagna leftovers any number of times. However, since the lasagna will lose quality and texture each time it’s reheated, it’s usually the best and safest bet to only reheat it once.
Should I Thaw Frozen Lasagna First?
For best results, aim to thaw your lasagna in the fridge before you reheat it. If you don’t budget enough time for defrosting, however, don’t worry – you can still reheat it from frozen, and just increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
How Long Does Lasagna Last in the Fridge?
A cooked lasagna will usually last in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, and in the freezer for up to 3 months. It’s always a good idea to check your leftover lasagna for signs of spoilage before reheating. If you notice any weird smells or discoloration, it’s time to chuck it out.
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