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Do you have a delicious, cheesy lasagna waiting in your fridge or freezer? Learn how to reheat lasagna 4 different ways and never stress about dry, messy leftovers ever again.
Have you baked up a delicious, cheesy homemade 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. Here are 4 different ways to reheat lasagna that stays moist and crisp, without drying out.
Reheating Lasagna in the 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 to avoid any unwanted bursts of sauce all over your microwave.
- Reheat single servings. Microwaving works best for single servings since you can’t fit a 9×13 dish in most microwaves.
- Drizzle with water. Sprinkle a scant teaspoon of water over your slice.
- Cover. Place a few toothpicks into the corners of the lasagna slice. This will prop up your “tent” that will hold in all the steam, so make sure enough of the toothpick sticks out. Drape a moist paper towel over the lasagna, so that the toothpicks keep 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 2-3 minutes depending on the power of your microwave. Be careful to not overheat.
Reheating Lasagna in the Oven
The oven is by far the best way to reheat an entire lasagna. While it does take the longest, if you aren’t in a hurry, it’s more than worth it.
- Preheat. Low and slow is the goal when it comes to reheating lasagna in the oven. Preheat your oven to 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. Spray the bottom of a piece of foil with PAM, then cover your baking dish with foil (this prevents the cheese from sticking to the foil). 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.
Reheating Lasagna in the 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 8-10 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. The lasagna is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Reheating Lasagna on the 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 1/4 cup of water per slice.
- Simmer. Let the lasagna and liquid come to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cover and heat. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Leave the lasagna to cook for about 20 minutes, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.