Many people often consider the microwave as a convenient heating solution for their leftovers. However, not all foods can be reheated in the microwave without losing flavor, texture, and possibly nutrients.
Here is a list of 30 foods best not reheated in the microwave, with pictures, to help you make the most out of your leftovers:.
1. Fried Food
Fried foods such as fries, chicken, and fish tend to lose their crispy texture when reheated in the microwave. Instead, try reheating them in the oven or toaster oven to keep the crunch intact.
2. Pizza
Reheating pizza in the microwave can leave the crust soggy and the cheese unevenly melted. Instead, heat it in the oven or toaster oven for a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese.
3. Pasta
Reheating pasta in the microwave can cause it to become dry and rubbery. Try heating it on the stove or in the oven with some sauce or oil to prevent it from drying out.
4. Rice
Reheated rice can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not reheated properly. It is best to reheat rice on the stove or in a rice cooker, adding a bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
5. Eggs
Eggs, especially hard-boiled eggs, can become tough and rubbery when reheated in the microwave. Instead, try slicing them and adding them to other dishes like salads or sandwiches.
6. Meat
Reheating meat in the microwave can make it dry and tough. Instead, try reheating it in a pan with a bit of oil or broth to help retain the moisture.
7. Soup
Soups can become unevenly heated in the microwave, with some parts boiling hot and others still cold. It is best to reheat soups on the stove or in a slow cooker to ensure even heating.
8. Grilled Cheese
Reheating a grilled cheese in the microwave can cause the bread to become soggy and the cheese to become rubbery. Instead, try toasting it in a toaster oven for a crispy and melty sandwich.
9. Casseroles
Casseroles can become dry and rubbery when reheated in the microwave. Instead, put them in the oven or toaster oven at a low temperature with a bit of broth or sauce to keep them moist.
10. Seafood
Reheating seafood in the microwave can make it tough and rubbery. Instead, try reheating it in a pan with a bit of butter or oil to keep it moist and flavorful.
11. Vegetables
Vegetables can become mushy and overcooked when reheated in the microwave. Instead, try reheating them in a pan with a bit of butter or oil to keep them crispy and flavorful.
12. Deli Meat
Deli meat can become dry and tough when reheated in the microwave. It is best to use it in cold sandwiches or wrap instead of reheating it.
13. Cookies
Reheating cookies in the microwave can make them soft and mushy. Instead, put them in the oven or toaster oven at a low temperature for a crispy and warm treat.
14. Mashed Potatoes
Reheating mashed potatoes in the microwave can cause them to become dry and lumpy. Try reheating them in a pot on the stove with a bit of butter and milk to keep them creamy and fluffy.
15. Bread
Reheating bread in the microwave can make it tough and dry. Instead, put it in the oven or toaster oven at a low temperature for a warm and crispy slice.
16. Popcorn
Reheating popcorn in the microwave can cause it to become stale and chewy. Instead, try popping a fresh batch or using an air popper for a healthier and fresher snack.
17. Steak
Reheating steak in the microwave can make it tough and overcooked. Instead, try reheating it in a pan with a bit of oil or butter to help retain its flavor and moisture.
18. Pancakes
Reheating pancakes in the microwave can make them tough and chewy. Try reheating them in a pan with a bit of butter or syrup to keep them soft and fluffy.
19. Chinese Takeout
Reheating Chinese takeout in the microwave can make it soggy and unevenly heated. Instead, try heating it in a pan or wok with a bit of oil or water to keep it crispy and evenly heated.
20. Lasagna
Reheating lasagna in the microwave can cause it to become dry and rubbery. Try reheating it in the oven or toaster oven with a bit of sauce or cheese to keep it moist and flavorful.
21. Stews
Stews can become unevenly heated in the microwave with some parts boiling hot and others still cold. It is best to reheat them on the stove or in a slow cooker to ensure even heating.
22. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables can become dry and overcooked in the microwave. Instead, try reheating them in a pan or baking dish with a bit of butter or oil to keep them moist and flavorful.
23. Quiche
Reheating quiche in the microwave can make the crust soggy and the filling rubbery. Try reheating it in the oven or toaster oven with a bit of cheese or herbs to keep it moist and flavorful.
24. Baked Potatoes
Reheating baked potatoes in the microwave can make them dry and rubbery. Try reheating them in the oven or toaster oven with a bit of butter or cheese to keep them moist and cheesy.
25. Roast Chicken
Roast chicken can become dry and tough when reheated in the microwave. Instead, try reheating it in a pan or oven with a bit of broth or gravy to keep it moist and flavorful.
26. Nachos
Reheating nachos in the microwave can make them soggy and unevenly heated. Try reheating them in the oven or toaster oven for a crispy and melty treat.
27. Tacos
Reheating tacos in the microwave can make the tortilla soggy and the filling unevenly heated. Instead, try reheating the filling in a pan or oven and assembling the taco before serving.
28. Mac and Cheese
Reheating mac and cheese in the microwave can make it dry and clumpy. Try reheating it in a pot on the stove with a bit of milk or cream to keep it creamy and cheesy.
29. Risotto
Reheating risotto in the microwave can make it dry and overcooked. Try reheating it in a pot on the stove with a bit of broth or wine to keep it creamy and flavorful.
30. Omelets
Reheating omelets in the microwave can make them tough and rubbery. Instead, try reheating them in a pan with a bit of butter or cheese to keep them soft and melty.