Whether it'sleftovers or to-go orders, know that the microwave is not always the best way to reheat everydish.
The general rule of thumb is to reheat food in the same way it was originally cooked. For example, soup should be reheated in a pot on the stovetop and a roast chicken in the oven.
To ensure foods like casseroles and roast meats donot dry out while reheating in the oven, just cover themwith foil. Use a low-temperature like 350 degrees Fahrenheitand cook until the dish isjust heated through, depending on the item this could be anywhere from 8 to 20 minutes.
Here are some tips to warm up items that traditionally are difficult to reheat.
Fried foods
Fried foods have the best chance of getting crispy again in dry heat.Place in an oven or toaster oven preheated to 400 degrees. It’s best if you can reheat them on top of a rack so the itemdoesn’t simmer in any excess grease.
Seafood
There is nothing worse than overcooked seafood. Heat fish dishes in a low-temperature oven until just heated through.
Pizza
If reheating a whole pizza, stick it in the oven directly on the oven rack or on a preheated pizza stone.
If just reheating a slice or two, warm it up in a hot skillet with the lid on. This stove-top technique will give you a crispy crust with melty cheese on top.
Rice
Grains like rice and quinoa reheat best in the microwave. Add a teaspoon or two of water and reheat in microwave. The extra water basically steams the rice.
French fries
Reheat for a minute or two under the broiler, just until crispy. Placing them on a rack will help them crisp up evenly.
Mashed potatoes
Reheat items like mashed potatoes in a double boiler to keep them from separating.If you don’t own a double boiler, simply set a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water. This process slowly warms the dish without scorching it. Also, warm butter and cream sauces this same way.
Jennifer Chandler is theFood & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached atjennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com, and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.
More cooking tips to come
For the next few weeks, The Commercial Appeal Food & Dining reporter Jennifer Chandler will post shopping and recipe tips to help you put a delicious and healthy meal on the table. Chandler is the author of four cookbooks, including "The Southern Pantry Cookbook."
