The Ultimate Way to Reheat Lasagna for the Same Delicious Flavor as the First Time

A truly great lasagna can taste even better the next day as the layers of sauce, cheese, and pasta continue to meld together. It's no surprise that lasagna is a go-to make-ahead meal, perfect for reheating in any portion size for those busy evenings.

So, what's the secret to reheating your lasagna so it retains its rich, gooey texture without drying out the pasta? Check out our top method for reheating leftovers, along with other quick alternatives to save you time when you're in a rush.

The Ultimate Way to Reheat Your Lasagna

For the most delicious and gooey lasagna leftovers, the oven is your best bet. Preheat it to 350°F, then bake the lasagna in a covered baking dish with foil. Depending on the portion size, it can take up to 45 minutes to heat through if it’s from the fridge, or around 90 minutes if it’s straight from the freezer.

Add some fresh toppings

For that perfect cheese bubble and golden brown top, remove the foil and place the lasagna back in the oven for an additional five to ten minutes after it’s fully heated.

To avoid the problem of bubbly edges and a cold center, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the temperature at the center reaches 165°F before removing it from the oven. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can tell it’s done when you see plenty of bubbling around the edges and slightly bubbly melted cheese at the center.

Alternative Methods for Reheating Your Lasagna

There are several other methods for reheating leftover lasagna, although they’re typically better suited for smaller portions.

Microwave

For a quick and easy reheating option, the microwave is perfect—especially for single servings. Place your lasagna in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to lock in that signature gooey texture. Microwave it for 90 seconds, then check the temperature. If it’s not hot enough, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the cheese has melted and it’s reached your desired temperature.

Air Fryer

One of our favorite multi-purpose kitchen tools can quickly reheat leftover lasagna, though you may need to work in batches if you’re reheating for a larger group. To use the air fryer, preheat it to 375°F, and to minimize cleanup, place the lasagna on a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil or in a small baking dish or loaf pan. After 10 minutes, check the internal temperature and continue checking every five minutes until it reaches 165°F.

Stovetop

Yes, you can reheat your lasagna on the stovetop—but you’ll need to slice it up into individual pieces, and it will turn out a bit crispier than other methods. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan, add the slice, and cook, flipping occasionally, until it’s hot all the way through.

How to Store Leftover Lasagna

Lasagna can be stored in the fridge for up to five days, or in the freezer for several months—though, of course, the sooner you indulge in your leftovers, the fresher and tastier it will be.

Air is the enemy of freshness, whether you're keeping your lasagna in the fridge or the freezer. To maintain its quality, tightly wrap the leftovers in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in an airtight container or the original baking dish.

How to Prepare Leftover Lasagna for Reheating

Although you can take lasagna directly from the fridge or freezer to the oven, microwave, or air fryer, it's best to let it warm up a little before reheating. For refrigerated lasagna, take it out of the fridge and allow it to sit on the counter while the oven preheats.

For frozen lasagna, it’s best to let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then leave it on the counter to come to room temperature as the oven heats up. You can also use the microwave’s defrost function, or, if you're pressed for time, put the lasagna straight into the oven—though it will take longer to heat than refrigerated lasagna.

As always, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F—or look for bubbling cheese—before diving into your reheated lasagna leftovers.