Bring Leftover Lasagna Back To Life With This 5-Minute Oven Tip

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Lasagna is undeniably one of the most popular dishes to come out of Italy. The tender pasta sheets, rich, flavorful meat ragu, creamy béchamel spread between the layers, and the beautifully golden crust of melted cheese on top — it's no wonder the dish is such a fan favorite. Even leftover lasagna is hard to resist, as long as you reheat it properly. According to Robert Irvine, the best way to reheat lasagna is in the oven. However, there's a trick to getting it just right: remove the foil during the last five minutes of the process.

The best way to reheat lasagna in the oven is by adding some water, or some extra sauce, on top and covering it with aluminum foil. The first step is crucial to restore some of the moisture the lasagna lost while sitting in the fridge. At the same time, the aluminum foil traps the steam, and prevents the lasagna from drying out as it heats up. That's also why the microwave isn't the best choice. It might save you time, but it can turn your tender lasagna into a dry, chewy mess in a couple minutes. However, here's where it gets interesting. Leaving the foil on the entire time keeps the cheese soft and moist. If you're after that bubbly, irresistibly crispy, cheesy crust, take the foil off shortly before taking the lasagna out of the oven.

Reheating lasagna takes a little patience. If you stored it in the fridge, where it can safely stay for up to four days, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. If it's frozen, it's best to thaw it in the fridge overnight first. Meanwhile, you can preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once you add some liquid (broth or pasta water works too) and cover the lasagna with foil, put it in the oven for up to 40 minutes. To make sure it's heated through, grab a meat thermometer, such as the Onfiky Digital Meat Thermometer, to check that the center reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ultimately, once the lasagna is heated through, remove the foil and let it broil for up to five minutes. For an extra-cheesy finish, add some shredded mozzarella on top. You can also mix in a little ricotta and parmesan to take it to the next level. Keep a close eye on the cheese once it's back in the oven. It can burn in no time if you leave it unattended. When it's ready, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for a couple minutes before serving. All that's left to do is dig right in and enjoy.