The macaroni and cheese in the fridge calls out to you, but how do you reheat it to keep it as delicious as it was the first time it was made? Reheating macaroni and cheese is sometimes tricky to do and the result is either too dry or oily, and sometimes both! This article will teach you how to avoid these problems and reheat the macaroni and cheese so they can end up as soft and creamy as when they were freshly cooked.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Reheating Macaroni and Cheese in the Microwave
Step 1. Place as much macaroni and cheese as you want in a microwave-safe bowl
Make sure your bowl is made of glass or microwave-safe plastic before proceeding.
Do not reheat more than what you will use. The more often you reheat the macaroni and cheese, the less delicious it will be
Step 2. Add milk
Pasta continues to absorb moisture as it cooks, which means that the longer you leave your macaroni and cheese, the drier it will be. The secret to preserving or 'reviving' the original texture is to add a little milk as you reheat. The time it takes depends on your macaroni and cheese. Start by stirring in 1 tablespoon of milk per cup of macaroni and cheese. The milk won't mix well until the macaroni and cheese are heated through. So don't worry if it looks a little wet at first.
You can also substitute cream or half and half for richer texture and flavor
Step 3. Cover the macaroni and cheese with plastic wrap
Leave one end slightly open to let the steam out.
If you don't feel comfortable using plastic wrap in the microwave, you can also place the plate upside down on top of the plate, but be sure to use oven mitts before removing it, as the dishes can become hot. It can also give off hot steam that can burn you
Step 4. Gently heat macaroni and cheese on medium (50%)
This will reduce the chance that the cheese will fall off and separate, resulting in overly greasy macaroni and cheese. Set the timer for 1 minute for one serving, or 90 seconds for larger portions. When the timer is off, stir in the macaroni and cheese. Then continue to cook it in 30-60 second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.
If your microwave doesn't have a swivel carousel, heat your macaroni and cheese in 45-second intervals, rotating your bowl in between
Step 5. Add toppings, if you want, and enjoy
Even carefully reheated macaroni and cheese can lose some of its flavor. To cheer you up a bit, try sprinkling some parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, a little butter, or some garlic cheese. For a little different flavor, you can try adding soy sauce, a little cayenne pepper, or even hot sauce. Appetite vouchers!
Method 2 of 3: Reheating Macaroni And Cheese In The Oven
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C)
The oven is a great way to reheat large amounts of macaroni and cheese, especially if you're reheating leftovers.
Step 2. Place your macaroni and cheese in a shallow, ovenproof dish
A glass baking pan is suitable for use.
Step 3. Add milk
Add about 1 tablespoon of milk per 1 cup of macaroni and cheese. However, skip this step if you're heating up a macaroni and cheese dish that has a crunchy topping.
Step 4. Cover the baking sheet with foil, and bake until the heat is evenly distributed
This will take 20-30 minutes.
Step 5. For a delicious topping, add extra cheese on top
Add grated cheese (cheddar cheese will work great!) over your macaroni and cheese. After 20 minutes, remove the foil, and cook another 10 minutes until the cheese sprinkles are bubbly and lightly browned.
For extra crunch, you can dip 2-3 tablespoons of seasoned bread crumbs into the grated cheese before sprinkling it over the macaroni and cheese
Method 3 of 3: Reheating Macaroni and Cheese on the Stove
Step 1. Take out your double boiler (or build one)
The best way to reheat macaroni and cheese and other creamy pasta dishes on the stove is to use a double broiler, or brain-marie. A double boiler consists of a small pot that is stacked on top of another pot filled with water. These stacked pots are placed over the fire, and the water at the bottom boils, releasing steam that slowly heats the food in the top pan.
- If you don't have a double broiler, it's easy to make one. Look for a metal or glass (preferably pyrex) mixing bowl that matches the top of your favorite small skillet. Add water to the pan, but not so much that it touches the bottom of the bowl. Add your food to the bowl, and place the pot with the bowl on the stove and over medium heat.
- If a double broiler isn't an option, use a regular pan; just be careful not to scorch your macaroni and cheese.
Step 2. Place as much macaroni and cheese as you like on your double broiler, or in a skillet
Only reheat as much as you want to eat. The quality of the food will definitely decrease after the second time it is reheated.
Step 3. Add the milk to the macaroni and cheese
This will help restore the sauce's moisture and original texture. Start by adding while stirring about a tablespoon of milk per one cup of macaroni and cheese. You can add more milk while heating the macaroni and cheese if they start to look dry or sticky.
- Adding half a spoonful of butter to the macaroni and cheese will improve the taste and texture even more.
- You can also replace the milk with half and half, or even cream for a richer texture.
Step 4. Heat the macaroni and cheese over boiling hot water, or in a small skillet over the stove over medium heat
Keep an eye on your pan and stir constantly until the macaroni and cheese reach the heat and texture you want. Depending on your stove, this process can take 3 to 10 minutes.
- Be patient and try not to overheat your macaroni and cheese, or else the macaroni and cheese may separate and become greasy.
- If the macaroni looks dry when heated, add additional milk while stirring, one spoon at a time.
Step 5. Make adjustments to match the missing flavors
Even properly heated macaroni and cheese can lose some of its flavor. Consider adding an extra few ounces of grated cheese or a few tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese as it heats up. You can also add garlic powder or a little cayenne pepper for a little extra flavor.
Warning
Be careful when reheating the macaroni and cheese. Microwave-heated dishes can get very hot. Use potholders or oven mitts
Related wikiHows
- How to Make Macaroni and Cheese
- How to Make Rotel with Ground Beef
- How to Make Casseroles
