Leftover Reheating Time & Temp Calculator

Select your food type and reheating method to see target temperature and approximate time.

How this works

USDA food safety guidance calls for reheating leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F, hot enough to kill bacteria that may have grown during storage. How long that takes depends heavily on the reheating method and the food's density — a thin liquid like soup reheats much faster than a dense casserole.

Source: Reheating temperature guidance follows the USDA's food safety recommendation that leftovers be reheated to 165°F.

Frequently asked questions

What internal temperature should reheated leftovers reach?

USDA guidance recommends reheating leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F, checked with a food thermometer, regardless of the method used.

Why shouldn't I microwave fried food?

Microwaves heat food by exciting moisture, which tends to make breading and fried coatings soggy rather than crisp — an oven or stovetop pan does a much better job of restoring crispness.

Is it safe to reheat leftovers more than once?

Food safety guidance generally advises reheating leftovers only once; repeated cooling and reheating cycles increase the opportunity for bacterial growth. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

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