Here's How To Reheat Mac And Cheese The Right Way

Mac and cheese is my favorite comfort food, and its versatility knows no bounds. Eat it by itself or as a side...you can't go wrong either way. Though this dish seems easy enough, it can go horribly wrong fast! This is especially true when it's time to revamp the leftovers. As a macaroni and cheese connoisseur, with the power that has been bestowed upon me from nearly two decades of assisting with the preparation of this illustrious dish, I'm going to use my knowledge to help fellow aspiring mac and cheese ambassadors.

When done wrong, the whole thing can turn into a sad, clumpy mess or a dry, rubbery disaster. But with the right method, you can bring leftover mac and cheese back to its former glory. The trick lies in tailoring your reheating approach to the style of mac and cheese you're working with. Is it the gooey, saucy kind or more of a baked, drier version? Each type needs a slightly different technique for it to shine.

If you're working with the creamier mac and cheese, try adding a splash of milk, cream, or even a little butter before reheating. This reintroduces moisture and helps loosen up the sauce so it's as smooth as when you first made it. For baked mac and cheese with a crispy topping, it requires a gentler touch to maintain its texture. You're going to want to go with low heat in the oven instead of nuking it in the microwave. With a few simple tweaks, your leftovers will taste like the mac and cheese was freshly made.

There's nothing more disappointing than dry, crusty mac and cheese. Creamy mac deserves much better than that, so let's keep things velvety at all costs. The best way to do this is via stovetop. Grab your mac and put it in a saucepan. Here's where that milk, cream, or even a bit of chicken broth comes in handy to add much-needed moisture. Heat it gently over low heat, stirring frequently to ensure the sauce stays smooth and doesn't separate.

For an extra boost of creaminess, consider adding a small pat of butter or a sprinkle of shredded cheese as it warms. It enhances the flavor and helps create a luscious consistency. Make sure you don't overheat it, as high heat can cause the sauce to become a grainy mess. If you're in a rush, the microwave can work, but use a lower power setting and stir often to avoid hot spots. Covering the dish with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel also helps lock in moisture.

When you're reheating baked mac and cheese, your main goal is preserving its signature crispy top while keeping the insides warm and cheesy. The oven is your best friend here. Preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place your mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until warmed throughout.

If you want to revive the crisp on top, remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating. For smaller portions, an air fryer can get the job done. Set it to a low temperature (around 325 degrees Fahrenheit) and reheat until the topping is crispy and the inside is heated evenly. Avoid microwaving baked mac and cheese because it tends to ruin the top and you get cold, clumpy spots and super hot spots in the same dish. Whether creamy or baked, your leftovers will be bomb if you choose the right reheating method.