We’ve all been there; the scrumptious, home-cooked meal that was once a feast for the senses has now been reduced to a pile of leftovers. Despite our best intentions, these remnants often end up languishing in the back of the fridge, only to be tossed out when they’ve passed their prime.
However, with the right storage strategies, you can ensure that your leftovers not only stay fresh and safe to eat, but also remain appetizing. Here are 16 ways to store your leftovers so they actually get eaten, ultimately reducing waste and saving you money.
1. Use Clear Containers
Clear containers make it easy to see what’s inside, encouraging you and your family to actually eat the leftovers. If you can’t identify what’s in a container, you’re less likely to open it and eat what’s inside.
Invest in a set of clear, glass storage containers in various sizes. These not only allow you to see the contents clearly, but they’re also microwave-safe and can go straight from fridge to table, making leftover meals a breeze. Be sure to label each container with the date of storage to keep track of freshness.
2. Portion Out Meals
Rather than storing a large batch of leftovers in a single container, consider portioning them out into individual servings. This makes it easy to grab a quick meal on the go, and it’s particularly helpful if you’re trying to control portion sizes for dieting purposes.
For example, if you’ve made a large pot of chili, store it in single-serving containers that you can easily grab for lunch or dinner. You can also do this with leftover casseroles, pasta, and more. It’s a simple step that can make your life a lot easier when you’re in a rush.
3. Freeze Leftovers for Future Meals
Don’t be afraid to put your freezer to good use! Many foods freeze well and can be stored for several months, providing you with ready-to-eat meals when you don’t have time to cook.
From soups and stews to casseroles and baked goods, most leftovers can be frozen with good results. Just be sure to use freezer-safe containers, and allow food to cool completely before freezing to prevent the formation of ice crystals. Also, remember to label your containers with the date and contents.
4. Refresh Leftovers with Fresh Ingredients
Sometimes, all a leftover dish needs is a little refreshing. Adding fresh ingredients can make leftovers feel more like a new meal and less like a repetition of yesterday’s dinner.
For instance, you can turn leftover grilled chicken into a hearty salad by adding fresh greens, or use leftover pasta to whip up a pasta salad with fresh vegetables. The key is to be creative and think of leftovers not as a standalone meal, but as a base for a new culinary creation.
5. Store Leftovers Properly for Safety
It’s important that leftovers are stored properly to prevent foodborne illness. This means promptly refrigerating leftovers within two hours of cooking, and ensuring your refrigerator is set at the correct temperature.
Your refrigerator should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and leftovers should be stored in shallow containers to allow for quick and even cooling. Additionally, leftovers should be eaten within three to four days, or frozen for longer storage.
6. Reheat Leftovers Correctly
Reheating leftovers correctly can greatly improve their taste and texture. This not only makes them more appetizing but also ensures they’re safe to eat.
When reheating leftovers, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any bacteria. Also, stir them halfway through reheating to ensure even heating. Certain foods, like pasta and rice, may benefit from a splash of water before reheating to prevent them from drying out.
7. Use a FoodSaver for Longer Storage
If you often find yourself with a lot of leftovers, consider investing in a FoodSaver. This handy device vacuum seals food in specially designed bags, keeping it fresh for longer.
FoodSavers can keep food fresh up to five times longer than traditional storage methods, making them perfect for storing large quantities of leftovers. They’re also great for batch cooking and meal prep, as you can make large quantities of food and store it in smaller portions for later use.
8. Be Creative in Your Recipes
Leftovers don’t have to mean eating the same meal twice. By being creative and thinking outside the box, you can take last night’s dinner and turn it into tonight’s culinary masterpiece.
Try using leftover roast chicken in a stir-fry or salad, or use leftover pasta to make a frittata. You can even use leftover vegetables in a homemade soup. The possibilities are endless, so let your culinary creativity shine.
9. Share Your Leftovers
If you’ve got more leftovers than you can handle, why not share them? Whether it’s with friends, family, or a neighbor, sharing your leftovers is a great way to ensure they get eaten.
You could even organize a “leftover swap” with a group of friends or neighbors, where everyone brings a dish and exchanges it for another. Not only does this help reduce waste, but it also allows you to try a variety of different dishes.
10. Pack Them for Lunch
Leftovers make great lunch options. Rather than buying lunch every day, pack your leftovers for a cost-effective and often healthier option.
Simply portion out your leftovers into lunch-sized containers and grab one on your way out the door in the morning. This not only saves money, but it also saves time on busy mornings when you’re rushing to get out the door.
11. Use Leftovers in Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a great way to repurpose leftovers. Almost any leftover dish can be turned into a delicious sandwich, making for a quick and easy meal.
For instance, leftover roast beef can be sliced thin and used in a sandwich with some horseradish and arugula. Leftover chicken can be mixed with some mayo, celery, and spices to make a chicken salad sandwich. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
12. Incorporate Leftovers into Breakfast
Who says leftovers are only for lunch and dinner? Many leftovers can be easily incorporated into a tasty breakfast.
Leftover roasted vegetables can be thrown into a scramble or omelet. Leftover rice can be used to make a delicious rice pudding. Even leftover pizza can be warmed up and served as a quick and easy breakfast. Don’t limit your leftovers to just lunch and dinner – breakfast can be a great opportunity to use up those extras.
13. Invest in a Quality Microwave
A good microwave can make a world of difference when it comes to reheating leftovers. A microwave with a “reheat” setting can accurately determine the right amount of time and power to reheat your leftovers without overcooking them.
Many modern microwaves also have a “sensor cook” function, which adjusts cooking time and power levels based on the moisture content of the food. This can be a game-changer for reheating leftovers, as it reduces the risk of drying out your food.
14. Turn Leftovers into Soup
Almost any leftover can be turned into a soup with a little creativity. This is a great way to use up leftovers and create a comforting, home-cooked meal.
Leftover chicken or turkey can be used in a chicken noodle soup, while leftover vegetables can be pureed into a creamy soup. Even leftover pasta can be thrown into a minestrone. Making soup from leftovers is not only economical, but it’s also a delicious way to reduce food waste.
15. Transform Leftovers into Salads
Salads are another versatile option for using up leftovers. From pasta salads to grain salads to green salads, almost any leftover can be transformed into a fresh and healthy meal.
Leftover grilled chicken can be sliced and added to a green salad, while leftover pasta can be mixed with fresh vegetables and a vinaigrette for a quick pasta salad. Even leftover grains like rice or quinoa can be used to make a hearty grain salad. Get creative and mix and match your leftovers to create a salad that suits your tastes.
16. Make a Leftover Night
Finally, consider making a “leftover night” a regular part of your meal plan. This is a night where everyone in the family gets to choose their favorite leftovers from the fridge for dinner.
Not only does this ensure that leftovers get eaten, but it also gives everyone in the family a chance to eat their favorite meals again. Plus, it’s a night off from cooking for you! A win-win situation for everyone.
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