Thanksgiving is never complete without the All-American green bean casserole. The creamy, crunchy, and savory combination makes a great addition to any holiday feast.
And while it’s delicious fresh out of the oven, sometimes all you have left is a pile of cold, mushy beans.
So, what do you do? Toss them into the trash and start from scratch?
Don’t fret; you can still salvage your holiday spread without sacrificing quality or taste by using a microwave.
Here’s how to reheat green bean casserole in microwave.
Scoop out a serving of your green bean casserole and place it into a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwavable plastic wrap, leaving some room for steam to escape. Nuke on medium power for 1 minute, or simply use the reheat setting if available. Remove from microwave and stir. Continue reheating in 30-second bursts until 165 degrees F is reached.
And there you have it! Your piping hot green bean casserole bursting with the flavor of a freshly made casserole.
In today’s post, we’ll go over these steps in-depth and give you some tips for reheating your casserole in the microwave. We’ll also discuss some critical issues that can arise when reheating casserole in a microwave, as well as potential solutions.
So, let’s dig right into it.
Is it Safe to Reheat Green Bean Casserole in Microwave?
Safety concerns abound when it comes to reheating food. The rise of foodborne illnesses has led many people to question whether or not certain foods can be safely reheated and, if so, how.
Fortunately, green bean casserole is one dish that you can safely reheat in your microwave. However, there are some precautions you should take first.
One of the limitations of microwaves is that they tend to heat food unevenly. This means that some parts of your green bean casserole may become overcooked and mushy while others remain cold and hard. Solution: nuke in short bursts, stirring after each one, until it’s hot all over. Alternatively, you can microwave using the reheat setting located on most microwaves.
The other concern is that many casserole recipes call for canned cream of mushroom soup. While it’s safe to microwave canned soups, they may separate and curdle when reheated. To be safe, add extra baking powder or cornstarch mixed with water to your recipe before microwaving.
Lastly, make sure your casserole is piping hot before serving for health safety reasons. Foods not heated to the proper temperature can harbor bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses like salmonella and E. coli. So, ensure you achieve a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius), and you’ll be good to go.
Once you’ve taken these precautions, reheating green bean casserole becomes easy and safe.
How Long Does it Take to Reheat Green Bean Casserole in Microwave?
Generally, it takes about two minutes to reheat a single serving of green bean casserole. However, the time can vary depending on your microwave wattage, the number of servings, and the power level selected.
For instance, if you’re reheating two servings at once, it will take an additional minute or so. You’re advised to divide your casserole into single-serving portions before reheating. This will save you time and energy and ensure even heat distribution.
Similarly, if you’re using a microwave with low wattage (1000 watts or less), it will take more time to reheat your casserole than one with higher wattage. The best practice is to heat in 30-seconds increments, stirring after each interval.
The same is true for microwaves that have multiple power levels. If you choose high power, it will take less time to reheat your food than if you select medium or low power. However, in this case, too much heat can damage your dish.
So, instead, select the medium settings or simply press the reheat button. This will keep your food warm rather than cooking it any further.
Tips for Reheating Green Bean Casserole in Microwave
While you can certainly reheat green bean casserole in the oven, you may find that doing so in the microwave is easier and more convenient. Here are some tips for reheating green bean casserole in the microwave.
- If you’re using frozen green bean casserole, make sure it’s completely thawed before reheating. Leave it out on your counter for at least 30 minutes or until it is no longer frozen. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it in your microwave for a few minutes.
- Use only microwave-safe dishes for reheating green bean casserole. You want to avoid health risks associated with using an unsafe dish and having your food contaminated by toxic chemicals. If you’re not sure whether your dish is microwave safe, contact the manufacturer or use a glass or ceramic dish instead.
- Before mixing your green bean casserole, make sure it’s at room temperature. If you don’t, you may have unevenly heated food with cold and hot spots. Letting it sit out for 20 minutes or so should do the trick.
- When reheating green bean casserole in a microwave, heat small portions first and gradually increase the amount if needed. This will help you avoid over-or under-cooking your dish. Use a food thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
- Reheat in 30-second increments, checking to see if it’s hot enough. If not, continue heating until you reach the desired temperature. Remember that microwaves vary greatly, so you may need more or less time than what is listed here.
- Avoid reheating at high power levels as it can cause sudden and uneven heating. Instead, opt for medium or low power settings. This will allow your food to cook more evenly without overcooking or burning any parts.
- Cover your casserole dish with either a microwavable lid or plastic wrap to prevent splatters. The cover will also trap the steam, accelerating cooking time. Leave an opening for venting; otherwise, you’ll have a soggy mess.
- If you’re worried about your casserole drying out, add a splash of water or a few drops of milk. However, don’t go overboard with the liquid, as too much will result in soggy green bean casserole.
How to Reheat Green Bean Casserole in Microwave (Step By Step Guide)
Now that we’ve established that you can, in fact, reheat green bean casserole in the microwave, let’s go over how to do it step by step. So, below is a complete guide on reheating green bean casserole in your microwave.
Step 1: Take Out Your Green Bean Casserole from Your Refrigerator
Scoop only what you plan on eating into a microwave-safe dish. Leave any leftovers in their original container, and place them back into your refrigerator.
Step 2: Let Your Green Bean Casserole Stand At Room Temperature For About 30 Minutes
This will allow it to come up to room temperature, making it easier and safer to reheat.
Step 3: Sprinkle Some Water On Top Of Your Green Bean Casserole
The step is only necessary if your green bean casserole seems particularly dry or clumpy. If it doesn’t, you can skip ahead to Step 4.
Step 4: Cover with a Microwavable Paper Wrap or Lid
This will prevent splatters and trap steam inside your dish, reducing the reheating time. Make some holes on top of your cover so that steam can escape.
Step 5: Nuke Your Casserole for About 2-3 Minutes on Medium Heat
Place your dish into your microwave, and nuke it for a minute at medium heat. Then, remove your dish, stir, and continue microwaving in 30 seconds bursts. Stir after each burst to ensure that your green bean casserole reheats evenly.
Final Step: Remove From Microwave and Enjoy
Use a food thermometer to ensure that your green bean casserole has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If it hasn’t, continue microwaving for 30-second bursts until it does. Then, serve instantly with some freshly ground pepper and enjoy.
Faqs on How to Reheat Green Bean Casserole in Microwave
How hot should a reheated casserole be?
Before serving, your casserole should be piping hot. If you’re not sure, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of one of your casserole’s layers. One hundred sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) is the temperature considered safe for food consumption by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
How many times can a casserole be reheated?
Although you can reheat your green bean casserole more than once, it’s not recommended. Each time you reheat it, you risk losing some of its flavor and texture. Additionally, there is an increased chance of harmful bacteria growing in your food, making it unsafe for consumption.
How do you keep a casserole warm in the oven?
Put your casserole dish, covered with aluminum foil, into a preheated 200-degree oven. Use a food thermometer to maintain a safe temperature of at least 140 degrees F. This will keep your green bean casserole warm for approximately an hour.
Can green bean casserole be made ahead and refrigerated?
Yes, you can make green bean casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Ensure to refrigerate within two hours after baking to prevent bacteria from growing on your food. Allow your dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or Ziploc bag.
How long can green bean casserole stay in the fridge?
If you followed the storage instructions correctly, your green bean casserole should be good for three days. However, if you smell or see any signs of spoilage (such as mold), it’s best to throw it out immediately. This can occur if your food is left at room temperature for an extended period before being refrigerated.
How long does it take a refrigerated casserole to come to room temperature?
A refrigerated casserole will take about 30 minutes to come up to room temperature. But first, defrost it in the refrigerator for at least a day before attempting to cook it.
How do you reheat pasta casserole?
There are many ways to reheat pasta casserole, including using an oven, stovetop, or microwave. If you’re pressed for time, use your microwave instead. Simply place your desired amount of pasta casserole in a microwavable jar.
Drizzle about one tablespoon of water over it, cover tightly and nuke for 1 minute. Stir and continue heating in 30-second bursts until thoroughly heated.
How do you reheat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown casserole?
You can reheat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole in the oven, microwave, or stovetop. If you choose an oven, preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil.
Bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and check to see if it’s heated through. If not, continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until it is hot throughout.
Is green bean casserole supposed to be runny?
Green bean casserole is supposed to be creamy and thick, not runny. A runny green bean casserole is caused by not adding enough cornstarch or baking powder to thicken it. If you have too watery leftovers, try reheating them in the microwave with more cornstarch or baking powder.
Bottom Line
Though there are many ways to reheat green bean casserole, using a microwave has proven to be one of the most effective. Even better, it’s quick and easy, making it ideal for those with busy schedules.
The key to successfully reheating green bean casserole is to do so quickly. If you allow it to sit too long in your microwave, you risk burning or drying out your dish. The result is a soggy and flavorless holiday classic that no one will want to eat.
Lastly, make sure your green bean casserole is thoroughly heated before serving. You don’t want to take any chances with foodborne illness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and be on the safe side.
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