When oven roasting vegetables, it’s common to make more than you need for a single meal. Rather than letting the leftovers go to waste, many home cooks wonder if it’s safe and effective to reheat oven roasted veggies. With a few simple steps, reheating oven roasted vegetables can be done successfully.
Can you reheat oven roasted vegetables?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to reheat leftover oven roasted vegetables. The key is to store and reheat them properly to preserve texture and flavor.
Most cooked vegetables will last 3-5 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Make sure roasted veggies are completely cooled before storing. When ready to reheat, use one of the following methods:
- Microwave: This is the quickest reheating method. Place vegetables in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave in 30 second intervals until warmed through. This will help prevent overcooking.
- Oven: Place vegetables on a baking sheet and reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until hot. Keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
- Stovetop: Place vegetables in a skillet with a bit of water or broth. Cover and cook over medium-low, stirring occasionally, just until heated through, about 5 minutes.
The oven roasting process caramelizes natural sugars and intensifies flavors. When reheating vegetables, the goal is to preserve these complex flavors as much as possible.
Tips for reheating roasted vegetables
Follow these simple tricks for the best results when reheating leftover oven roasted veggies:
- Use a shallow container for microwave and oven heating to help vegetables heat quickly and evenly.
- Add a splash of water or broth to the reheating container to add moisture and prevent drying out.
- Reheat vegetables separately from other ingredients like grains or protein, which require different heating times.
- Stir vegetables halfway through reheating for even heating.
- Avoid reheating roasted veggies more than once, as textures can become mushy with multiple reheats.
- If vegetables are too dry after reheating, incorporate them into soups, frittatas, pasta, or grains to add flavor.
What vegetables roast and reheat well?
Nearly all vegetables can be oven roasted, but some hold up better than others when reheated. Good options include:
| Vegetable | Notes |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | Cut into even-sized pieces for roasting; turn potatoes during reheating for crispy edges. |
| Sweet potatoes | Toss in oil and spices before roasting; finish reheating in a hot skillet or oven. |
| Carrots | Roast with honey or oil. Reheat with a splash of broth to restore moisture. |
| Cauliflower or broccoli | Cut or break into small, even florets. Toss with olive oil and seasonings. |
| Brussels sprouts | Halve or quarter sprouts before roasting. Finish reheating in a skillet with olive oil or butter. |
| Winter squash | Peel and cut into 1-inch chunks. Toss with cinnamon, nutmeg, oil. Reheat gently. |
| Root vegetables | Try parsnips, turnips, beets. Roast similar sizes for even cooking. |
| Asparagus | Trim ends first. Toss spears in oil and roast until tender-crisp. |
| Bell peppers | Core, seed, and slice peppers before roasting. Keep reheating times brief. |
| Eggplant | Cut in 1-inch cubes or slices. Brush with oil before roasting. |
| Mushrooms | Toss halved mushrooms in oil and roast for deeper flavor. Do not overcook. |
Sturdy vegetables with a higher moisture content tend to reheat better than more delicate veggies. Avoid reheating any vegetables that become too mushy when roasted or overcooked.
How to season roasted vegetables for reheating
Proper seasoning is the key to maximum flavor when roasting vegetables. Some seasoning approaches include:
- Oil and salt: Toss cut vegetables in olive oil or avocado oil before seasoning generously with salt and pepper. The oil helps distribute seasonings evenly.
- Dry herbs and spices: Coat veggies with dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried parsley before roasting.
- Wet marinade: Marinate cut vegetables in an oil-based sauce made with ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, and fresh herbs. The marinade will caramelize and intensify in flavor when roasted.
- Spice blends: Toss vegetables with bold spice blends like barbecue, jerk, Cajun, harissa, or garam masala before roasting.
- Sweet glazes: Roast vegetables plain, then toss with honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or orange juice for the last 10-15 minutes to develop a glaze.
When reheating seasoned oven roasted vegetables, add extra virgin olive oil, broth, or other liquid to help revive any dried out seasonings and coat vegetables.
What are the best ways to serve reheated roasted vegetables?
Beyond enjoying them as a simple side dish, reheated roasted veggies pair well in many recipes. Consider these ideas:
| Dish | Method |
|---|---|
| Pasta | Toss roasted vegetables with hot pasta, olive oil or pasta sauce, and cheese. |
| Risotto | Stir roasted veggies into risotto 5 minutes before serving. |
| Frittatas or scrambles | Add roasted veggies when eggs are almost set. |
| Tacos | Pile roasted veggies onto warmed tortillas with desired taco toppings. |
| Flatbreads | Top flatbreads or naan with roasted vegetables, cheese, and fresh herbs. |
| Soups | Puree roasted vegetables with broth for a creamy soup. |
| Salads | Toss roasted veggies while warm over mixed salad greens. |
| Sandwiches | Pile roasted vegetables onto bread or rolls with cheese, hummus, or sauce. |
The deep, concentrated flavors of oven roasted vegetables make them an excellent addition to grain bowls, pizza, slaws, savory tarts, and more.
Conclusion
With proper storage and reheating, leftover oven roasted vegetables can be safely enjoyed again and again. Allow vegetables to cool completely before storing in an airtight container for 3-5 days. When ready to reheat, use the microwave, oven, or stovetop over gentle heat. Add a bit of liquid during reheating to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Roast vegetables in bold seasonings for maximum flavor that will carry through the reheating process. Beyond enjoying as a side, roasted veggies also add delicious flavor to countless other dishes.