Quick Answer
Yes, you can reheat sweet potato casserole in the microwave. The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat sweet potato casserole without drying it out or making it mushy. Make sure to reheat the casserole in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Covering the dish can help retain moisture.
Reheating Tips
When reheating sweet potato casserole in the microwave, follow these tips for best results:
- Use microwave-safe dish. Transfer the casserole to a microwave-safe glass or ceramic baking dish if it’s not already in one.
- Cover dish with lid or plastic wrap. This will trap in steam and prevent the top from drying out.
- Microwave in short intervals. Heat for 2-3 minutes at a time, checking and stirring in between. This allows you to better control the heating and prevent overcooking.
- Stir well before serving. The casserole will heat unevenly in the microwave so be sure to stir it thoroughly before serving to distribute the heat.
- Add a splash of milk or broth if needed. If the casserole seems dry after reheating, stir in a splash of milk, broth or water to moisten it.
- Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before serving. This lets the temperature evenly distribute after microwaving.
The sweet potatoes and other ingredients in the casserole have a tendency to dry out when reheated. By microwaving in short intervals and keeping it covered, you can bring the dish back up to temperature without making it rubbery or dried out.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for reheating sweet potato casserole in the microwave:
- If the casserole has been refrigerated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come closer to room temperature for about 15 minutes before microwaving. This prevents drastic temperature changes.
- Transfer the casserole to a microwave-safe baking dish if it’s not already in one. Make sure the dish is deep enough to prevent splatters.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Make sure the lid or wrap sits directly on the surface of the casserole.
- Microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes. The timing will depend on your microwave wattage and amount of casserole.
- Remove dish from the microwave carefully—it will be very hot! Use oven mitts.
- Stir the casserole well, making sure to scrape the bottom and edges of the dish.
- Replace the cover and microwave for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Check temperature by stirring casserole and inserting a knife into the center. It should be very hot throughout.
- Allow casserole to rest, covered, for 2-3 minutes before serving. This lets the temperature equalize.
- Uncover, stir once more and serve immediately while hot.
If the casserole seems dry at all, stir in a splash of milk or broth before serving to moisten it. With this method, the sweet potato casserole can be reheated to piping hot without drying out.
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
Sweet potato casserole tends to have a relatively short shelf life compared to other baked dishes. Here are some tips for storing and freezing any leftovers:
Refrigeration
- Allow casserole to cool completely before refrigerating in a covered container.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 days maximum.
- Reheat refrigerated leftovers using the microwave method above.
Freezing
- Let casserole cool completely first.
- Transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1⁄2-inch headspace.
- Seal, label with date, and freeze for 2-3 months.
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating in microwave.
The textures of the sweet potatoes and other ingredients tend to degrade over time with freezing. For best results, try to eat up leftovers within a few days and minimize freezing.
Can You Reheat Other Ways?
While the microwave provides the quickest and easiest way to reheat sweet potato casserole, you can also use other methods:
Oven
- Heat oven to 350°F. Transfer casserole to oven-safe dish.
- Cover with foil and bake 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Check frequently to prevent drying out.
Stovetop
- Transfer casserole to stovetop-safe pan. Add a splash of milk or broth.
- Heat on medium-low, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 10 minutes.
- Replace lid between stirrings to retain moisture.
The oven or stovetop methods take longer but can help avoid uneven hotspots. Just be careful not to overcook the casserole, as the stove and oven can dry it out quickly.
Troubleshooting
If you have any issues reheating sweet potato casserole in the microwave, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Casserole is dried out
- Use shorter reheating intervals next time.
- Always cover the dish when reheating.
- Stir in a splash of milk or broth before serving.
Casserole is mushy
- Don’t microwave it for as long next time.
- Always stir thoroughly halfway through reheating.
Casserole has cold spots
- Heat for longer intervals.
- Stir vigorously before serving to distribute heat.
- Always allow it to rest 2-3 minutes after microwaving.
Top is burnt or dried out
- Always cover the dish when reheating.
- Don’t use plastic wrap that directly touches top.
- Stir casserole halfway through reheating.
With a little trial and error, you’ll get the timing and technique down for perfectly reheating sweet potato casserole every time!
Conclusion
Reheating sweet potato casserole in the microwave is quick, easy and effective. Just be sure to use short intervals, stir between reheating, and keep the dish covered to retain moisture. Allow the casserole to rest before serving. With the right technique, you can bring both the flavors and textures of the casserole back to life. Leftovers will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated but are best reheated within a couple days. Follow these tips for reheating success!