You know how it feels to be full while still having food on your plate. Although you don't want to waste it, you do not intend to swallow it all. So, what’s there to do with the leftovers? You can store it for the next day!

You might think leftover foods are harmful to your health and won’t taste the same after being stored. It’s partly true. Because not every recipe out there follows this rule.

If properly stored, there are a few leftover foods that you can eat the next day that will still taste good. Here’s all you need to know:

 

1. Lobsters

There's nothing quite like a lobster dinner, but sometimes you can't finish everything on your plate. So, what are you going to do with the leftovers? Should you discard them?

There are many delectable uses for leftover lobster, so don't worry. 

You can either store the dish in your refrigerator and reheat it the next day or include this luxurious ingredient in various other tasty dishes.

Cooked lobsters kept properly in the fridge will taste just fine even after 3 to 4 days of storage. And if you are wondering how to reheat lobster after taking it out of the fridge, you can do so easily in the oven. 

So, for an easy and delicious way to enjoy your favorite lobster dish the next day, consider storing it in your refrigerator.

2. Curries

Curries are one of the most common leftover foods that will still be good the next day. This dish is a fantastic way to incorporate variety into your diet and get creative with what you have on hand.

Not to mention, curries can be made in large batches and easily reheated for future meals. Here are some tips for making the most of your leftover curries:

• Add some fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables can brighten up any dish and add extra nutrients to your meal. So, consider adding some chopped-up tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions to your leftover curry.
• Throw in some protein: Protein is essential for a balanced diet and can help bulk up your leftovers. If you have chicken, shrimp, or tofu on hand, add it to your curry for a filling meal.
• Spice it up: If your curry is starting to taste a bit bland, try adding some additional spices to liven things up. You can add flavor with just a teaspoon of cumin or chili powder. For more flavor, you might also include fresh ginger or garlic.

 

3. Soups

Soup is one of the most underrated leftover foods that you can try the next day. It's easy to prepare, excellent for hunger-strike relief, delicious, and can be even better the next day.

Simply refrigerate your soup in an airtight container, then reheat it with seasoning. To season, you may add some broth, vegetables, or maybe some meat or beans to enrich the taste. You can also add rice or noodles if you want.

After that, mix everything in a pot and simmer for a few minutes to thoroughly cook everything. Finally, serve it in a bowl with added spice to taste and enjoy!

4. Stews

There's something about a hearty stew that tastes delicious even when you keep it stored for the next day. Perhaps it's because all the flavors have had time to blend overnight.

Whatever the reason, stews are great leftover foods that are perfect for a winter lunch or dinner. They will keep you full for hours. Plus, they're easy to make and can be tailored to your tastes.

So what are you waiting for? Give leftover stew a try.

5. Deserts

Nothing completes a dinner like a delectable dessert. However, creating one from scratch every night isn't feasible for you. And the good news is that many sweets may be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for later use.

Here are some of our favorite make-ahead desserts:

• Chocolate Mousse: Two days is the ideal storage time for this rich and velvety dessert. Simply store it in a sealed jar and place it in the refrigerator.
• Fruit Tart: These cute little tarts are perfect for a summer dessert. Prepare the tart shells, fill them with your preferred fruit, and keep them refrigerated.
• Cheesecake: Cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance. However, it is recommended to leave off making the topping until the day before serving.
• Ice Cream Cake: An ice cream cake is a fun and easy dessert that can be made well in advance. Layer your favorite ice cream flavors in a cake pan, freeze, and then top with whipped cream and sprinkles.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies: These classic chocolate chip cookies can stay fresh for up to a week. So, bake them as directed, cool them down, and keep them stored in a dry place in an airtight container.

 

6. Casseroles

There's no need to waste a perfect casserole just because you made too much of it. In fact, reheating it can actually make it even tastier than it was the first time around.

Casseroles often have complex flavors that develop over time. Thus, reheating them allows all the ingredients to be fully absorbed and the flavors to meld together thoroughly.

Plus, reheating casseroles is pretty simple. Just place the dish in the oven or microwave it for a couple of minutes. This way, you can save a lot of time while cooking a quick hearty meal for the whole family.

So think again the next time you're inclined to toss away your leftover casserole! There are many good reasons to reheat and eat it again.

7. Cooked Chicken

Have you got some leftover cooked chicken that you need to use? No worries! There are many recipes that call for chicken. As a result, it can be included in many other different dishes.

For example, chicken soup is a classic. Another great option is to shred the chicken and add it to a salad. Chicken tacos and sandwiches can also be made with cooked chicken.

Therefore, the next time you have leftover chicken dishes, be creative and see what new dishes you can come up with.

 

Additional Tips to Use Leftover Foods That You Can Try the Next Day

So, what are some other leftover foods to try the next day? Well, pretty much any leftover dish can be reheated or reused in delightful ways! Here are some of our favorites:

• Make a frittata. This is a wonderful way to use up leftover vegetables. You may sauté them with some eggs for a tasty and nutritious supper.
• Use leftover meat in a stir-fry. This is a quick and easy way to turn leftovers into whole new meals. Add some veggies and your favorite sauce, and you’re good to go.
• Make a quesadilla. Quesadillas are one of the most versatile dishes. They taste fantastic no matter what you stuff inside of them. So, if you’ve got some leftover chicken or beef, throw it in there with some cheese and tortillas, and you’ve got yourself a delicious meal.
• Cook grilled cheese. This is one of the most leisurely meals to make and one of the most delicious. Put two slices of bread together with cheese between them, then cook the sandwich until the cheese melts and the bread is nicely charred.
• Fry rice or pasta. If you have leftover rice or pasta, try frying it with some eggs for a quick and easy meal.

Conclusion

Now that you know there’s much more to do with leftover food, don’t let your leftover dishes go to waste. Consider one of these solutions we shared, and get yourself a quick meal to relieve your hunger!

Other than these seven leftover foods that you can try the next day, you may also store other leftover dishes in the refrigerator.

Just experiment with your leftover foods, especially the perishable items that can be stored only for a day or two. You may add different spices or sauces to change the flavor and enjoy!

FAQ:

1. What food is better reheated?

Several leftover foods are better reheated, such as casseroles, stews, and soups. These foods taste better because the flavors have time to meld together. 

Additionally, reheating these foods allows the textures to change, making them more enjoyable.

2. What leftovers are better cold?

Certain dishes taste better when they’re cold. Lasagna, for example, is delicious when it has sat in the fridge for a day or two. The same is true with pasta recipes like macaroni and cheese. 

Plus, cold cuts are meant to be eaten cold. The same goes for sushi, seafood, and desserts. 

3. How long can cooked food stay in the fridge?

Cooked food can technically be stored in the fridge for up to four days, but for food safety reasons, it's best to eat it within two days. Otherwise, it might cause food poisoning.

Proper storage helps to maintain food quality and prevent foodborne illness. When storing cooked food in the fridge, please keep it in a sealed container or wrap the food tightly in a freezer-safe wrap and date it.