By Sarah Lohm, nutrition intern

A few weeks back, I shared my go-to guide for transforming meals and saving time (and money) in the kitchen. While leftovers often get a bad rap, they don’t have to be bland or boring. With the right techniques, you can turn yesterday’s dinner into something fresh, fun, and totally new. This time around, I’m diving even deeper, sharing more tips to help you feel confident, creative, and in control when it comes to that food you can’t quite figure out what to do with!

Best Ways to Reheat Leftovers:

Microwave:

• Use a damp paper towel to retain moisture
• Reheat in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly

Stovetop:

• Add a splash of water, broth, or oil (this helps to mimic your day-1 flavor!)
• Use low to medium heat to prevent overcooking, burning, and to preserve flavor

Oven:

• Cover with foil to prevent drying out
• Reheat at 300-350°F to warm evenly

Air Fryer:

• Best for crispy items (like pizza, roasted veggies, etc.)
• Spray lightly with oil for added crunch

General Reheating Tips:

• Add moisture to prevent drying out (broth, water, oil, tomato sauce, etc., depending on the recipe or item)
• Cover food loosely to trap steam, but avoid sogginess
• Reheat slowly for better texture and flavor retention
• Stir halfway through to ensure even heat distribution
• Try to avoid reheating more than once. Try to portion out what you plan to eat at that sitting

Smart Storage Tips to Maximize Freshness

Use Proper Containers:

• Airtight containers for most leftovers (these are my favorite!)
• Try using mason jars for things like soups, stews, or dressings
• Glass containers for easy reheating, and less dishes to clean!

Label and Date:

• When things get hectic, labeling can be your best friend, helping you remember when leftovers are still safe to eat

Organize Your Fridge:

• Keep older items in the front, newer ones in the back, so you make the most of your leftovers and can visually see what you have on hand!

Freezing Basics:

• Use freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags
• Freeze flat (when possible) to speed up the thawing process
• Leave room for expansion in liquids to save on messes later

Signs Food Has Gone Bad:

• Look for changes in smell, color, texture (slimy), or gas buildup in containers
• When in doubt, just throw it out – it’s not worth getting sick over!

Creative Uses for Your “Extras”

Don’t let those “almost gone” or “leftover mystery items” go to waste…they have plenty of potential! Here are some ways I use up what I have on hand!:

• Veggie Scraps (like carrot peels, onion skins, herb stems): Save in the freezer and make homemade broth!
• Meat Bones: Simmer with herbs and scraps for a homemade bone broth
• Stale Bread: Make croutons or breadcrumbs
• Overripe Fruit: Blend into smoothies, baked goods, fruit compote, or homemade jam
• Cheese Rinds: Toss into soups or sauces for added flavor
• Herbs that are About to Wilt: Blend into pesto, or freeze in olive oil in ice cube trays for future sauces, soups, etc.!

Real-Life Leftover Remix Example

Let’s say you started with: Beef and Broccoli Sheet Pan Dinner

Next Day Lunch: Beef and Broccoli Stuffed Sweet Potato

• Bake or microwave a sweet potato, split it open, and stuff it with your beef and broccoli. Add a sprinkle of cheese or a drizzle of tahini or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Dinner: Beef and Broccoli Wraps

• Take the leftover beef and broccoli, add some shredded cheese, avocado, or lettuce, and wrap it up in a tortilla for a quick dinner option with a totally different flavor twist!

Snack Idea: Beef and Broccoli Protein-Packed Dip

• Chop the leftover beef and broccoli into small pieces and blend with low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice, and your favorite herbs (like parsley or thyme). Use this creamy mixture as a dip for sliced veggies or whole grain crackers. I have found this is perfect for when I only have a few pieces of meat and veggies left… as a college student, I try not to waste a thing!

My Final Leftover Tips

Making the most of leftovers has been a game changer for both my budget and time. Learning “the art of leftovers” has helped me to feel confident and satisfied in the kitchen. Here are my final tips to help you maximize your leftovers and avoid waste:

• Plan for Leftovers: Cooking on Sunday gives me a head start for the week. I love using Sunday’s dinner as a base and remixing it into something new for Monday/Tuesday
• Have a “Clear-Out” Meal Night: I dedicate Fridays to a “clear-out” themed meal. This might look like a pasta salad for lunch with any leftover veggies and protein, then adding a sauce to heat up for dinner – changing the flavor profile but still being resourceful!
• Know What’s in Your Fridge and Freezer: It may sound simple, but keeping a list of what’s in your fridge and freezer helps prevent overbuying and ensures you make the most of what’s already there. Try making it a habit to clear out the fridge right before you grocery shop. This way, what you have on hand will be fresh in your mind in the store!
• Stock Up on Staples: Keeping basics like grains, tortillas, or eggs on hand means you can quickly round out meals when you have smaller amounts of leftovers that need a boost.

Whether it’s stretching one meal into three, giving scraps a second chance, or storing smarter, small changes can make a big difference. Leftovers don’t just save time and money… They also give you a chance to be creative and intentional in the kitchen. With a few tools, tips, and a little planning, you’ll be making delicious meals that work for you throughout the week. 

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