what temp to set oven to keep food warm

For most home ovens, a good range to keep cooked food warm (without overcooking it) is around 170–200°F (about 75–93°C).

Quick answer

• If your oven has a “Warm” setting: use that (it’s usually 160–200°F / 70–93°C).

• If you set it manually: 170–180°F (75–82°C) is a safe, common choice for most dishes.

• Try to keep the actual food at 140°F (60°C) or higher for safety, but not so hot that it continues cooking a lot.

Simple steps

1. Preheat the oven to about 170–180°F (75–82°C).

2. Cover dishes with foil or lids to prevent drying out.

3. If possible, check the internal temperature of the food; aim to keep it above 140°F (60°C).

4. For longer than about 1 hour , check occasionally for dryness and add a splash of liquid (broth, sauce, or water) if needed.

Food type tweaks

• Casseroles, stews, saucy dishes: can handle closer to 190–200°F (88–93°C) since they’re moist.

• Roasted meats: keep nearer 150–170°F (65–75°C) to avoid overcooking and drying.

• Baked goods: use the lower end (around 150–160°F / 65–70°C) and keep time short so they don’t dry out.

If you tell me what dish you’re serving and for how long you need to hold it, I can suggest a more specific temperature and setup.