For most leftovers, a good oven reheating temperature is 325–350°F (165–175°C), heated until the food is piping hot in the middle and reaches about 165°F (74°C) internally for safety.

Quick Scoop: Best Oven Temp for Reheating

  • General rule: 325–350°F (165–175°C) works well for most cooked leftovers like pasta bakes, casseroles, roasted meats, and mixed plates.
  • Safety check: Food safety guidance recommends reheating leftovers so the internal temperature hits at least 165°F (74°C).
  • Typical time: 15–30 minutes at around 350°F (175°C), depending on how dense the food is and how much you’re reheating.
  • Cover or uncover?
    • Cover with foil to keep things moist (casseroles, rice, pasta, chicken pieces).
* Uncover or remove foil near the end if you want the top to crisp (pizza, roasted veggies, baked pasta).

Rough guide by food type

  • Mixed leftovers / casseroles: 325–350°F (165–175°C), 20–30 minutes, usually covered most of the time.
  • Roasted chicken or meats: about 350°F (175°C) until hot through; cover to prevent drying, then uncover briefly if you want the skin a bit crisper.
  • Pizza: 375°F (190°C) for around 8–12 minutes to get the crust crispy again.
  • Roasted vegetables: 375–400°F (190–200°C) for 10–15 minutes to bring back crisp edges.
  • Baked goods (muffins, scones, bread): gentler heat like 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes, often wrapped or loosely covered to keep them soft.

Simple step-by-step

  1. Preheat oven to 325–350°F (165–175°C).
  1. Put food in an oven-safe dish in a reasonably even layer.
  2. Cover with foil if you want to keep moisture (most dishes), leave uncovered for items you want crispy.
  1. Heat 15–30 minutes, checking a thick piece or the center.
  2. If you have a thermometer, confirm the middle is at least 165°F (74°C).

A quick example: last night’s lasagna straight from the fridge in a glass dish, covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes, then uncovered for 5 minutes to warm and lightly brown the top works very well.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.