Get to Know Your Microwave
How Foods Cook in a Microwave
Defrosting Foods in a Microwave
Microwave Cooking Techniques
Testing for Doneness
What to Do With Leftovers
Reheating Foods Safely
Microwave Food Safety Checks

What to Do With Leftovers

Proper storage of leftovers and other previously-cooked foods is imperative for food safety. This category includes foods from a supermarket deli or restaurant, convenience foods or a planned extra batch of a recipe. Refrigerate (40°F or lower) or freeze (0°F) leftover foods within two hours of cooking.

Divide leftovers into several shallow dishes so they will cool to a safe temperature quickly. It's permissible to put hot foods directly into the refrigerator or freezer. Foods left out for more than two hours should be discarded.

Use refrigerated leftovers within three to four days. Freeze quantities that can't be used by then. Since bacteria can't grow at freezer temperatures, generally food is safe indefinitely while frozen. However, use frozen foods in a reasonable length of time for best quality.