20 Foods That Taste Better the Next Day
Find out 20 dishes that taste better when you reheat them the day after.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
While fresh meals are delicious, some dishes shine the day after they are prepared. This list features 20 dishes whose flavors develop and mingle over time, making them even more delicious as leftovers. You’ll discover which dishes to store, from heavy stews to sweet desserts, for an extra day of gourmet bliss.
1. Lasagna
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The layers of cheese, sauce, and noodles meld together overnight, creating a richer taste. The resting time also allows the spices to permeate and the textures to harmonize.
2. Chili
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The beans, meat, and vegetables absorb more of the sauce as chili sits, resulting in a more robust flavor. This transforms the dish into a powerhouse of taste.
3. Curries
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Curries are one dish that can benefit from a good night’s rest. The spices become more aromatic while the sauce thickens. Whether Indian, Thai, or Caribbean, each bite will feel like a warm hug.
4. Spaghetti Bolognese
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As you leave this dish overnight, the tomato base deepens, and the meat absorbs the flavor of the herbs and spices. Thus, the secret to better spaghetti Bolognese is the sauce. Hot tip: toss it with fresh pasta for added flavor and texture.
5. Pizza
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Many people indulge in cold pizza as a guilty pleasure. The crust firms up, the cheese settles, and the toppings retain their flavors. You can heat it or eat it fresh from the fridge.
6. Beef Stew
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Beef stew only gets better over time. As it rests, the broth becomes richer, and the meat becomes more tender.
7. Stuffed Bell Peppers
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Stuffed peppers develop a more cohesive flavor after sitting. The pepper and the filling blend deliciously, and reheating them the next day makes for an effortless and tasty meal.
8. Pulled Pork
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The seasoning penetrates the meat deeper, enhancing its smoky sweetness. Whether on a bun or in tacos, the flavor bursts out the next day.
9. Meatloaf
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Reheating meatloaf is perfect for sandwiches. It’s just one of those meals that tastes like it was made for leftovers.
10. Potato Salad
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Let potato salad sit overnight so the dressing can soak into the potatoes. It’s a go-to picnic food that only gets tastier.
11. Soups
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Resting time allows the broth’s ingredients to fuse together, creating a deeper and more harmonious flavor. Plus, it’s so easy to reheat and enjoy.
12. Casseroles
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Casseroles taste even better on the second day, whether they are creamy, cheesy, or packed with vegetables. The dish feels more cohesive since the ingredients have had time to combine.
13. Braised Short Ribs
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Braised meats, such as short ribs, are meant to be enjoyed the next day. The long cooking improves the flavor, but an extra day of rest adds even more depth. Reheat slowly until they melt in your tongue.
14. Enchiladas
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Enchiladas soak up all the sauce overnight, making them even more delicious. The tortillas soften further, and the flavors become more intense. They’re simple to reheat and just as delightful on day two.
15. Fried Rice
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Fried rice gains flavor overnight as the soy sauce and seasonings are set. The rice solidifies, making it ideal for reheating in a hot pan. Top with an egg for a simple yet elevated lunch.
16. Roast Chicken
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Roast chicken leftovers are a gift. The seasoning soaks deeper into the meat, enhancing its flavor the next day. It’s versatile; you can eat it cold, reheated, or in sandwiches and salads.
17. Macaroni and Cheese
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Mac and cheese hardens overnight, resulting in a thicker, creamier texture. Reheat with a dash of milk or bake until crispy. It’s comfort food that only gets richer with age.
18. Shepherd’s Pie
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Overnight, each layer of mashed potatoes, ground pork, and veggies forms a coherent dish. As the flavors combine, each bite becomes more pleasant. Reheat it in the oven for a fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
19. Banana Bread
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Banana bread’s moisture and sweetness are enhanced with rest. The flavors of bananas, spices, and sweets intensify, making it even more delicious. It’s an excellent next-day breakfast or snack.
20. Pasta Salad
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Pasta salads improve when the dressing absorbs into the noodles and vegetables. Whether creamy or vinaigrette-based, the tastes intensify. This dish can be made ahead of time and still looks great.