Are To-Go Containers Microwavable?

When you have leftovers from a night out, to-go containers are the norm for transporting food. But when you look to reheat the next day, you may ask yourself, “Are restaurant to-go containers microwavable?” Figuring out if you’re in the clear to reheat the next day can be a tough call. So, we found out what can be nuked without incident and what may cause a mini-fire in the microwave.

What’s Safe for the Microwave

It’s safe to heat up foods in glass, ceramic and containers with a waxy finish. This includes Chinese takeout containers—but remember to remove the metal handles prior to microwaving. You’re also good to use paper goods (such as paper plates and paper towels) as well as parchment paper.

This is how to microwave leftovers—without destroying them!

What’s Not Safe for the Microwave

Unfortunately, single-use plastic containers are typically not microwave-safe. This tends to be the majority of restaurant to-go containers, so check for a microwave-safe label before putting that container in the microwave. You can also repackage your leftovers in microwave-safe containers. Psst! Here’s the best way to store every type of leftover food.

The other containers not safe for the microwave include:

• aluminum goods
• styrofoam products
• anything that is meant to be used in the cold, like butter tubs or yogurt containers

Plus, anything with a metallic or metal rim is bad news for heating in the microwave. Transfer these leftover foods to a plate instead. Find clever ways to repurpose your leftovers, too.

The Great Plastic Debate

The question of reheating food in plastic to-go containers is a hot topic. Melissa Bailey, a registered dietitian and founder of The Nourished Fork, explains that even if the container may not look damaged after microwaving, single-use plastic may not be the best choice for reheating food. In some cases, chemicals may leach into the food if the food reacts to the container itself.

“I would recommend reheating all food on a plate or switching to a glass container to heat, rather than keeping food in the plastic container,” Bailey says. “While the jury is still out on this topic, I would try to limit the use of plastic containers as much as possible, and definitely avoid heating foods in them. It is better to be safe than sorry.”

However, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), plastics that are deemed “microwave-safe,” are, in fact, safe for the microwave.

Make a Casserole to Use Up Your Leftovers

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Ham and Swiss Casserole

When I prepare this noodle casserole for church gatherings, it's always a hit. It can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. —Doris Barb, El Dorado, Kansas

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Chicken Enchilada Bake

Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado

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Philly Beef 'n' Pepper Strata

Here's a mouthwatering entree for brunch, lunch or dinner that's quick to fix. It combines several convenient ingredients for a large casserole that's pleasing to all who try it. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania

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Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake

I love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri

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Chicken Zucchini Casserole

A co-worker shared this chicken zucchini casserole recipe that was originally her grandmother's. When I make it, I use pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store and fresh zucchini my neighbor gives me from his garden. —Bev Dutro, Dayton, Ohio

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Crescent Turkey Casserole

How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables really appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic, but won’t take any time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota

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Pineapple Ham Casserole

Living in Hawaii, I wanted to share this recipe which features pineapple. It's our most important fruit crop. —Marsha Fleming, Kula, Hawaii

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Hearty Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This gooey casserole is so hearty and homey, second helpings are a must! —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, California

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Chiles Rellenos Breakfast Bake

My family loves anything with a southwestern flavor, so I turned classic chiles rellenos into a breakfast casserole. They became fans in an instant. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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Turkey Spaghetti Casserole

My mom made this creamy comforting dish when I was growing up. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey, I look forward to making this simple, yet tasty, filling dish. —Casandra Hetrick, Lindsey, Ohio

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Chicken Florentine Casserole

Creamy and comforting, this chicken and spinach bake is sure to be a hit at dinnertime. The toasty bread crumb topping delivers a bit of a crunch. —Dori Jackson, Gulf Breeze, Florida

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Scalloped Potatoes 'n' Ham Casserole

I'm a home health nurse and got this recipe from one of my elderly clients, who had used it for years. Now, it's one of my family's favorites. It will never curdle, thanks to the secret ingredient of powdered nondairy creamer. —Kathy M Johnson, Lake City, South Dakota

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Southwestern Turkey Bake

I make this turkey bake as a way to get my nieces and husband to eat their vegetables. It's also perfect if you're wondering what to do with leftover turkey. This creamy entree will fill you up fast. —Crystal Kolady, Henrietta, New York

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Chicken & Egg Noodle Casserole

A friend and her family went through a really difficult time, and I felt so awful for them. Bringing over this casserole was the one thing I could think of to help them out in a tiny way and let them know I was thinking of them. —Lin Krankel, Oxford, Michigan

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Sunday Brunch Casserole

My father was a chef, and this was one of his favorite recipes. He served it in the hotels where he worked as well as at home. Whenever it's served today in my home, it never fails to bring back fond memories of a table laden with food and encircled with family and friends enjoying the aromas, tastes and laughter. —Roy Lyon, Coupeville, Washington

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Mushroom Turkey Tetrazzini

This creamy, comforting casserole makes a fantastic way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey. And it’s a real family-pleaser! —Linda Howe, Lisle, Illinois.

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Chicken & Dumpling Casserole

This savory casserole is one of my husband's favorites. He loves the fluffy dumplings with plenty of gravy poured over them. The basil adds just the right touch of flavor and makes the whole house smell so good while this dish cooks. —Sue Mackey, Galesburg, Illinois

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Creamy Noodle Casserole

My husband, Ronald, works long hours and frequently won't arrive home until past 7 p.m. This casserole is great for those late nights—it's just as tasty after it's been warmed in the microwave. —Barb Marshall, Pickerington, Ohio

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

I got this easy chicken cordon bleu recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois

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Chicken Noodle Casserole

Everyone who tries this comforting, cheesy chicken and noodle casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel like I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas

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Ham & Veggie Casserole

I’ve paired ham with broccoli and cauliflower for years. To complete this casserole dinner, I pass around the dinner rolls. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

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Chicken & Cheese Noodle Bake

This is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana

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Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole

This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois

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Farmer's Casserole

Between family and friends, we average 375 visitors a year! This casserole is handy—you can put it together the night before, let the flavors blend, then bake it in the morning. —Nancy Schmidt, Center, Colorado

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Curried Chicken and Grits Casserole

Southern-style cheesy grits meet curry and loads of vegetables to make a satisfying casserole that blankets the house with an inviting aroma. —Lori Shamszadeh, Fairhope, Alabama

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Ham & Swiss Potato Casserole

No one will be able to resist the classic trio of ham, Swiss and potatoes in this comforting bake. It was the result of creative experimentation when I wanted to use up ingredients I had on hand. I sometimes replace the ham with turkey ham. —Sarah Wilham, Elkhart, Illinois

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Thai Peanut Chicken Casserole

I used traditional pizza sauce and toppings in this recipe for years. After becoming a fan of Thai peanut chicken pizza, I decided to use those flavors instead. Serve with stir-fried vegetables or a salad with sesame dressing for an easy, delicious meal. —Katherine Wollgast, Troy, Missouri

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Emily Cappiello