You can reheat rice pudding in the oven for 20 minutes or microwave it for a few minutes until hot. Use extra milk to keep it soft. The rice will absorb lots of liquid from the sauce during storage, and you need moisture for reheating.
The rice pudding must be cool before you freeze it, but it cannot be hanging around on the counter for too long. Chill it in the fridge for a while before freezing. Submerge the rice pudding in an ice water bath. Topping your leftover rice pudding with fruit may be the best dish you can ever have. For more tips, read the article below.
Reheating Rice pudding in an Oven
Reheating rice pudding in the oven is straightforward. Make sure the dish is appropriately sized to the portion you are heating. Spread the pudding to heat evenly, but not too thinly, as it could burn. When reheating frozen rice pudding, defrost it first. That will keep a part of the creaminess from the rice pudding.
Take the frozen rice pudding from the freezer and move it to the fridge on the top shelf of the fridge. Leave it overnight. If you do not have enough time, set the oven on low and defrost. You can also use a microwave for defrosting. Bear in mind that you are defrosting, not cooking.
Steps
- Switch on your oven and preheat to 300F or 150C.
- Place your leftover rice pudding in a deep ovenproof dish.
- Add 50-100ml of milk.
- Cover the dish with tin foil to prevent the top from burning.
- Remove it for the final 5 minutes to crisp up the top.
- Reheat
- Place your rice pudding in the center of the oven and reheat it for 20-25 minutes. Check on it halfway through and stir it.
- After 25 minutes, expect your rice pudding to be hot. Check the internal temperature of the dish. It has to be 75C or 165F before serving.
- Serve and enjoy. Add some jam if you want.
Microwave
Reheating rice pudding in the microwave is faster than in the oven and ideal for reheating a small portion. For the best results, reheat the rice pudding in the microwave in 30 seconds intervals. After each stage, mix the rice pudding and return to the microwave for another 30 seconds.
Steps
- Place your rice pudding in a microwave-safe bowl and add a small amount of milk. Stir the pudding, so that the milk does not mix on one side.
- Cover the bowl using plastic wrap before placing your rice pudding in the microwave. You can use a paper towel as an alternative.
- Reheat your pudding on full power, in sixty-second bursts. Remove the rice pudding and stir it before returning it to the microwave.
- Check how well your pudding is reheating. It should not take any more minutes for it to have reheated.
- Serve.
Best method
Stovetop
The stovetop gives you control over the consistency of the rice pudding. The method requires the use of a steamer that works well for pudding that is a little drier, but it is not as convenient as the stovetop. Use water to loosen the sauce if you do not have milk, but the final dish might lack some creaminess. The taste of the rice pudding will not be so concentrated. You may lose a bit from the creaminess of the rice pudding.
For a yummy and healthier dish, add cinnamon or nutmeg. Keep a close eye on the pudding as it reheats, so you can see if it needs more liquid or if getting too hot. You can also heat large or small portions. Make sure you have a suitably sized pan.
When you add milk, set the heat to medium and stir from time to time until the pudding becomes warm enough for you. If necessary, you can add a little more milk. Unlike the microwave, the stovetop method allows you to see what is happening in your pan (Leafscore.com).
Steps
- Place the rice pudding in a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream per serving.
- Turn the stove to medium heat. If your pan is thin, heat on medium-low or low.
- Stir frequently.
- Serve when hot.
Storage
When your rice pudding has cooled, wrap it tightly and place it in the fridge or freezer. Leaving rice pudding at room temperature for too long can cause food poisoning (NHS.UK). Make sure you follow the procedure, otherwise your health will be at risk.
Safe Temperatures
FAQs
Is it safe to reheat rice pudding?
Yes, it is safe to reheat rice pudding. There is a potential danger when reheating rice in the way it is stored, not reheated. Get your rice pudding in the fridge or freezer as soon as it has cooled. Heat rice pudding once.
How long does rice pudding keep in the fridge?
Leftover rice pudding will keep in the fridge for four days, but only when it is covered with cling film or stored in an airtight container. Try to consume it within the first two days to be on the safe side.
Can you eat leftover rice pudding cold?
Yes, you can eat leftover rice pudding cold. Make sure it is stored beforehand. Do not let the rice pudding sit at room temperature for extended periods. Eating your rice pudding cold or hot comes with preference regardless of the consequences of unsafe storage.
How to thaw and reheat frozen rice pudding?
Leave it in the refrigerator overnight. If you do not have much time to wait, you can put it in a heavy-bottomed saucepan with some extra milk and heat it on low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in short intervals, stirring often.
Can you reheat rice pudding twice?
Yes, but reheating the rice pudding twice makes it lose the taste and the texture of the pudding. Because of that, reheat only the amount of rice pudding you plan to eat in one sitting. Store it in batches so that you only reheat what you need at that moment.