How to Reheat a Burger So It Stays Juicy (Oven, Pan, Microwave)

The best way to reheat a burger is to take it apart, warm the patty in a 350°F oven (or a covered skillet with a splash of water) until it reaches 165°F in the center, and toast the bun separately. The USDA recommends reheating all leftovers to 165°F. Gentle, moist heat keeps the patty from drying out, and reassembling with fresh toppings makes it taste close to new.

First, take the burger apart

A burger is several foods that reheat very differently. The patty needs to get hot all the way through, the bun just needs warming, and lettuce, tomato and pickles shouldn't be heated at all. Before reheating:

• Separate the bun, patty and toppings.
• Scrape off condiments, and set aside cold toppings to reuse or replace with fresh ones.
• Leave the cheese on the patty if it's melted on; it will remelt. Or plan to add a fresh slice at the end.
• Let the patty sit out for 10-15 minutes while the oven or pan heats, if you like, so it warms more evenly. Don't leave it out for more than 2 hours.

How to reheat a burger in the oven (best method)

The oven gives you the most even, controlled heat, and it's the easiest way to reheat several patties at once.

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Place the patty on a wire rack set over a sheet pan, or in a small baking dish. For extra moisture, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to the dish and cover loosely with foil.
3. Heat until the center reaches 165°F, usually about 8-15 minutes depending on thickness.
4. Add the bun, cut side up, for the last 2-3 minutes, and add a fresh slice of cheese in the last minute or two if you want.

How to reheat a burger in a skillet

A skillet is fast and brings back some of the crust. Steam is the key to keeping the inside moist.

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil or butter.
2. Add the patty and sear for about a minute to rewarm the outside.
3. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the pan and cover immediately. The steam heats the center without drying it out.
4. Cook covered for 2-4 minutes, flipping once, until it reaches 165°F. Lay cheese on top for the last minute with the lid on. (Here's how a melting dome compares to a pan lid.)
5. Wipe out the pan and toast the bun, cut side down, for 30-60 seconds.

A heavy pan like a cast iron skillet holds steady heat and gives the best crust.

How to reheat a burger in the microwave

The microwave is the quickest option and works fine if you're careful. It's also the easiest way to end up with a rubbery patty and a soggy bun, so a few steps help a lot:

• Put the patty on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a vented microwave-safe lid or an upside-down bowl to trap steam.
• Use medium power (around 50%) and heat in 30- to 60-second bursts, flipping and rotating between rounds so it heats evenly.
• The USDA recommends checking the temperature in several spots and letting microwaved food rest briefly before you measure. Aim for 165°F.
• Warm the bun separately for just 10-20 seconds, wrapped in a barely damp paper towel. Any longer and it turns chewy.

How to reheat a burger in an air fryer

An air fryer crisps the outside nicely, though it can dry out a thin patty. Preheat to 350°F, cook the patty for about 3-5 minutes, flip, and check for 165°F. Toast the bun in the basket for the final minute. Our air fryer burgers guide has more on cooking burgers this way.

What about the grill?

You can reheat a patty on a grill over medium heat for a couple of minutes per side, but it dries out quickly, and it's hard to warm the center before the outside overcooks. If you use the grill, wrap the patty in foil with a spoonful of water or broth to keep it moist, then unwrap it for the last minute to crisp up.

Why 165°F for reheated burgers?

When you first cook a burger, the USDA safe minimum for ground beef is 160°F (165°F for ground turkey or chicken). Leftovers are a different case: the USDA recommends reheating all cooked leftovers, including burger patties, to 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted from the side into the center of the patty. If the burger was originally cooked rare or medium-rare, reheating to 165°F will take it to well done; that's the trade-off for safe leftovers. Our burger temperature guide covers temperatures for first-time cooking.

How to store leftover burgers

Good reheating starts with good storage. The USDA guidelines for cooked leftovers are straightforward:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour if it's above 90°F outside (think cookouts).
• Store patties and buns separately in airtight containers or wrapped tightly, so the bun doesn't soak up juices.
• Refrigerator: eat within 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: wrap well and use within about 3 to 4 months for best quality. Frozen food stays safe longer, but it loses moisture and flavor.
• Thawing: thaw frozen cooked patties in the refrigerator, or reheat them directly from frozen in the oven or a covered skillet, allowing extra time.

Tips to make a reheated burger taste fresh

• Use fresh toppings. Crisp lettuce, cold tomato and a fresh slice of onion do a lot to wake up leftovers. See our best burger toppings for ideas.
• Add new sauce. A swipe of Easy Burger Sauce adds moisture and flavor.
• Toast the bun. Toasting hides staleness and adds texture. If the original bun is soggy, swap in a fresh one.
• Don't reheat more than you'll eat. Reheat only what you plan to eat right away.

Frequently asked questions

Can you reheat a burger the next day?

Yes. Cooked burgers keep 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator if they were chilled within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat to 165°F in the center.

Can you reheat a fast food burger?

Yes, with the same method. Take it apart, remove the cold toppings and sauce, warm the patty to 165°F in the oven or a covered skillet, and toast the bun separately.

How do you reheat a burger without drying it out?

Use moderate heat and a little moisture. A covered skillet with a tablespoon of water, or a foil-covered dish in a 350°F oven, keeps the patty juicy.

Can you reheat a burger with cheese on it?

Yes. The cheese will remelt in the oven or covered skillet. If it's dried out, scrape it off and add a fresh slice for the last minute.

Is it safe to eat a cold leftover burger?

If it was cooked to a safe temperature and refrigerated promptly, eating it cold within 3 to 4 days is generally considered safe. The USDA's 165°F guidance applies when you reheat leftovers.