12 Foods That Taste Better as Leftovers

Leftovers often get a bad rap, but anyone who’s ever enjoyed a second-day pizza slice knows that they can sometimes taste even better than when they were freshly cooked. In fact, certain foods are known to improve in flavor after a day in the fridge, allowing the ingredients to mingle and intensify.

This article is based on a compilation of real-world trends, expert interviews, and a deep dive into culinary science. We aim to unearth those dishes that not only withstand the test of time but actually get better. Expect a list of foods that may surprise you, inspire your next meal planning, or even change the way you look at your leftovers.

Pizza

Pizza is perhaps the most famous leftover food, often eaten straight from the fridge the next day. The combination of cheese, tomatoes, and bread seems to fuse together overnight, resulting in a harmony of flavors that some argue surpasses the original dish. The cold temperature also gives the crust a more substantial texture, appealing to those who prefer a firmer base.

The pizza trend has been growing for years, and with the rise of gourmet pizza joints, it’s not just your standard pepperoni slice that tastes great the next day. According to PMQ Pizza Magazine, the pizza industry continues to thrive, meaning more delicious leftovers for everyone.

Chili

Chili is a hearty, warming dish that’s often made in large batches, leading to plenty of leftovers. The meat, beans, and spices have a chance to meld together in the fridge, resulting in a deeper, more robust flavor the next day. Not to mention, the texture thickens, making the dish even more satisfying.

With the rise of slow-cooker and Instant Pot recipes, making a big batch of chili has never been easier. Plus, as Bon Appétit notes, chili recipes have been trending, making it a popular choice for leftovers that taste even better on day two.

Curry

Like chili, curry is another dish that seems to get better with time. The complex blend of spices and slow-cooked ingredients have more time to infuse, creating a more nuanced flavor profile. Whether it’s an Indian curry full of aromatic spices or a Thai curry with its rich coconut milk base, curry leftovers are always a treat.

Curry has been gaining popularity in the west for years, and according to BBC, is now considered a national dish in Britain. This love for curry means more leftovers that taste even better the following day.

Pasta Sauce

While pasta itself might not fare well in the fridge overnight, the same can’t be said for pasta sauce. A good marinara or Bolognese sauce often tastes better after a day in the refrigerator, as the tomatoes, garlic, and herbs have more time to blend together. This results in a richer, more flavorful sauce that can transform a simple pasta dish into something extraordinary.

In recent years, homemade pasta sauces have seen a surge in popularity, with many people preferring them over store-bought versions. According to The Kitchn, making sauces from scratch was one of the biggest food trends of 2021, leading to more delicious leftovers.

Lasagna

Lasagna is a classic dish that always seems to taste better the next day. The layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce have time to settle and meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful bite. Plus, the structure of the lasagna becomes firmer, making it easier to cut and serve.

Lasagna is a timeless dish, but it’s also seen a resurgence in popularity recently. According to Eater, lasagna was a major comfort food trend during the pandemic, leading to more delicious leftovers to enjoy the following day.

Soup

Soup is known for its comforting qualities, but it’s also a dish that improves with time. Similar to stews, the flavors in a soup deepen and become more complex after a day or two in the fridge. Whether it’s a hearty chicken soup or a creamy vegetable blend, soup leftovers are always a treat.

The trend for homemade soups has been on the rise, especially with the increasing popularity of bone broths for their health benefits. As Grand View Research reports, the global bone broth market size was valued at USD 1.88 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow, meaning more delicious soup leftovers in our future.

Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that’s often better the next day. The flavors of the meat, onions, and spices have time to meld together, and the texture becomes firmer, making it even easier to slice. Plus, cold meatloaf makes for an excellent sandwich filling.

As more people cook at home, dishes like meatloaf have seen a resurgence in popularity. According to Food Network, meatloaf was one of the top recipes people were making during quarantine, leading to more delicious leftovers to enjoy the next day.

Fried Chicken

While some might argue that fried chicken is best eaten hot and fresh, there’s something irresistible about cold fried chicken the next day. The flavors have time to settle, and while the crust might not be as crispy, the chicken itself is often more flavorful. It also makes for a great picnic food.

Fried chicken is a staple in many cuisines, and it’s popularity never seems to wane. As Nation’s Restaurant News reports, fried chicken consumption is growing in the quick-service restaurant segment, leading to more delicious leftovers to enjoy the next day.

Stew

Stews, like soups, are a dish that improves with time. The flavors of the meat and vegetables have more time to meld together, creating a richer, more hearty dish. Whether it’s a classic beef stew or a spicy gumbo, stew leftovers are always a treat.

With the rise of slow-cooker and Instant Pot recipes, making a big batch of stew has never been easier. Plus, according to Food & Wine, stews are among the top-searched recipes, making it a popular choice for leftovers that taste even better on day two.

Chinese Takeout

Chinese takeout is a classic leftover food. Dishes like General Tso’s chicken, fried rice, and lo mein often taste better the next day, as the flavors have more time to blend together. Not to mention, the convenience of already prepared food makes these leftovers a go-to for many.

Chinese food has long been a favorite takeout option, and according to QSR Magazine, Chinese fast-casual chains are growing in popularity. This means more delicious Chinese leftovers to enjoy the next day.

Meatballs

Whether they’re served in a sauce or on a sub, meatballs often taste better the next day. The flavors of the meat, herbs, and spices have more time to infuse, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Plus, the texture of the meatballs becomes firmer, making them even more satisfying.

Meatballs have always been a staple in many cuisines, but they’re also making a comeback as a trendy dish. According to Restaurant Business Online, meatballs are a growing trend in the restaurant industry, leading to more delicious leftovers to enjoy the next day.