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Family Kitchen
Leftover Storage 101 & OXO Top 12-Pack Giveaway!
Leftovers can be a home cooks best friend. When stored properly, food from previous meals can be reheated for a second go-round, or reinvented into an entirely new dish. Making an omelet from last night’s vegetables has been known to save me on many occasions when my family is ravenous and I haven’t had time to go food shopping.
Of course, leftovers would not be possible without a key step – storage. If food is stored in the fridge or freezer uncovered or poorly wrapped, it will almost always become hard and tough, lose flavor or, worse, get freezer burn. That’s why I like to invest in excellent storage vessels like freezer bags and OXO TOP containers. Fridge, freezer and counter-top friendly, OXO TOP containers are excellent for storing everything from frozen strawberries, to fresh pesto, to baked goods. I love that they are incredibly simple to clean, easy to handle and come in several useful sizes. Also, I should mention, they are smartly BPA-free. In the interest of sharing the wealth, today I am giving you a few leftover storage tips and a change to WIN your own OXO Good Grips TOP Container 12-Pack!
3 Helpful Tips for Storing Leftovers:
1. Seal Well: Oxygen is foods worst enemy in the fridge or freezer. Always wrap food so that it is completely covered or place it in a tightly sealed container. OXO TOP containers have a nifty lid that closes securely with a distinctive snapping sound, guaranteeing no pesky oxygen will ever reach your edibles.
2. Leave some room: It is tempting to squish food or liquids into small containers in the interest in saving space in the fridge, but I beg you not to. Liquids and many watery foods, like stews or pastas with sauce, can expand when chilled or frozen. Often, food with no room left to expand will burst a bag or cause a lid to come unsealed, ruining the whole batch. When packing leftovers always leave a little room to spare for expansion. OXO TOP containers make this easy for you since the snap on lids are secure enough that they will never burst open in the fridge or freezer. They are also completely clear, making it easy to measure food as you prepare to store it.
3. Mark Well: There is nothing worse then thawing your favorite tortellini soup only to discover you’ve actually thawed an entire jar of tomato sauce you didn’t want. Be sure to clearly mark your food so that you know what each container holds. This will save immense frustration in the long run, trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way.
To be entered to win these containers, here are the entry rules:
1. Leave a comment below describing your favorite way to enjoy leftovers.
2. Only one comment per email address.
3. Contest is open from Monday June 14th at 1:30pm ET to Monday June 21st at 12:00 midnight ET.
4. The winner will be picked by a panel of Babble Editors and the winner will be notified by email.
5. Winner must have a valid email address and provide a valid mailing address. If winner does not respond to our notification email within 48 hours a new winner will be selected.
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75 Comments
AValentine commented on Jun 14 10 at 2:00 pmA toaster oven is the key to reheated pizza. Microwave=soggy
Amanda commented on Jun 14 10 at 2:03 pmOur favorite thing to make leftovers with is vegetables!! You can take leftover sidedishes and turn them into soups/stews, veggie pizza, fabulous stir frys…the options are limitless! Never waste a veggie – :)
We also like to freeze or refrigerate leftover rice & pastas to add in a pinch to soups & stews.
Lazygal commented on Jun 14 10 at 2:07 pmI make a picnic – add some cheese, wine and fresh fruit and almost any leftover becomes a whole new meal.
Kerry Leasure commented on Jun 14 10 at 2:08 pmKeep an ionventory of what you have frozen- and once in awhile see how many days you can eat from just once already in the pantry/fridge/freezer- so that you don’t end up with 10 year old cans- and food so badly freezerburned you can’t identify it. No money saved if it goes in the trash!
alesia commented on Jun 14 10 at 2:20 pmi turn any left over meat into quesadillas – just add cheese and a tortilla and you have a meal. works with pork, chicken, turkey, even sandwich meat.
Melissa commented on Jun 14 10 at 2:27 pmI always cook enough so a portion goes in the freezer, and one in my lunch bag the next day.
lisa commented on Jun 14 10 at 2:43 pmi bring a container with me when we dine out. it is a great alternative to styrofoam or plastic to go boxes. thank you!
Shannon commented on Jun 14 10 at 2:46 pmI take leftovers from fruit salad or fruit that is not going to be eaten before it goes bad and blend it with yogurt for smoothies or frozen fruit bars.
beth commented on Jun 14 10 at 2:47 pmI take roasted chicken, take all the meat off, and use it in the dinners for the week. Last week was quesadillas, honey-jalapeno chx with sesame soba noodles, and couscous with tomatoes, spinach, and goat cheese. I love leftovers!
Valeria commented on Jun 14 10 at 2:55 pmLeftovers here are used in lunchboxes(Dad’s, mom’s and little man). We don’t eat out. Some also will be added to our favorite soups
Michele commented on Jun 14 10 at 3:13 pmA dry-erase marker is the perfect way to “mark well” the contents. Also, instead of storing in one large container, put leftovers into portion-sized containers right after the meal to make it easy for one to grab ‘n go to work or school.
kathleen sneider commented on Jun 14 10 at 3:14 pmWe like to make a stir fry with leftovers. It’s quick, easy, and has endless variations. Keeps the kitchen cool in the summertime, too.
michelle commented on Jun 14 10 at 3:21 pmstir fry!!
Jennifer F commented on Jun 14 10 at 3:23 pmI turn leftovers into fillings for calzones or toppings for pizzas. Pizza dough is really easy to make (or buy for .99 at Trader Joes). I haven’t met anything yet that doesn’t go well on pizza or in a calzone. Shrimp stir fry, cabbage, deli lunch meat about to turn — all these have been reborn as gourmet pizza or calzones.
Jessica commented on Jun 14 10 at 3:35 pmTo fit leftovers in my fridge nicely, I use wire cooling racks so that I can stack them without disturbing the food and take them out more easily.
sharon commented on Jun 14 10 at 3:55 pmI try to make meals that re-heat well, like turkey meatballs or pasta casserole. This way I can enjoy them for lunch later in the week and the nanny doesn’t have a whiny toddler complaining about his lunch options. I’ve even found that some food tastes BETTER the second time around :)
Christine commented on Jun 14 10 at 4:24 pmI have small children so mealtimes can be tough, and pickiness abounds. So I am especially proud to have convinced my children that leftovers are exciting! Once a week or so, usually when we’ve had a busy day and no time to cook, I pull all of the leftovers out of the fridge. I reheat each item, then instead of preparing individual plates as we do for most meals, I put all the food containers right on the table, Thanksgiving-style. Then we sit down for a “Feast”!!! The kids love having so much variety, and each person can usually take an extra large portion of their own personal favorite.
Emily commented on Jun 14 10 at 4:26 pmVegetable leftovers can go into Fried Rice, Burritos or Frittatas!
Katie commented on Jun 14 10 at 5:12 pmI try very hard not to waste food so we use our leftovers. Leftover protein goes on top of a salad or on a pizza or in a stir-fry. Veggie scraps (and a chicken carcass after roasting if I have it) go into a bag in the freezer. When it fills up I make stock.
amyg commented on Jun 14 10 at 5:14 pmI love left over veggies in a stir-fry…or a frittata!
Megan commented on Jun 14 10 at 5:14 pmI say make an omelet. Everything can go into an omelet! Perfect for any leftovers!
Miranda Rudolph commented on Jun 14 10 at 5:31 pmWe have a potluck once a week….sometimes twice depending on what we have made. We warm everything up and just have a big spread. LOVE IT!
Nichole commented on Jun 14 10 at 6:51 pmOur favorite way to enjoy leftovers is in our lunch the next day. My husband works in an expensive part of downtown where eating out is a costly option. I am a teacher and I just don’t have time or the inclination to “go out” on my lunch break. When we don’t have leftovers the next day for lunches I am at a loss for what else to pack, it is my go to for all lunches. And I will say that my husband used to hate leftovers but I am coverting him slowly but surely, hate to see it go to waste!
Kelly Frost commented on Jun 14 10 at 7:50 pmChicken Salad–love to take extra grilled chicken and add some veggies, nuts, herbs, vinegar,and mayo-yum!
Kate commented on Jun 14 10 at 9:45 pmI love them cold- right out of the container I stored them in.
Melissa W. commented on Jun 14 10 at 11:06 pmI love having leftovers for lunch. Nothing beats having lunch already made! Just reheat it and you’re good to go!
Kiran commented on Jun 15 10 at 1:29 amHomemade Gyros!! Use any left over grilled chicken, steak etc. or even use store bought left over Rotisserie chicken. Use wheat pita bread halves. Line with leaf lettuce, tomato slices, even cheese if desired, the meat sliced or cubed, top with whipped yogurt and sprinkle finely chopped cucumbers, or just add slices. Deeeliccious!! (and Healthy!!)
Op commented on Jun 15 10 at 1:46 amyou know what, i have some of these and they rock so im going to have to say my favorite way is with oxo storage containers and my microwave :)
Lis commented on Jun 15 10 at 3:30 amI love to eat them cold right out of the fridge.
Denise M. Mathis commented on Jun 15 10 at 5:38 amMy favorite leftover is boiled eggs. I use them for on-run-breakfast by slicing a boiled egg up and spreading it over a Manaeesh, which is a Lebanese flat bread topped with a sesame seed-herb mixture, lemon juice and olive oil. I can add my salsa mix on top as well, nuke for a few seconds, and I’m ready to go.
dianne commented on Jun 15 10 at 7:36 amalmost anything can go in a quesadilla or fried rice. we love leftovers!
Christine @ Fresh Local and Best commented on Jun 15 10 at 8:21 amI like to recreate leftovers either in salads, in fried rice or over pizza.
Kristen commented on Jun 15 10 at 8:54 amI cook everything for the week on Sunday and store it in individual portions for the week, so nearly everything I eat is leftover. But it makes meal prep quick during our hectic week.
Melanie commented on Jun 15 10 at 9:18 amWhen I go to visit family I know they will make a lot of food so I take my own Tupperware containers to bring leftovers back with me. Less mess and food for the next day!
Dawn commented on Jun 15 10 at 10:42 amI like to take left overs and make nachos or wraps out of them…steak, chicken and veggies yumm!
linda f commented on Jun 15 10 at 10:44 amrecycle!!! turn ‘em into something else, store them in small containers and grab & go with lunch for work!
Judy Gehrig commented on Jun 15 10 at 10:46 amAbout once a week we have what we call a smorgasbord. We take all the dribs and drabs of leftovers from the fridge and make a huge sampler meal. It’s the easiest way to clean out the fridge!
Lisa L. Dean commented on Jun 15 10 at 10:53 amWe like to add left-overs to lunches, specailly in the summer and fall months. We go lobstering (bf is a commerical fisherman) and ometimes its just as easy to bring leftovers on the boat than make a sandwhich. PB and J and sandwich meat get old after awhile.
Annette Wardell commented on Jun 15 10 at 10:56 am1) Microwave pizza x 1 minute then put it in the oven to crisp the crust.
2) Make pot pie, soup, salad or fajitas out of leftover chicken or turkey.
C M commented on Jun 15 10 at 10:59 amI’m the poster child for leftovers. Catch me early on a weekday morning in my boxers, fork in hand with the refrigerator door open, consuming last night’s meal the way it tastes best: COLD.
Social Director commented on Jun 15 10 at 11:02 amAlways make double everything! That way you have personal lunches or individual servings for “leftover” night.
SANDY commented on Jun 15 10 at 11:05 amwith meat I miss it in an egg or stir it with rice on the stove- hate the way microwave food tastes
Harlene LeVine commented on Jun 15 10 at 11:08 amWhen I make pasta I make enough for 2 meals and have a quick and easy lunch or dinner. We use it with sausages and peppers or cheese with garlic and oil and reheat in the microwave.
Leftovers of roasts are cut into meal-sized portions and can be frozen to use for stir fry or beef with scallions at a later date.
Beth Brown commented on Jun 15 10 at 11:08 amWith both of us working – leftovers become a main staple for our lunches each day – I love when I have leftovers so it makes packing lunch for myself and my husband so quick. So great storage solutions are key so leftovers remain as good as when you put them in!
Wendie Lather commented on Jun 15 10 at 11:17 amLove these containers…hubby takes mine with leftovers for his lunches…I need new ones for in the house!
C. Garguilo commented on Jun 15 10 at 11:29 amI use all my leftovers to make lunch thenext day. Either an omelet or quessadilla.
Toby Goldsmith commented on Jun 15 10 at 11:36 amI love left over potatoes and roast beef (or chicken)- nothing like a good hash!
Mary Burleson commented on Jun 15 10 at 11:52 amWe always have leftovers! We usually use them for our lunch the next day also. I do not like processed meats so I usually cook more meat at dinnner time to use as sandwich meat the next day or so. Chicken is also a favorite, you can make so many different meals from one chicken and you can cook the leftover bones in water to make chicken stock!
Daria commented on Jun 15 10 at 12:47 pmI like to make a big pot of soup on Sunday and store half of it in the fridge and the other half in the freezer. My family enjoys it throughout the week, and then I have a stash set aside for when I’m too busy to cook!
Russ commented on Jun 15 10 at 1:21 pmI take our vegetable and meat leftovers and combine them with a broth and make soup in a slow cooker.
Lara commented on Jun 15 10 at 2:24 pmWe love using our leftovers to make fried rice of some sorts – it’s super easy with leftover chicken or pork and any kind of vegetables!
Bill P commented on Jun 15 10 at 2:40 pmthey look like great containers
Mary-Frances C. commented on Jun 15 10 at 4:30 pmWe use any meat leftovers for our salads the next day. Works really well with chicken.
Lauren commented on Jun 15 10 at 4:31 pmOur favorite way to enjoy leftovers is to pack it for lunch the next day. Then we can enjoy something new for dinner the following night!
Brandon commented on Jun 15 10 at 4:32 pmI usually eat cold leftovers. Especially pizza.
vickie roper commented on Jun 15 10 at 4:39 pmbest way to store food is too make sure no air are grems can get in have tight lid!!
Stephanie commented on Jun 15 10 at 9:13 pmNever put hot food into a container, wait until it is cooler so that way you don’t melt the container or stain it. Your leftovers will thank you because the cooler temperature will keep the seal of the lid better.
Erin Hunt commented on Jun 15 10 at 10:06 pmLeftovers make my favorite lunches to take to work the next day. That keeps me from eating from the school cafeteria where I teach!
Kristine Helvin commented on Jun 15 10 at 11:14 pmWe have a very large garden, and elimiate any waste by freezing items to use all year. My favorite time savers; chopped tomatoes in 14oz portions (for marinara, and other recepies), shredded zuchini in 1 cup portions (for use in bread, muffins, omlets, and pasta dishes), peeled/chopped peaches (for smoothies, muffins, scones, and pancakes), frozen berries (for jam, and baking), and Pesto sauce for quick meals (over pasta, on pizza, for sandwich spread, or with omlets).
Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} commented on Jun 16 10 at 1:34 amMy favorite way to enjoy leftovers is reheated for a second go-round :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
Kirstin commented on Jun 17 10 at 10:45 amSometimes we order too much at a restaurant just so we’ll have some leftovers; heating them up is so quick and easy!
Mary Kelly commented on Jun 17 10 at 10:51 amWhen I cook I like to double the recipe and transform the extras into a new meal. It is more efficient and gives you a new spin on a home cooked meal. Ie. roast a chicken for the first night and transform it into enchiladas the next night.
ingrid commented on Jun 17 10 at 11:41 amwork lunch… i love saving money by eating leftovers
Hao commented on Jun 17 10 at 8:26 pmFor something really quick I just make a bowl of ramen and throw the leftover heated in microwave on top.
Btw these containers are awesome, I could always use more of them.
Jeannine commented on Jun 18 10 at 12:38 pmVirtually anything can go into a wrap–and tastes good too! We’ll use leftover chicken and add some veggies, spread some guacamole and have a healthy, delicious wrap meal.
Brenda Cushman commented on Jun 18 10 at 12:55 pmWhen you make chicken or potatoe salad on a weekend just pop it in containers for a trip to the beach for a picnic during the week it makes life so much easier.I use other kind of containers i don’t have OXO TOP containers.
Kim commented on Jun 18 10 at 1:26 pmI have so many containers of leftovers and other goodies in my kitchen, I couldn’t just choose one! I do sometimes enjoy some leftover pasta, cold, straight out of the container. :-)
Jackie commented on Jun 19 10 at 7:10 amLeftovers are my family’s lunch the next day. If it wasn’t for leftovers I have no idea what we would eat every day! Every night after dinner we pack up three containers with increasingly large portions for my daughter, myself, and my husband to take along with us. Saves money and much healthier than buying!
Alinna commented on Jun 19 10 at 11:17 amrepurposed leftovers! roast chicken –> chicken salad sandwiches, chicken quesadillas, chicken fried rice. i get bored with the same things, but find it fun to figure out how to make the same old thing new again. plus, it keeps my 2 yr old entertained.
Grace commented on Jun 19 10 at 7:53 pmPretty much just for lunch the next day! Although now that I’m leaving college for the big bad workforce it could get more difficult finding ways to transport and reheat lunch. Hmmm…
beth commented on Jun 19 10 at 9:23 pmput everything in a salad or in pasta
sgs commented on Jun 20 10 at 5:43 amI like to roll leftovers in warmed tortillas …beef, pork, chicken chopped up. Open a can of black beans, shred some cheese, and leftover meats disappear.d potatoes are great sliced and pan fried with scrambled eggs for breakfast.
Nancy commented on Jun 20 10 at 9:30 pmI like to take leftover veggies and chicken, pork, or steak and make a stir-fry. Completely different seasoning and a quick meal for a busy night!
carmen commented on Jun 21 10 at 11:31 amI’m not big on leftovers at all–at least when it means eating the same thing two or three days in a row. Boring! I really try to cook only what is necessary by halving recipes (or even halving again) to get the necessary portions, since it’s just my husband and me. One thing that’s helpful is to plan meals together–so if I only need half a can of chopped tomatoes, say, for a pasta dish, I’ll fish out another recipe to use up the other half (enchildas anyone?). I think making sure food doesn’t go to waste is very important!
Ying commented on Jun 22 10 at 1:38 pmWe take leftovers for lunch the next day (beats a sandwich any day!). Anything that remains gets chopped up small and added to fried rice.
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