Turns Out Not Everything Is Microwave-Safe
Sure, the microwave is a quick, convenient way to warm up your favorite eats, but not all dishes survive this contained heatbox. If you don't want to turn your meals into mush or into fireballs (literally), you might want to go through this list. Here are 10 foods you should never reheat in the microwave—and 10 that are perfectly fine to.
1. Processed Meats
Bacon, sausage, and deli meats should never go near a microwave. These types of ultra-processed meats already contain carcinogenic ingredients, and heating them up in the oven produces cholesterol oxidation products, or COPs. COPs can greatly increase your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.
2. Fish
Because of its delicate flesh, microwaving fish tends to dry it out quicker, ruining its texture. That means by the time you cook it long enough to heat the inside, the outer surface has already lost all its moisture. Plus, you probably don't want to be sticking fish into the microwave—unless you're okay with the smell afterwards.
3. Chili Peppers
Containing a compound called capsaicin, which is what makes these bad boys spicy, chili peppers don't do well in the microwave. Well, it's not so much that they won't survive the heat, but you won't. When you open the door to your oven, the capsaicin fumes will sting your eyes, nose, lungs, and throat.
4. Bread
If you're microwaving bread to soften it up, you should know that it only needs to be in there for a couple of seconds at most. Any longer than that, and you'll have an unrecognizable, gelatinous mush in your hands. The better thing to do is to toss it into the toaster, or reheat it in a convection oven.
5. Blueberries & Grapes
Whether you're warming up blueberries for a pie filling or a quick jam, you'll want to be careful with these. Set the heat too high and they might explode. They also lose some of their nutritious benefits, which probably isn't what you want.
Grapes, on the other hand, don't just explode—their sugary cores turn into molten plasma. Don't be surprised if you end up with fireballs if you accidentally place these small fruits in the oven.
6. Broccoli
Just like blueberries, microwaving broccoli can strip it of its nutritional benefits, most notably its vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. Boiling and stir-frying these also prove detrimental. The best way is to steam them, which softens the florets and keeps them just as healthy.
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7. Potatoes
Potatoes can trap steam, making them more susceptible to exploding in your microwave. But more than just being messy, there could be something even more dangerous lurking in your spuds. Because they're prone to developing Clostridium botulinum, the toxin produced, called botulism, can cause frightening symptoms and may even be fatal. Reheating them in the microwave does nothing to kill the bacteria, either, so you'll need to be extremely careful and diligent with how you store and cook your potatoes.
8. Pizza
Microwaving pizza might be a quick way to warm it back up, but you'll be treated to a soggy slice than the delicious, crispy-yet-gooey one you had when it was freshly baked. It won't be the end of the world and anything goes when you're hungry, but for your taste buds' sake, reheat it in an actual oven.
9. Baby Formula
Heating up baby formula not only makes it lose some of its important nutrients, but also creates hot spots in the liquid. This means even though the bottle only feels warm to the touch, it might burn your infant's mouth and tongue.
10. Water
Did you know you shouldn't microwave water? Even though it's easier and speedier to warm this way than in a kettle, it might become superheated, meaning it's heated beyond its boiling point. Disrupting the liquid afterwards, such as with a spoon or tea bag, may even cause it to explode.
What are some foods you can safely microwave, then? Let's jump into that next.
1. Instant Noodles
You technically don't need to microwave instant noodles if you're already heating it up with boiled water, but some varieties may instruct for it, especially when you're adding a gooey topping like cheese. Just make sure to keep it covered so the contents don't create a mess.
2. Leftovers
Thinking of finishing up your leftovers from the previous night? Go ahead—just place a cover on top and heat. Sure, some foods might not taste the best when warmed up this way (soggy pizza, anyone?), but it's still a quick, easy, and suitable method for most dishes.
3. Scrambled Eggs
While you shouldn't place whole eggs into the microwave (they'll most likely explode everywhere), you can crack and whisk them up before heating. Scrambled eggs, for one, are surprisingly easy to make, as are omelettes. Just make sure to season and add all your desired ingredients before powering up your oven.
4. Frozen Meals
Most frozen dinners are made to be reheated in the microwave, so you can rest assured that they'll be safe in there—unless, of course, you overheat them. You'll probably also want to let it stand for a few moments afterwards, or its steaming contents might just burn your hands.
5. Soup
Soup is technically best reheated on a stovetop, but if you're on a time crunch, the microwave works well, too. Just make sure to cover it so it doesn't splatter everywhere, and to handle it carefully when taking it out to avoid burns.
6. Oatmeal
Making instant oatmeal? Like the instructions say, the reason it's called instant is because it's easy to prepare: simply pour in water or milk and stick it in the microwave. Just be sure to follow the steps exactly, or you might end up with a mushy mess.
7. Mug Brownies
Yup, you read that right. You can make no-bake brownies using just a few ingredients, a mug, and your microwave. Find a recipe to follow—which might even ask for instant cake mix, making it easier for you—then stick it in the oven! You'll get an ooey, gooey brownie to enjoy in no time.
8. Apples
Whether you're making baked apples or apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, these are great warmed up in a microwave. You can even spice it up with other fruits or top with a scoop of ice cream. Perfect for a lazy post-dinner dessert.
9. Popcorn
Making popcorn in the microwave? Who would ever do such a thing? Just kidding—that's what most popcorn packets are designed for! That's what makes them so easy and convenient to prep when you're planning a movie night in.
10. Mac & Cheese
You might think pasta turns into soggy mush in the microwave, but think again. Mac and cheese is meant to be gooey and cheesy, so this method just works. Plus, depending on whether you're making it from scratch or from a box, the instructions might even call for the microwave over the stovetop.
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