The Best Way to Reheat Leftover Burgers, According to Chefs (It’s Not the Grill)

Some foods taste even better the second time around (hello Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches) but that’s not always the case. 

Hamburgers might be one of the trickiest foods to reheat. After all, you’re dealing with multiple components: lettuce that should be crisp, buns that are best toasted, and meat that is juicy but still heated all the way through to the center. It’s a multistep process that’s more complex than a quick pop in the microwave.

Whether you’re planning for leftovers or have guests that never showed up to your cookout, read on for chef tips to ensure not a single burger goes to waste. 

How to prepare burgers for reheating

If you suspect you might have leftovers while you’re cooking, assemble the burgers one by one to keep each component from getting soggy.

If you find yourself with leftover assembled burgers, discard any wilted toppings or condiment-laden buns. “The patty should always be reheated separately, and toppings like lettuce and tomatoes can be refreshed,” says Ashley Lonsdale, chef in residence at ButcherBox.

“Heating the entire burger together can result in a soggy bun; wilted lettuce; soft, warm tomatoes; and melted condiments that negatively impact the eating experience,” adds Mark Trimble, executive chef at Omaha Steaks. 

The best method for reheating burger patties

Best overall: stovetop

You might be tempted to reheat your burger on the grill, but most of our chef experts agree that the stovetop is the best way to achieve a fully warmed patty without drying it out. Trimble recommends placing the patty in a pan over medium to low heat and adding a splash of water or beef stock, then heating for three to four minutes per side.

“Covering it with a lid helps create steam, which keeps the burger moist as it reheats,” adds Trimble. “For most people looking to recreate the quality of a freshly cooked burger, the stovetop strikes the best balance between convenience and performance.” If you’re topping the patty with cheese, wait until the last minute of reheating to add your cheese slice. That way the cheese will melt gently without burning. 

Best for multiple patties

If you’d like to reheat multiple burgers at once, Trimble recommends warming the patties in the oven because it provides consistent heat. Just be careful not to dry out thinner patties, he says. 

Place the patties on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil; start by heating them at a lower heat — like 250°F — for about five to 10 minutes depending on the thickness, and adjust as necessary. Be mindful that thicker burgers could require closer to 12 or 15 minutes. If adding cheese, do so toward the end of the cooking process, when you have about three or four minutes left in the oven.

Lonsdale also recommends reheating patties under the broiler for a few minutes on each side. However, only do so if you’re experienced with using the broiler. “It’s crucial to know your broiler to avoid overheating the burgers and drying them out,” Lonsdale says.

Other options

Another great tool for reheating a leftover hamburger patty is the air fryer, says Cosme Cavazos Jr., chef at Ranch 616 in Austin — it allows the burger to retain a crispy edge and warm interior without getting soggy or overly greasy. 

He suggests preheating the air fryer to 350°F and cooking the burgers for three to four minutes total, flipping halfway through. If you’d like to add cheese, do so with about a minute left in the cooking process. 

If you’re really short on time, you can use the microwave, but chefs generally don’t recommend this — it often creates a rubbery texture when reheating meat. If you must go the microwave route, Trimble says to cover the patty in a wet paper towel to create steam. Steam will encourage moist cooking that’s more consistent and thorough than the microwave heat on its own. Once the patty is reheated, you can add a slice of cheese and microwave for another 15 seconds. 

How to reheat burger buns

A good bun often makes the burger, especially if you’re dealing with leftover patties. Cosme suggests gently toasting your buns in the oven or the toaster oven. Heat them open-faced in a 350°F oven for a few minutes, until warm. Alternatively, Lonsdale recommends spreading a bit of butter on the cut side of the buns and searing them gently on the stovetop. Josh Archibald, executive chef of culinary development at Tillamook, suggests searing the bun in the same pan as the patty to soak up any extra flavors that are left behind.

Once you assemble your burgers with the toppings and condiments of your choice, no one will ever guess they’re not fresh off the grill.