10 Meals That Taste Better As Leftover

Some dishes are known for being just as delicious, if not more so, the day after they’re made.

The flavors meld and intensify, making them even more enjoyable.

If you’re a fan of leftovers, you’ll love these foods that actually taste better after sitting for a while. Here are a few that get even tastier over time:

1. Spaghetti Bolognese

The rich, meaty sauce in spaghetti bolognese improves after being stored overnight. The flavors from the tomatoes, herbs, and meat have more time to meld together, resulting in a deeper, richer taste.

2. Chili

Chili often tastes better the day after because the beans, spices, and meat have had time to soak up all the flavors. As it sits, the spices meld and intensify, making the chili even more flavorful.

3. Curry

Like chili, curry develops a deeper, more complex flavor the longer it sits. The spices continue to infuse the meat or vegetables, leading to a more fragrant, well-rounded dish the next day.

4. Pizza

Pizza tends to hold its flavors well when refrigerated. The dough becomes slightly firmer, and the cheese becomes chewier, while the toppings settle into the crust for an even better bite the next day.

5. Lasagna

Lasagna benefits from the ingredients having time to “set” and mingle. The pasta softens further, and the layers of sauce, cheese, and meat come together beautifully, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish the following day.

6. Stews and Soups

Stews and soups often have a variety of ingredients that need time to develop their full flavors. As they sit, the meat becomes more tender, and the broth absorbs the flavors of the vegetables and seasonings, resulting in a richer and heartier taste.

7. Fried Rice

Fried rice tends to improve overnight because the rice grains firm up, making it easier to fry the next day. Additionally, the flavors from the vegetables, meat, and seasonings have more time to soak into the rice, enhancing its taste.

8. Roast Chicken

Roast chicken often becomes more flavorful after resting in its own juices overnight. The seasoning and marinade have a chance to soak deeper into the meat, and the skin can become even crispier when reheated.

9. Pulled Pork

Pulled pork, like many slow-cooked meats, benefits from sitting in its juices overnight. The flavors have time to deepen and the meat becomes even more tender, making the leftovers even more flavorful.

10. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese can improve overnight as the sauce thickens and the flavors become more integrated. The cheese becomes more pronounced, and the dish is often creamier when reheated.