Can You Reheat Cottage Pie?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against FSA/NHS reheating guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
Yes, you can reheat cottage pie — but only once, and it must reach 75°C (165°F) and be piping hot all the way through.
What makes it safe (or not)
Reheating cottage pie is safe when you follow the core food safety rules. The risk comes from bacteria that multiply while food sits in the 'danger zone' between 8°C and 63°C — so what matters is how quickly it was cooled, how it was stored, and whether reheating gets it properly hot. Each reheat cycle gives bacteria another trip through the danger zone, which is why the FSA advises reheating food only once.
You can also check the calorie content of cottage pie alongside its safety information.
How to reheat cottage pie safely
- Take cottage pie from the fridge and reheat it straight away.
- Reheat in the microwave, oven or pan until steaming hot throughout — 75°C (165°F) in the centre. Stir or turn partway through so there are no cold spots.
- Check the middle: it should be piping hot, not just warm.
- Eat immediately, and throw away anything left over — never reheat cottage pie twice.
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Microwave plate cover
Traps steam so food heats evenly — the main cause of cold spots is dry heating.
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Oven thermometer
Oven temperatures drift — a thermometer keeps cooking accurate.
Check Price →Common questions
Can you reheat cottage pie twice?
No — the FSA advises reheating food only once. Each additional cooling and reheating cycle gives bacteria more time in the temperature danger zone. Portion it out so you only reheat what you'll eat.
What is the best way to reheat cottage pie?
Cover with foil and reheat in the oven at about 180°C until it is steaming hot all the way through (75°C in the centre), then uncover for the last few minutes if you want the top to crisp. For a single portion the microwave is fine: cover it, stir or turn halfway, and check the middle.
Can you reheat cottage pie in the microwave?
Yes — the microwave is fine as long as the result is piping hot throughout. Stir halfway, use a cover to trap steam, and let it stand a minute so the heat evens out before checking the centre.
How do I know cottage pie is hot enough?
The centre should be steaming and too hot to eat straight away — 75°C (165°F) on a food thermometer. If the middle is lukewarm, keep going.
Can you eat cottage pie cold instead?
If it was properly cooked, cooled within 2 hours, and kept refrigerated, eating it cold within its fridge life is generally fine — the reheat rules exist for reheating, not for chilled eating.
How long can I keep leftover cottage pie before reheating?
Within 2 days in the fridge is the NHS/FSA advice for cooked leftovers (the US USDA allows 3–4 days). Cool it within 1–2 hours of cooking and keep the fridge at 5°C or below.
Can I freeze cottage pie instead of reheating it?
Yes. Cooled promptly and frozen in portions, it keeps for around 2–3 months for best quality (USDA FoodKeeper), and stays safe beyond that. Defrost in the fridge, then reheat once until piping hot. See our freezing guide for the details.
Related answers
Primary source: FSA/NHS reheating guidance.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.