How to Reheat Soup in Microwave

The Right Way to Reheat Soup in the Microwave

Soup is one of the easiest foods to reheat in the microwave — but there are still a few things that can go wrong. Uneven heating, splattering, and boiling over are the most common issues. Here's how to avoid all of them and get perfectly hot soup every time.

Step-by-Step: How to Reheat Soup in the Microwave

Step 1: Transfer to a Microwave-Safe Bowl

Pour your soup into a wide, microwave-safe bowl or container. A wider bowl heats more evenly than a tall, narrow one. Glass bowls are ideal — they distribute heat well and won't leach chemicals when heated.

👉 We recommend: M MCIRCO 10-Pack 22 Oz Glass Meal Prep Containers with Lids

Step 2: Cover Loosely

Cover the bowl with a microwave splatter cover or a loosely placed lid. This prevents splattering while allowing steam to escape — which prevents pressure buildup and boiling over.

👉 We recommend: Microwave Splatter Cover with Anti-Scald Base Plate (BPA-Free Silicone, 10.7 inch)

Step 3: Microwave on Full Power in 1-Minute Intervals

Heat on full power for 1 minute, then stir. Repeat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until the soup is steaming hot throughout. Most single servings take 2–3 minutes total.

Step 4: Stir Every Minute

Stirring is essential for soup. It redistributes heat, prevents hot spots, and ensures the bottom doesn't boil while the top stays cold. Don't skip this step.

Step 5: Check the Temperature

Soup should be heated to at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety. If you have a thermometer, use it — especially for soups containing meat, poultry, or seafood.

👉 We recommend: Lavatools Javelin PRO Instant Read Meat Thermometer

Tips for Different Types of Soup

• Broth-based soups (chicken noodle, vegetable): Full power, 1-min intervals, stir each time — easiest to reheat
• Cream-based soups (chowder, bisque): Use 70% power to prevent curdling; stir frequently
• Thick soups (lentil, bean, chili): Add a splash of water or broth to loosen; stir well between intervals
• Soups with noodles or rice: The pasta/rice will absorb liquid as it sits — add extra broth before reheating

How to Prevent Soup from Splattering

Always use a splatter cover or loosely placed lid. Don't fill the bowl more than ¾ full — soup expands as it heats. Stir between intervals to release steam pockets before they cause splattering.

What to Avoid

• ❌ Don't heat soup in a sealed container — pressure builds up and can cause spills or burns
• ❌ Don't skip stirring — soup heats unevenly without it
• ❌ Don't use a narrow, tall container — wide bowls heat more evenly
• ❌ Don't overfill the bowl — leave room for expansion

Final Thoughts

Reheating soup in the microwave is quick and simple when you stir frequently, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals. Whether it's a light broth or a thick chowder, these steps will give you evenly heated, perfectly hot soup every time.