After baking food in oven do you wait before refrigerating it?

Wait to cool before refrigerating:

* Hot food: Most hot foods, especially casseroles, soups, and stews, should cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent condensation buildup inside your fridge, which can lead to spoilage.

* Baked goods: Cakes, cookies, and breads should cool completely before refrigerating. Refrigerating them while hot can make them become soggy.

Refrigerate immediately:

* Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs should be placed in an ice bath immediately after boiling to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.

* Meat and poultry: Cooked meat and poultry should be refrigerated as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth. Aim for under 2 hours.

* Dairy products: Creamy desserts like custard and cheesecake should be refrigerated promptly after baking to prevent separation and spoilage.

General advice:

* Food safety: Refrigerate food as soon as possible after cooking to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

* Labeling: Label your containers with the date and contents for easy reference and freshness tracking.

* Exceptions: Some baked goods, like certain cookies and cakes, are meant to be stored at room temperature. Check your recipe for specific instructions.

If you are unsure, it is always best to err on the side of caution and refrigerate the food promptly.