Does freshly made spaghetti sauce need to be refrigerated?

Here's why:

* Bacteria growth: Freshly made sauce contains ingredients that are susceptible to bacterial growth, especially if left at room temperature. This can lead to food poisoning.

* Spoilage: Even if the sauce doesn't get contaminated with bacteria, ingredients can spoil and change flavor and texture if left out for too long.

Here's what to do:

* Cool the sauce quickly: After cooking, transfer the sauce to a shallow container and place it in the refrigerator. This helps cool it down faster and prevents bacteria growth.

* Refrigerate within 2 hours: It's generally recommended to refrigerate freshly made sauce within 2 hours of cooking.

* Store in an airtight container: Use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent the sauce from absorbing flavors from other foods in your fridge.

Important note: If you're planning to eat the sauce within 2 hours, you can leave it out at room temperature. However, it's always best to err on the side of caution and refrigerate it if you're not sure.