The time it takes for food to come to room temperature from the fridge can vary depending on several factors, including the type of food, its initial temperature, the room temperature, and the size or thickness of the food item. In general, small items or thin foods will reach room temperature faster than larger or thicker ones.
As a rough guideline:
For small items like individual pieces of fruit or sliced vegetables: It may take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour to reach room temperature.
For larger items like a bowl of soup or a plate of leftovers: It can take 1 to 2 hours or more to reach room temperature.
For thick or dense items like a large piece of meat or a casserole: It might take 2 to 4 hours or even longer to come to room temperature.
Keep in mind that perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for extended periods to avoid the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness. If you want to speed up the process of bringing food to room temperature, you can transfer it to a smaller container or use the microwave with a low power setting to gently warm the food. Always follow food safety guidelines to ensure the food remains safe to eat.