What container is preferred to hold leftover spaghetti sauce in the cooler?

The preferred choice for holding leftover spaghetti sauce in the cooler is a covered food pan. This option is ideal because it helps to maintain food safety and quality by minimizing the risk of contamination. A covered food pan also prevents the sauce from absorbing unwanted odors or flavors from other items in the cooler, which can alter its taste and quality. Additionally, covering the food helps to retain moisture, preventing the sauce from drying out.

Using an uncovered plastic container is less preferable since it exposes the food to potential contaminants and can lead to the absorption of other odors. A copper pot is not a suitable choice for food storage in a cooler due to its reactive nature, which could impart metallic flavors to acidic foods like tomato sauce. Finally, while any clean container could technically do the job, it doesn't account for the specific benefits of using a covered food pan designed for food storage. Therefore, the choice of a covered food pan provides the best option for both safety and quality of the spaghetti sauce.