Browse dozens of clever tips for storing food in the freezer.
Learning how tostore foods in the freezer properlycan go a long way in helping yousave moneyand time.
Read on to see how to freeze foodincluding food preparation tips and storage ideas.
Photo: James Worrell
The freezer-safe Rubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage Container Set tops our list ofbest food storage containers.
The decision to freeze food in glass or plastic containers is primarily up to personal preference.
However, using glass is more environmentally friendly since plastic is not as sustainable or durable.
Slice Before Freezing
Slice bread and halve bagels before freezing for convenient one-person servings.
Slip bagel halves into the freezer bag back-to-back, so they’re less likely to stick together.
Similarly,slice fruit before freezingit for easier thawing and convenient access when adding tofruit smoothies.
Squeeze Out Air
Where there’s excess air, there’s freezer burn.
This step prevents the expanding liquid from freezing at the lid.
What Is Freezer Burn?
Freezer burn triggers when the air dries out the surface of foods, toughening the texture and worsening flavors.
(Be sure to keep the freezer door open only as briefly as possible.
Too much exposure to warm air can cause temperature fluctuations, which invite freezer burn.)
Keep in mind: There’s nothing unsafe about freezer burn.
Store After Cooling
Wait for hot foods to cool down to room temperature before freezing them.
When the item is finally frozen, stack the container with everything else.
Large portions in large containers are slower to freeze.
The faster food freezes, the fresher it will taste when thawed.
What to Freeze
Your freezer is not just a place to store chili and ice cream.
Here are some common foods you could freeze and the best way to do so.
This method will prevent them from clumping together.
Many vegetables can also be frozen for later use.
While many vegetables will keep longer if blanched before freezing, it’s not a requirement for all.
you could also freeze already-cooked meats to help with meal prep.
Eggs
You canfreeze eggsas long as they are out of the shell and beaten.
Store yolks and whites separately in resealable plastic bags.
Thaw under hot running water or in the refrigerator overnight.
Soft cheeses typically don’t freeze well due to their moisture content.
Likewise, you canfreeze milkand take advantage of any sales by storing it for later use.
Freeze butter sticksso you always have them on hand for baking!
You probably already know thatcookie dough can be frozen, but you could alsofreeze cookiesthat have already been baked.
The key is to let them cool first before placing them in the freezer.
Then, wrap the frozen cake in plastic, followed by foil.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
Leftovers
There are times when you have an abundance of leftovers (Thanksgiving anyone?)
and the fridge is simply not big enough.
On such occasions, feel free to freeze your leftovers.
Once solid, the cubes can be transferred to a resealable freezer bag for safekeeping.
Let them cool, separate them withwax paperto prevent sticking, then freeze them in resealable plastic bags.
To reheat, don’t thawjust pop them in the toaster oven.
Meal prepping helps busy folks eat healthier and save money.
Some of the best freezer-friendly dishes you could assemble or prep to freeze uncooked include casseroles and baked pasta.
Then, lift out the foil and the contents.
Transfer the block to a freezer bag until you’re ready to thaw it and cook.
Despite the long list of foods you’re able to freeze, somefoods should never be frozen.
Ingredients with high water content (like lettuce) don’t typically do well after freezing and thawing.
But you’ve got the option to also use cold water and the microwave.
USDA,Freezing and food safety.
Accessed April 16, 2023.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Cold Food Storage Chart.
FoodSafety.gov, June 24, 2019.
USDA,The big thaw - safe defrosting methods.
Accessed April 16, 2023.
