Can I Freeze Leftovers And How Long Do They Last?

“Hi! I’ve always enjoyed cooking more than I can eat, and my fridge is often full of leftovers. Lately, I’ve been wondering if it’s safe to just freeze those leftovers instead of letting them go to waste. But I’m not sure how long they’ll last in the freezer, and I don’t want to accidentally eat something that’s been in there for too long. Is it worth freezing leftovers, or should I just try to finish them off in the fridge? Any tips on how to make this process easier would really help!” Thanks, Megan, Brisbane, Australia.

Can I Freeze Leftovers and How Long Do They Last?

Absolutely, Megan! Freezing leftovers is one of the best ways to avoid wasting food. It’s not only a great solution for those nights when you’re not in the mood to cook but also a practical way to avoid throwing out perfectly good meals. You can totally stash them in the freezer, but there are a few things to keep in mind about how long they’ll last and how to freeze them properly.

Freezing is like hitting the pause button on your leftovers. But just like with any food, even frozen eats have a shelf life. The good news? Most frozen leftovers last a good while—weeks to months even—without losing their flavor or texture. However, there are definitely some foods that freeze better than others, and there are ways to do it right to make sure your meals still taste fresh when you reheat them.

Why Freeze Leftovers?

Freezing leftovers is a time-saver, a budget-helper, and a waste-minimizer. I’m guessing, Megan, that you probably got all kinds of random leftovers in your fridge after a couple of days of cooking. You’re not the only one who doesn’t want to have the same meal three days in a row! (I mean, there’s only so many times you can eat that lasagna, right?)

Here’s why freezing your leftovers can be a game-changer:

• Save Money: You’re already paying for all those groceries, you might as well stretch ’em as far as you can, right?
• Save Time: Having pre-made meals ready in your freezer means you don’t have to scratch your head at 6 PM, wondering what’s for dinner.
• Reduce Waste: No more feeling guilty when food turns into a fuzzy science experiment at the back of your fridge. (We’ve all been there.)

How Long Do Leftovers Last in the Freezer?

The lifespan of leftovers in the freezer depends on what type of food it is and how well you’ve stored it. Your standard leftovers like soups, stews, casseroles, and cooked meats are very freezer-friendly and can last anywhere from three to six months!

Take a look below for a quick breakdown of different foods and how long you can keep them frozen:

How to Freeze Leftovers Safely

Freezing can be tricky if you’re not sure about the “how,” so I’ll walk you through a few steps to make sure your food stays fresh and safe in the freezer.

Step 1: Cool Down the Food

Let the leftovers cool down before even thinking about sticking them in the freezer. Popping hot food in the freezer can raise the temperature inside and mess with other frozen items. Plus, it’s just a good food safety measure!

Step 2: Proper Packaging
Air is the enemy of frozen foods, Megan—so focus on packing things tightly and removing as much air as possible. For soups, stews, and sauces, use airtight containers or freezer bags. (I’ve been known to squish out air with a rolling pin before sealing those bags.) For solid leftovers, like meats or casseroles, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before putting them in a freezer-friendly container. That double layer keeps things from getting freezer burn.

Step 3: Label Clearly
No one likes freezer surprises six months down the road when you’re scratching your head trying to remember what that random lump of frozen stuff is. Use a permanent marker to write down what the food is and the date you froze it on the container or bag. Trust me, future-you will appreciate this little extra step!

Warnings About Freezer Burn

Okay, this one’s important. Freezer burn happens when food is exposed to air inside the freezer. It’s not dangerous to eat, but it will make your lovely leftover chicken or stew pretty darn unappetizing. The texture and flavor get strange, and no one wants that. Prevent freezer burn by making sure your food is packaged right and the air has been removed as best as possible. A good investment might be reusable silicone bags or vacuum sealing if you’re freezing things often.

Which Leftovers Freeze Best?

Not all food is equally freeze-friendly, Megan. Some of them freeze better than others, and some can get a little weird if left in the freezer too long. Here’s a heads-up on what dishes freeze like a dream, and which ones…not so much.

Best Leftovers to Freeze:

• Soups & Stews: They always reheat nicely after freezing, and adding a little fresh broth or water when you thaw them out helps bring them back to life.
• Cooked Meat & Poultry: Shredded or cubed meat freezes great! Toss it in soups or stir-fries later, and no one will know the difference.
• Pasta (Without the Sauce): If you made a big batch of plain pasta, freeze it separately and add it to sauces when you’re ready to reheat.
• Casseroles: You can freeze casseroles whole or in portions for those quick meals later. For even portions, make sure to let them cool down completely.
• Bread: Loaves and rolls freeze wonderfully. Toast or pop ’em into the oven straight from the freezer when you need them.

Foods That Don’t Freeze Well:

Some foods just don’t fare well in the freezer. Here are a few to avoid stashing away:

• Leafy Greens & Salad Veggies: Lettuce, cucumber, and fresh herbs all get soggy once frozen. (No one wants soggy lettuce!)
• Fried Foods: Fried items tend to lose their crispy coating after freezing and reheating. That crunch is hard to get back.
• Eggs in the Shell: They’ll crack. Instead, scramble them and freeze scrambled eggs if you’re determined to save some eggs!
• Milk & Cream-Based Sauces: Creamy soups or sauces can separate and look a bit strange after freezing. Better to make those fresh when you need them.

Thawing and Reheating Leftovers

Alright, Megan—you’ve frozen your food like a pro! But what about thawing? The safest way to thaw out those leftovers is in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry though, you can thaw them in the microwave using the defrost setting. Just make sure they reach a safe internal temperature before eating (165°F or 74°C).

When it comes time to reheat those frozen meals, use the oven, microwave, or stovetop. Just avoid leaving them out on the counter to thaw. (That opens the door for bacteria to multiply.) For soups and stews, you might need to add a little liquid—broth, water, or even a little milk—to bring them back to life. Same with pasta sauces; sometimes they just need a bit more moisture to revive them.

Quick Tips for Freezing with Less Effort

1. Portion Control: When freezing meals, portion them out! Trust me, if you’re only feeding yourself or one other person, it’s better to freeze things in individual portions than trying to thaw out a huge container of food.
2. Freeze Flat: For soups and sauces, freeze them flat in freezer bags. They’ll stack better that way, and less space is needed.
3. Organize Your Freezer: Keep meals you want to eat soon closer to the front, and label things so you don’t forget what’s in the depths of your freezer. This makes it so much easier when you’re rummaging around later.

Final Thoughts…

Megan, thank you for sending in your question! It’s awesome that you’re looking to make the most of your leftovers. Freezing them can be a total game-changer when you wanna cut down on waste, save some money, and have delicious meals at the ready. Just remember to label everything, keep air out, and freeze things while they’re still fresh. Before you know it, you’ll be turning your freezer into the ultimate mealtime MVP. Cheers to no more wasted food!