I love making mac and cheese, and what I love even more is packing them for lunch to school. I really don’t have much time to make them during school days, so I make them all at once during weekends. I’d like to be able to store them until I eat them all up. Can I freeze them?
Mac and cheese is simple to make and easy to grab at any time of the day. The good thing about it is you can also freeze mac and cheese for longer storage.
Quick Answer
This cheesy pasta freezes pretty well and only requires a few steps to do so. All you have to do is put them in air tight freezer bags and throw them into your freezer, or you can put them in a freezable tray or baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. It can last for months if sealed well.
Can You Freeze Mac and Cheese?
Mac and cheese freezes easily, and would be very convenient for those who are always on the go. This cheesy dish can last for up to 6 months in the freezer.
Take note that before freezing your newly baked mac and cheese, you need to let them cool first to avoid spoilage and freezer burn.
When freezing mac and cheese, it is highly recommended to split them on your desired amount to avoid constant thawing and freezing, which can affect the texture and quality of the dish.
Always keep in mind that the mac and cheese must be sealed well in its freezable bag or tray to prevent the moisture and contaminants from seeping into the container.
Thawing mac and cheese can be done by putting it in the refrigerator overnight, but if you were not able to plan and prepare ahead, you could always just reheat it in the microwave.
Mac and cheese could get a bit mushy when frozen. To prevent this, it is suggested to cook your pasta al dente, especially when you have already planned to freeze them after cooking.
How to Freeze Mac and Cheese
As already mentioned multiple times in this article, freezing mac and cheese is a quick and easy process. Here’s how you do it:
- Cook your mac and cheese pasta al dente if you intend to freeze them after to avoid mushiness.
- Let the pasta cool on the countertop to prevent the formation of ice crystals when freezing the mac and cheese.
- Once it has been cooled, take your desired portions and transfer them into air tight freezer bags, freezable muffin trays, or to your desired freezable container.
- Seal the bag or containers well, letting out as much air and moisture as possible.
- Label the containers with the date you made the mac and cheese then toss it in the freezer.
Note: If your mac and cheese becomes a little dry after thawing, you can always add some cheese or milk to moisten it while reheating.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Mac And Cheese?
There are few things more comforting than a big bowl of mac and cheese. But what do you do when you have extra mac and cheese? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover mac and cheese:
- Make cheesy eggs – Mac and cheese makes a great addition to eggs. Just add some to your scrambled eggs or omelette for a delicious and cheesy breakfast.
- Use it as a pizza topping – If you’re feeling adventurous, try using mac and cheese as a pizza topping. It may sound strange, but the creamy sauce can actually be quite delicious on pizza. Just give it a try!
- Make grilled cheese sandwiches – Mac and cheese also makes a great filling for grilled cheese sandwiches. Simply spread some on your favorite bread, and you’ll have a tasty and easy lunch.
- Make a casserole – Mac and cheese casseroles are always a hit. Just add in some vegetables or meat, and you’ll have a hearty dish that everyone will love.
- Use it as a dip – Last but not least, mac and cheese can also be used as a dip. Just add in some shredded cheese and spices, and you’ll have a delicious dip that everyone will love.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover mac and cheese. Next time you find yourself with extra mac and cheese, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Mac and Cheese Recipes
This no bake mac and cheese recipe is perfect for those who crave for this cheesy pasta without having to spend so much time making it. Here’s the recipe:
Had some leftover mac and cheese from yesterday’s dinner? Worry not! Check out this fried macaroni and cheese recipe here:
Love grilled cheese and macaroni and cheese? Why not put together these dishes into one recipe! Find out more about it here:
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze mac and cheese. Frozen mac and cheese will last for 2-3 months in the freezer if stored properly. If you want to reheat them, there are two options: use a stovetop or microwave oven. Follow these steps for freezing mac and cheese: place it in an airtight container or bag after having allowed it to cool down first, make sure all of the air is removed before sealing tightly (so as to avoid freezer burn), store properly, label with today’s date, don’t forget to include cooking instructions because that’s what you do whenever you freeze food!
I would love to hear about your experience with freezing homemade mac and cheese. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
