Did you know that you can prepare soup and then freeze it for a quick dinner or lunch on another day? Before you go ahead and freeze your next soup, there are some things to keep in mind — we’ll share with you everything you need to know about storing and freezing soup.
Can You Freeze Soup?
Yes, you can! Freezing soup is a great way to preserve those delicious leftovers without losing consistency and taste. When making a fresh bowl of yummy soup, there are vegetables to cut, seasonings to add, and a shelf full of fresh ingredients that give your broth the flavor you love so much. It doesn’t make sense to go through all those steps just to have a couple of servings, then throw the whole thing away. That’s why freezing soup is becoming such a popular trend.
How Long Do You Have to Put Soup in the Freezer?
Well, what kind of soup is it? It’s important to consider the soup ingredients before putting the soup in the fridge and forgetting about it.
Soups with meat in will likely go bad within three or four days. So, if your soup contains beef, pork, or chicken, opt for the freezer instead of the fridge. If it’s a veggie soup, you may store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.
NOTE: To be safe, we recommend storing your soup in the freezer the same day you cook it. It should be stored in a fitting container in the freezer right away. That way, you eliminate the danger of food poisoning. The Federal Food Safety Information states you can freeze soup within three to four days of cooking it.
How Long Can You Freeze Soup?
According to the Federal Food Safety Information, you can store your soup in the freeze anywhere between two to three months – yes, that long! If the soup is well prepared, saved, and defrosted before recooking, this time frame serves as the standard for frozen soup.
Now, that doesn’t mean you should store it in the freezer and forget about it for three months. The longer you keep your soup in the freezer, the less fresh it will be once you reserve it. And that goes for any kind of food; anything that lingers in the freezer for a long time starts to crystallize, compromising the taste and texture.
That’s why there is a right way to freeze certain varieties of soup. For example, can you freeze creamy soup? You’ll find out soon enough. But first, let’s talk about freezing techniques.
How Do You Freeze Soup in Individual Portions?
Storing your soup in individual portions will make a huge difference in the quality when you reheat it. Rather than emptying your whole batch into one huge container, break it into small containers, leaving some space between the soup and the cap. Here are a few reasons to freeze soup in individual portions:
The smaller the amount in an individual container, the better the soup will freeze and reheat. Second, smaller portions preserve taste and texture much better than big batches because the individual portions can cool and freeze more evenly.
When storing several servings in one big container, the center usually takes longer to freeze, allowing ice crystals to form and upset the taste and consistency.
How to Freeze Soup in Mason Jars, Glass Containers, Plastic Containers, and Tupperware
No matter what kind of container you’re storing your soup in, always remember to let it cool before putting it in the freezer for the long nap. Another thing you want to do is leave room for the soup to expand without causing the container lid to crack. At the lower end, leave an inch of space at the top of the container. At the same time, you don’t want to leave too much space – the more air inside the container, the faster your soup will experience freezer burn.
Is It Safe to Freeze Soup in Plastic Containers?
Yes, it is. It is okay to freeze your soup in plastic containers, so long as they’re not super cheap ones. If you’ve gone container shopping already, you know not all plastics are made the same.
Opt for containers made from safe materials and do not contain polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, or polystyrene. These materials may break down during freezing and affect the container, allowing chemicals to percolate into your soup.
Best Soups to Freeze
Unfortunately, not all soups should be frozen. We’ve found that soups that are broth-based and meat-based freeze quite well. On the other hand, soups containing starchy vegetables, noodles, and cream – not so much. Below are a few tricks to help you freeze different kinds of soup.
Can You Freeze Potato Soup?
We don’t usually recommend freezing potato soup because the potatoes will inadvertently fall apart and create an unflattering mushy consistency. That being said, save the potatoes for the fresh recipes or don’t do a whole batch.
Can You Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup?
You can freeze chicken noodle soup, but it’s tricky. If you want fresh, unbroken noodles by the time you’re ready to reheat it, we recommend freezing the soup without the noodles. When it’s time to eat it, get a fresh pot of noodles and add them to the newly reheated chicken soup.
Can You Freeze Cream Soups?
Cream soups tend to stiffen when stored in the freezer, so you’ll need to be patient when it comes time to thawing and reheating it. If reheated too fast, creamy soups might lose their creamy texture. Consider letting it thaw overnight in the fridge and slowly reheating it in the morning.
The Best Ways to Reheat Frozen Soup
When it comes to reheating frozen soup, there are multiple ways to go about it once it has thawed. Choose the method that works best for you.
Microwave: Once partly or fully thawed, transfer into a microwave-safe container and put plastic wrap on top. Punch holes in the wrap and microwave for 30 seconds to a minute, stirring at intervals to maintain consistency. Repeat if needed.
Stove: Place the thawed soup into a pot. Put enough water in the pot to prevent it from scorching when heating the soup. Cook over medium-high heat until consistency is even. Stir regularly.
Instant Pot: Instant pot is a great way to reheat your frozen soup. Use the pressure-cooker option to cook the thawed soup for about 5 minutes. NOTE: Avoid reheating cream-based soups in an instant pot.
How Do You Defrost Frozen Soup Quickly?
The best way to thaw frozen soup quickly is to put it in the fridge the day before. However, if you’re on the go and need it, you can put the airtight container in a bowl of warm water or defrost it quickly in the microwave, mixing regularly.
Takeaway
Are you ready to cook up some delicious soups to store in the freezer and reheat on a chilly winter day? Check out our healthy recipe collection. Healthy Japanese Clear Soup Recipe and How to Make It Easily at Home
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