Tips on how to freeze leftovers, plus freezer-friendly recipes

Freezing leftovers is a great way to save time and money, and reduce food waste. Here’s how to make sure you’re storing leftover cooked food correctly, from pasta bakes to casseroles.

Freezing leftovers is a great way to save time and money, and reduce food waste.

Taste has put together a guide on how to make sure you’re storing leftover cooked food correctly, from pasta bakes to casseroles.

The best way to freeze leftovers

Using containers: Divide cooled leftovers among plastic containers, leaving enough room at the top for swelling. Cover with plastic wrap (this helps prevent freezer burner), then the lid. Label and date top and side of container.

You can use containers to freeze leftovers.

You can freeze lots of foods.

Using sealable bags: Place sealable place in a bowl to help stabilise. Fill with cooled leftovers. Squeeze bag to remove excess air and seal. Label bag with date and contents.

Tip: Freeze flat, then stack to save space.

How to freeze pasta bakes

Add topping to pasta bake, without baking. Cool. Cover with two layers of plastic wrap, followed by aluminium foil. Freeze, then defrost in the fridge overnight.

Different types of foods last longer in the freezer.

Is it safe to freeze leftovers?

Yes, freezing is one of the safest ways to store food and, when done correctly, will lock in flavour and nutrition. Some leftovers don’t freeze well due to loss of texture and appearance (see list below).

How soon can you freeze food after cooking?

To ensure food stays safe, cool cooked dishes quickly before freezing. Freezing hot dishes will increase the temperature of the freezer and may cause other foods to start defrosting.

How long can you freeze leftovers?

The amount of time you can freeze leftovers depends on what type of meal you are freezing. Here’s a simple guide to follow:

Can you freeze leftovers after two-four days?

The Food Safety Information Council of Australia recommends freezing leftovers immediately after the meal.

Leftovers that freeze well

• Pasta bakes

• Soups

• Stews

• Casseroles

• Lasagne

Leftovers that don’t freeze well

• Cream-based dishes (including yoghurt, mayonnaise, sour cream)

• Salads

• Egg-based sauces

Top-rated freezer-friendly recipes:

• Cauliflower soup

• Minestrone soup

• Sweetcorn and zucchini fritters

• Ham, feta and tomato quiche

• Chicken, leek and mushroom casserole

• Tomato and lamb curry

• Coq au vin with olive oil mash

For more recipe ideas, go to taste.com.au or check out the Taste Test Kitchen now.

Originally published as Tips on how to freeze leftovers, plus freezer-friendly recipes