Can You Freeze Macaroni and Cheese? Here’s How You Can Do This
Updated on March 2, 2023
Let’s face it – as parents, we do what we have to do. If that’s feeding our little kids mac and cheese to get something in their bellies every night, that’s what we’re going to do. However, mac and cheese can sometimes take a while to make, and your kiddos may not have the patience to wait that long. So, let’s see if we can do something about freezing macaroni and cheese.
We’re happy to say that freezing mac and cheese will work, but there are rules to it, so let’s see how we can do this.
Can You Freeze Macaroni and Cheese?
We’re not the only ones facing the neverending craving for mac and cheese from our kids. One of our readers sent us the following message:
This may seem like a strange question, but I really need to know! My kids really like macaroni and cheese, but I don’t like feeding them the stuff out of the box. I prefer to make mine with real cheese and no food colouring. So, about once a week I prepare a batch of macaroni and cheese that I cook in the oven and serve out of a casserole dish. Everyone loves it, and I like that it contains all natural ingredients. However, I’m getting kind of tired of making it all the time. I would like to make a few batches and freeze them for later use. That way I would just have to pop them in the oven to reheat them before eating. I’ve never tried freezing it before. Can you freeze macaroni and cheese?
Yes, you can freeze macaroni and cheese! I do have to say though, that pasta has a tendency to keep soaking up sauce during the freezing process, making the pasta drier than it was before it was frozen. Not a problem though, as that can be easily fixed after thawing.
How To Freeze Macaroni and Cheese?
Freezing your mac and cheese isn’t that difficult to do, but we do suggest you follow our steps:
- First cook the macaroni and cheese according to your favorite recipe.
- Then, allow to cool completely. Freezing macaroni and cheese that is still warm will result in a mushy mess after thawing, so be patient!
- Once your macaroni and cheese is cool, it’s time to freeze.
- If you are freezing an entire casserole, then it’s recommended to prepare it in a freezer-safe container, or to scoop it into one for freezing.
- A disposable aluminum one works well, as do reusable containers.
- Cover the container with a lid or with two layers of aluminum foil. If covering with aluminum foil, secure with an elastic or a layer of plastic wrap.
- Place in the coldest part of the freezer.
- If freezing in smaller serving sizes, place the servings in smaller containers before following the directions above.
How to Keep Macaroni and Cheese Frozen for Longer?
One way you can expand the life of your frozen macaroni and cheese dish is to use a food saver. Food savers can take out all the air in the bag or the container, which will help prolong the life of the dish and preserve the taste.
Our favorite is the FoodSaver V4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer Machine which works with multiple types of containers, including 8 and 11-inch bags.
How to Thaw Macaroni and Cheese?
When it’s time to defreeze your mac and cheese, you need to go through a few steps.
- Remove the macaroni and cheese from the freezer and place in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- When thawed, give it a stir to combine any ingredients that may have separated during the freezing process.
- If the macaroni and cheese seems dry, you can add in a bit of milk and some grated cheese before reheating.
- Reheat in a warm oven until heated through. Stir to combine, and serve.
- Consume within 2-3 days for best results. Never refreeze previously frozen macaroni and cheese.