How to Freeze Mac and Cheese

So you made mac and cheese and decided to make a big, no a huge, batch so you could have “extras” for a future meal. Brilliant idea, since I do this myself often!

Now you’re asking yourself how to freeze mac and cheese so it’s just as good when you reheat it in the future. My friend, I’m here to help.

How to best cook mac and cheese for freezing

Whether you made it out of the box or decided to make a homemade mac and cheese recipe, the good news is that you can freeze it!

Creamy versions of mac and cheese are best for freezing because they have more “sauce” or liquid to keep the pasta moist when reheating.

Baked macaroni casseroles are usually dryer in texture but can still be frozen although not my favorite (see more details below).

How to freeze cooked mac and cheese

Freezing mac and cheese is easy. You can freeze it in an air-tight container or in a zip-bag. The most important part is deciding how much to freeze at one time.

To freeze in zip bags or containers:

1.  Make sure the mac and cheese has fully cooled off to room temperature.
2. Divide cooked mac and cheese into an airtight container or zip bag, in the serving size you want to serve it in. Single, two servings, family-sized.
3. Freeze flat if using a zip bag or place container in the freezer.

To freeze in plastic wrap:

1. Make sure the mac and cheese has fully cooled off to room temperature.
2. Spread plastic wrap on your counter and cut to size, enough to wrap around mac and cheese a couple of times.
3. Place the desired serving of cooked mac and cheese on top of the plastic wrap. Fold the sides in and wrap a couple of times with plastic.
4. Take the plastic-wrapped mac and cheese and wrap in a single layer of foil. This will help to reduce freezer frost.
5. Freeze.

Important note about heating plastic-wrapped mac and cheese: you must remove the foil when heating up in the microwave and remove the plastic wrap. Place the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in there.

How to thaw frozen mac and cheese

The best way to thaw frozen mac and cheese is always overnight, in the fridge. Otherwise, on the counter for a couple of hours. And at the last resort, directly in the microwave but this tends to dry it out often, will vary by recipe.

How to heat up frozen mac and cheese

You can heat up frozen mac and cheese directly in the microwave, out of it’s zip bag or plastic wrap. If the mac and cheese is still frozen, simply run water on the outside of the zip bag to separate the mac and cheese from the bag and then place it in a microwave-safe bowl.

During the heating process, make sure to stop it from time to time and stir the mac and cheese mixture for even heating.

Best way to heat up thawed mac and cheese

The best way to heat up frozen mac and cheese is to allow it to thaw out first. Then, you can heat up previously frozen, now thawed out, mac and cheese in the microwave, the stove-top, and in the oven.

In the microwave: place thawed mac and cheese in the microwave, on high, and heat for 1 to 2-minute increments, stopping to stir the mixture until it’s heated through.

In the stove-top: placed thawed mac and cheese in a pot that’s size appropriate for the serving, add a few tablespoons of milk or water, and heat on medium-low heat stirring constantly.

In the oven: place thawed mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish. Preheat oven to 350F and then bake it for 15-20 minutes, depending on the amount of mac and cheese you have this will vary.

Best way to reheat baked mac and cheese

Remember I mentioned that baked mac and cheese has a slightly different texture than creamy, stove-top mac and cheese? Heating it up will make a bit of a difference.

I highly suggest you reheat the baked mac and cheese either in the microwave or in the oven. For both methods you’ll need:

1. An oven save or microwave-safe dish
2. Add some liquid (preferably milk) to the baked mac and cheese, about 1 tablespoon per serving.
3. Cover with plastic wrap for the microwave, or foil for the oven method. You wan the liquid to heat and steam the pasta to prevent it from drying out.

Freezer-friendly mac and cheese recipes

If you want to make boxed mac and cheese and freeze it, great! No judgment. If you’re looking for a few freezer-friendly mac and cheese recipes here are some you can try:

• Homemade Stove-Top Mac and Cheese
• Oat Milk Mac and Cheese (Vegan)
• Healthy Veggie Mac & Cheese

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