So, Can You Freeze Cooked Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken! In fact, cooked chicken is one of the easiest proteins to freeze. Some people worry about freezing cooked food for long periods, but when done correctly, chicken can freeze well while maintaining its texture and flavor.

The main thing to focus on when freezing chicken is to focus on its parts. Rather than placing a whole cooked chicken in the freezer, it’s better to break it down into sections (i.e. white vs. dark meat). Make sure to remove the meat from the bone as well to ensure proper freezing.

Freezing leftovers can be a great way to save money and lessen food waste. Try freezing cooked chicken to reduce waste in your household.

How To Freeze Cooked Chicken vs. Rotisserie Chicken

Buying rotisserie chickens from the store can be a game changer when it comes to saving time in the kitchen. And just like home-cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken can be easily frozen! Remove the meat from the bones and place it into airtight containers before freezing.

With both rotisserie and cooked chicken, it helps to take off the skin for easier thawing. The skin won’t be able to keep its texture after freezing, so it’s better to remove it.

Both cooked chicken and rotisserie chicken follow similar guidelines for freezing, so they can be interchanged.

Thawing Methods and Tips

It’s important to safely freeze cooked chicken, but it’s just as important to know how to properly defrost cooked chicken safely. Harmful bacteria do not die in the freezer, so make sure to thaw carefully.

1. Defrosting in the fridge: Place the storage container or bag on a plate, then place it in the fridge. It will take a while, so it’s best to leave the frozen cooked chicken to defrost overnight.
2. Microwave: To thaw chicken faster, remove the frozen meat from the packaging and place it in a container. Choose the defrost method and rotate the chicken throughout its time in the microwave. Cook the chicken immediately.

How To Know It’s Safe To Eat

How long cooked chicken is safe for consumption depends on proper storage, size, etc. As previously mentioned, freezing cooked chicken does not kill bacteria. So, if it’s not done properly, frozen cooked chicken can be unsafe to eat.

The shelf life of frozen cooked chicken is around 6 months, but for the best quality, try to enjoy it before 3 months.

The best thing to do is check the frozen or thawed cooked chicken for any odd colors, mold, and slippery textures.

Uses For Defrosted Chicken

Prepared chicken can be an amazing way to have protein ready for any meal. Use thawed chicken in any recipe where the meat is used.

Use chicken breast, leftovers, or shredded chicken in any of the following recipes! Just make sure the cooked meat is free from bones!

• Jerk Chicken Tacos
• Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup
• Chicken Cobbler
• Coronation Chicken
• Buffalo Chicken Dip

Storing and Handling: Best Practices

• When storing cooked chicken, keep it away from other frozen meats. This will prevent any cross-contamination from occurring.
• Store it in a container or wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in a plastic bag. As long as it’s free from excess, air you should be good to go!

Common concerns about frozen cooked chicken

• Foodborne Illness: This can be easily prevented with proper cooking and storage. Cook chicken thoroughly, then let it get to room temperature first. It will still be good to eat for up to 6 months but try to eat it before 3 months.
• Thawing: Do not thaw chicken outside of the fridge. If you want to defrost faster, place the frozen food in a plastic bag, then place it in a bowl of cold water.
• Cross-Contamination: Since it’s not raw, there will be less worry for cross-contamination, but chicken should be stored away from other raw meats.

Summary

Freezing chicken can be a fantastic way to have meals ready when you have a busy schedule. It’s an easy protein to freeze and thaw, so give it a try and enjoy yummy recipes with less work!

If you enjoyed this article, check out this article on how to refreeze bacon!

In this blog post, we will explore the process of freezing almond milk, its advantages and potential drawbacks, and how to properly store and use it after thawing. Let’s dive into the world of frozen almond milk!

Key Takeaways

• Freezing almond milk is an effective way to extend its shelf life, reduce waste, and provide convenience for recipes.
• Essential tools such as ice cube trays and airtight containers are needed to freeze almond milk successfully.
• Frozen almond milk can be stored for up to 6 months with potential alterations in taste and texture upon thawing.

Freezing Almond Milk: The Basics

Freezing almond milk is an effective method to extend its shelf life and preserve its flavor and texture. The process involves pouring almond milk into an ice cube tray, freezing it and then transferring the frozen almond milk cubes to a freezer-safe container or bag. 

However, freezing almond milk can result in some alterations in consistency and taste, which is why it’s essential to know how to handle and utilize it after thawing.

This part of the guide covers:

• Why freezing almond milk might be beneficial
• Potential drawbacks of freezing almond milk
• How freezing results of almond milk compare to cow’s milk
• Overview of the tools needed for freezing almond milk
• Innovative ways to use frozen almond milk in different recipes

Why Freeze Almond Milk?

Freezing almond milk offers several benefits, such as extending its shelf life, reducing waste, and providing convenience in recipes. If you have leftover almond milk that you don’t want to go to waste, freezing is an excellent solution to preserve its freshness for a more extended period. Remember that almond milk should not be refrozen once it’s thawed.

Frozen almond milk can last up to 6 months, and once thawed, it can be used in cooked and baked dishes. Moreover, frozen almond milk can be a creative ingredient for dairy-free ice cream, yogurt, and other culinary creations, allowing you to enjoy your homemade almond milk for an extended period.

Almond Milk vs. Cow's Milk: Freezing Differences

While almond and cow’s milk can be frozen, their unique compositions result in different outcomes upon thawing. When you freeze almond milk, it may become slushy, grainy, or experience fat separation, making it less appealing to drink. Additionally, freezing can cause a slight alteration in flavor, making it less vibrant compared to fresh almond milk.

On the other hand, cow’s milk may also experience some changes in texture and taste after freezing, but these alterations are generally less noticeable than those in almond milk. Nonetheless, both thawed almond and cow’s milk can be suitable for culinary use, such as adding tea or coffee or making a smoothie.

Essential Tools for Freezing Almond Milk

Before you start freezing milk, make sure you have the right tools. Ice cube trays and airtight containers are critical to the process.

The subsequent parts of this guide will explain how to use these tools to freeze almond milk and each method's advantages.

Ice Cube Trays

Ice cube trays for freezing nut milk is an easy and convenient method for portion control. Silicone ice cube trays are the preferred choice for freezing milk, as they are flexible, easy to use, and ensure the safety of your almond milk.

To freeze this ingredients by using an ice cube tray, follow these steps:

1. Pour the almond milk into the trays.
2. Place the trays in the freezer.
3. Once the it is frozen, transfer the almond milk ice cubes to a zip lock bag or freezer bag for storage.

This method makes it simple to portion out the desired amount of almond milk for various recipes and drinks.

Airtight Containers

Airtight containers are ideal for freezing larger quantities of almond milk and ensuring proper storage. Freezer-safe airtight containers or freezer bags are recommended for this purpose.

Using airtight containers also has several advantages, such as providing an airtight seal to prevent freezer burn, saving space in the freezer, and being accessible to store and label.

Before freezing, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the container is clean and provides adequate space for expansion.
2. Seal the container securely.
3. Place the container in the freezer to maintain the freshness and quality of your almond milk.

How Long Can You Store Frozen Almond Milk?

Properly stored frozen nut milk can last up to 6 months, extending access to your favorite dairy-free milk. Remember that the quality might degrade over time, so using it within the first 2 to 3 months ensures the best taste and texture.

Upon thawing, almond milk will separate and may not be suitable for drinking. That said, thawed almond milk can still be used in cooked and baked dishes, providing a versatile ingredient for your culinary creations.

Thawing Frozen Almond Milk: Methods and Tips

To defrost frozen nut milk, you can use a couple of methods. One option is to place the frozen nut milk in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly. An alternative to thawing nut milk is to place the frozen almond milk cubes in warm water containers.

Let the container sit for a few minutes, and the cubes will be defrosted. Remember that once thawed, the defrosted almond milk should not be refrozen.

It’s essential to use defrosted almond milk within a day or two to ensure its freshness and quality. If you’ve experienced an unpleasant taste when using frozen almond milk cubes in your coffee without blending, don’t worry – it’s not just you. Blending the thawed almond milk can help restore its taste and texture.

Dealing with Separation: Restoring Thawed Almond Milk

Thawed almond milk tends to separate, making it less enjoyable to drink. But don’t fret – there are ways to fix separated almond milk! One effective method is blending the thawed almond milk to restore its texture and consistency.

Alternatively, you can try gently mixing the ingredients or heating the mixture to help bring the separated almond milk back to a more uniform consistency. Remember, though, that there might still be a slight change in taste and texture compared to fresh almond milk.

Creative Uses for Frozen Almond Milk

Frozen nut milk isn’t just for smoothies – it can be used in various recipes and dishes! From baking recipes to dairy-free alternatives in dishes like cauliflower cheese and porridge, frozen nut milk can be a versatile ingredient in your kitchen.

You can also freeze almond milk creamer and yogurt, although separation may still occur. To use frozen almond creamer, thaw it overnight and blend it to restore its velvety texture. For almond milk yogurt, freeze it in ice cube trays and use the frozen cubes as needed.

Storing and Handling Almond Milk: Best Practices

Storing almond milk properly is paramount to preserving its freshness and quality. The most effective preservation method is refrigeration, ideally at the back of the fridge, away from the door, for consistent temperature.

Once opened, a carton of almond milk can stay fresh for roughly 7 to 10 days if stored in the fridge. Watch out for signs of spoilage like:

• a sour taste
• thicker texture
• unusual smell
• lumpy appearance
• discoloration

Common Concerns About Almond Milk and Freezing

There are several common concerns when it comes to freezing almond milk, such as:

• Potential separation and texture alterations after thawing
• Expansion of the liquid causing carton damage
• Advice from certain brands against freezing nut milk

Rest assured, freezing nut milk does not impact its nutritional content.

While freezing almond milk can alter its texture and taste, most alterations are less noticeable than those in cow’s milk. It’s possible to freeze almond milk in its original container, although most brands do not recommend it due to potential changes in texture and taste upon thawing. 

Freezing nut milk can lead to spoilage, but with proper handling and storage techniques, you can still enjoy its many benefits.

Summary

In conclusion, freezing nut milk can be a practical approach to extend its shelf life, reduce waste, and provide versatility in various recipes. By following the tips and techniques discussed in this blog post, you can preserve the quality of your almond milk and enjoy its dairy-free goodness for an extended period. So go ahead and explore the possibilities that frozen nut milk offers!

FAQs: Can you freeze almond milk?

Can you freeze leeks?

Don't worry. Freezing leeks is easy! They'll stay fresh and keep that great mild sweet flavour, ready to be called on when needed.

So, if you like these little green marvels and you're wondering how to store leeks for a long time, we've got a step by step guide.

But first, let's find out more about the unsung hero of the onion family.

The origin of leeks

This thin green gift from the gourmet gods has its roots in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Today, leeks are grown globally– the biggest producers are France, Belgium, Turkey, Indonesia and South Korea.

Although they're typically more expensive than other types of onion, their subtle sweetness, versatility and ease of preparation make them very popular with chefs and foodies all over the world.

Freezing leeks

Have you ever wondered how to freeze leeks? If you want to keep your leaks for longer than 2 weeks, freezing them is a great idea. It's relatively simple and is done in a three part process.

First, wash them in water and cut them up, ready to be stored. Then you need to flash freeze them – this helps keep the moisture in the leeks. Finally, freeze them in an airtight container.

See the end of this article for a step by step guide on how to freeze leeks.

How to blanch leeks

Before you freeze your leeks, you may want to blanch them. Blanching leeks extends their life span, giving you fresh leeks for longer.

1. Bring a large pot of water to the boil.
2. Place your washed and cut up leeks in a blanching basket or colander and lower them into the boiling water. 
3. Place the lid on the saucepan.
4. Boil the leeks for about 30 seconds (no longer than one minute).
5. Remove the leeks from the boiling water, drain them and quickly put them into a bowl of cold water. This stops them from cooking any further.

If you don't blanch them, they'll keep their freshness for about 2 months in the freezer. If you blanch them, they'll stay good for a whole year!

Delicious leek recipes

• Creamed leeks – great as a side dish or even a main meal, this recipe is quick and easy as you like, and showcases just how truly tasty leeks can be.
• Zucchini and leek soup – make sure you don't miss this one – a delicious and healthy soup that's not just a winter warmer – its fresh and sooting taste can be enjoyed all year round.
• Chicken and leek risotto – creamy comfort food at its best, this dish takes a bit of patience, but the reward is one of the tastiest risottos around!
• Pork medallions with apricot and leek sauce – the pork medallions may well be the main part of this dish, but the apricot and leek sauce is just divine – it really takes this recipe to the next level and makes it extra special.

Can you freeze leeks?

Yes! Find out how to freeze leeks step-by-step below.

📖 Recipe

Can you Freeze Leeks?

Yield: frozen leeks

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: £4

Can you freeze leeks? The answer is yes! Click here to learn how to freeze leeks! You'll know exactly what tools to use and doing things step-by-step.

Print

Materials

• Parchment paper and a baking sheet
• Zip lock bag or airtight container
• Marker pen

Tools

• Knife
• Cutting board
• Two bowls
• Slotted spoon

Instructions

1. Cutting and Cleaning Leeks: Cut the dark green roots and stems at the base of each leek. Make sure you don't cut the pale green stem above the white bulb at the bottom of the leek.
2. Once you've cut them, give them a rinse with cold water to get rid of the bits of dirt and grit on the outside. Be thorough – leeks often trap dirt between their layers.
3. Cut each leek in half, lengthwise. Then cut them crosswise into smaller pieces.
4. Wash the leek pieces in a bowl of cold water, gently swirling them about. Once rinsed, use a slotted spoon to transfer them into a dry bowl.
5. Blanch your leeks (optional – see 'how to blanch leeks' section above).
6. How to Freeze Leeks: Get a baking sheet, lay some parchment paper on top and then spread your leeks across it. Spread them as much as possible and try to avoid piling them up – they'll take longer to flash freeze.
7. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. After 20 minutes, check to see if they are frozen. If not, wait another 10-15 minutes. The leeks should be icy and rigid. If they're still soft, they'll need a bit longer.
8. Once flash frozen, put them in a zip lock bag or air tight container.
9. Label your container with the date of freezing and put them in the freezer.

Notes

• Leeks become mushy when they aren't stored properly or are frozen for too long.
• If you don't blanch your leeks before freezing, use them before 2 months. Otherwise they'll start to lose their flavour.

Are you a fan of leeks? Do you have a favourite leek recipe? Also, do you want to know whether other foods and ingredients can be frozen? Let me know in the comments below!

Well… can you freeze celery?

You can freeze celery for around 12 months. To freeze celery, you can freeze it as stalks or chopped up, ready to be used in soups, stews and sauces.

From smoothies to stuffings, frozen celery is a perfect add-in for increased nutritional value and provides an aromatic kick.

Tips for freezing celery

Let’s recap some important points when it comes to freezing celery:

• Always blanch the celery first. You’ll lock in the taste and texture, while removing harmful bacteria. 

• Flash freeze to make sure the pieces don’t stick together.
• Most of the time, you won’t need to thaw. Just add it straight to dishes when frozen, then heat it through.
• Don’t freeze the leaves. Use them in soups and stocks or salads.

📖 Recipe

How To Freeze Celery

Yield: frozen celery

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: £5

If you were wondering whether you can freeze celery, check out this complete guide on how to do it, as well as how to thaw and use it.

Print

Materials

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Kitchen towels

Tools

• Vegetable peeler
• Large pot of water
• Large slotted spoon
• Large bowl
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Ziploc freezer bags

Instructions

How to freeze celery stalks

1. Rinse the celery. Remove the stalks.
2. Top and tail each celery stick. If any of them seem stringy, use a vegetable peeler to remove the stringy bits.
3. Chop the celery into your preferred size.
4. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Drop the celery pieces in and boil for 3 minutes. 
5. Remove the pieces with a large slotted spoon and transfer them into a pre-prepared bowl of ice water. Allow to sit for 4–5 minutes.
6. Pat dry with a kitchen towel.
7. Arrange the celery pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure none are touching.
8. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the celery is fully frozen. This should take around 2 hours.
9. Transfer from the baking sheet to an airtight freezable container or ziploc bag.
10. Label the container or bag with the contents and date of freezing. Use within 12 months.

What to do with frozen celery

The best way to use frozen celery is to add it frozen straight into your favorite soup, stew, casserole or sauce recipes. Here are a few recipes that would work particularly well with the addition of celery:

• Venison stew – a rich hearty stew that melts in the mouth. Just throw in some frozen chopped celery and let it slow cook with the rest of the ingredients 
• Cottage pie – chopped celery is a base ingredient in this classic British dish
• Super green smoothie – a delicious healthy smoothie that would taste even better with a few sticks of frozen celery for good measure
• Pineapple and avocado smoothie – another delicious smoothie with a wonderful blend of fruit and vegetable flavors
• Oxtail stew with beans and red wine – another hearty stew that’s slow cooked for maximum flavor
• Game pie – if you fancy something a little bit different, give this a try. It’s delicious
• Bolognese pasta bake – a classic pasta bake is a great way to use up your celery. No need to thaw… just throw it straight in and cook it through
• Beef ossobuco – a divine Italian stew that will tantilize your taste buds

We've all had that situation when you defrost more than you need of a certain ingredient. Then you're left wondering... what am I going to do with this now? It's too good to waste and it's already been frozen!

Today we take a look at whether or not you can refreeze bacon, whether cooked or uncooked, and the best methods to use to ensure you preserve the taste and texture.

📖 Recipe

How To Refreeze Bacon

Yield: refreezed bacon

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $0.50

Do you have plenty of bacon leftover and you don't want to let it go to waste? Read on to learn how to refreeze bacon in a few easy steps!

Print

Instructions

Refreezing uncooked bacon slices

1. Take the uncooked bacon slices and place them on a on a freezer-safe baking tray. Make sure that there is a gap between the strips– this will prevent them from sticking together during the freezing process.
2. Place the tray directly in the freezer and let them partially freeze for a few hours. This is known as 'flash freezing' and will allow you to freeze the bacon slices in the same container, without them sticking together. This means you can defrost just the right amount, without having to continuously refreeze.
3. Wrap the frozen strips individually in plastic wrap or cling film. Place each wrapped slice into an airtight freezer-safe container.
4. Finally, label the container with the contents and date of freezing, before placing it in the freezer.

Refreezing an unopened package of bacon

1. Place the package of bacon into an airtight freezer-safe container. This will help to better preserve bacon and avoid freezer burn.
2. Finally, label the container with the contents and date of freezing, before placing it in the freezer.

Refreezing cooked bacon

1. Allow the cooked bacon to cool completely before beginning the freezing process.
2. Wrap the bacon tightly in cling film. This will help to prevent freezer burn.
3. Once wrapped tightly in cling film, place the bacon inside an airtight freezer-safe container. This will help to better preserve bacon and avoid freezer burn.
4. Finally, label the container with the contents and date of freezing, before placing it in the freezer.

Today, we'll answer the question for you, as well as taking a look at some tips and advice on how to the best methods when it comes to extending the shelf life of any chicken and dumplings recipe.

📖 Recipe

How to freeze chicken and dumplings

Yield: frozen chicken and dumplings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: £5

Can you freeze chicken and dumplings? Did you make a batch of this delicious dinner and want to know the best way to freeze leftovers, read on to find out!

Print

Materials

• Plastic wrap
• Freezer bag
• Airtight freezer containers

Instructions

How to freeze chicken AND dumplings before it's cooked

1. Sauté the vegetables and allow them to cool completely to room temperature.
2. Place your sautéd vegetables in a large freezer bag, together with the chicken broth, chicken pieces and seasoning. Squeeze out any excess air and seal tightly.
3. Label the container with the date of freezing and the contents.
4. Place the ingredients for the dumpling dough, such as flour, butter and baking powder, in a separate freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air and seal tightly.
5. Now you have a freezer meal, with a chicken and dumplings recipe ready to go!

How to freeze COOKED chicken AND dumplings

1. Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool completely to room temperature.
2. Next, separate the fresh dumplings from the chicken soup. Place them in a freezer bag, making sure to push out as much air from the bag as possible.
3. If your chicken soup has large chicken pieces, remove them from the soup and place them into a separate freezer bag. As before, push out as much air from the bag as possible.
4. Transfer the soup or stew into an airtight container and place the lid on. Ensure the container is properly sealed, to avoid spillage and prolong the life span of your chicken and dumplings.
5. Label the container with the date of freezing and the contents.

Those of you who know me well, know that like any mom, I do generally make large batches of food. No matter what type of recipes I cook. Reheating a recipe saves me tons of time during a busy week.

Plus, it's very practical. As a result, my friends know that I have the answer to this all important question.

how to store fudge

If you've made homemade fudge like butterbeer fudge or this one,  it might last you from 1 -1.5 weeks unrefrigerated. In general, I find homemade fudge too good to be stored incorrectly. Therefore, in order to minimize any risk of the fudge going bad or you getting food poising, take these steps:

1. Cut the fudge into little squares as they fit better into an airtight container. The air tight container will keep all moisture out. Place sheets of baking paper in between fudge layers. This way they won't stick to each other.
2. Store it in your kitchen at room temperature for a maximum of three days. 
3. If you still haven't finished the fudge by the third day, stick the fudge into the fridge. With that, you'll extend its shelf life by at least a week.

You can also put the whole tray of fudge in the fridge. However, you'll have to make sure you have enough space.

can you freeze fudge?

In short, yes, you can freeze fudge. However, the answer is a bit more involved. There are a couple of steps when it comes to freezing fudge. Especially, when it's a homemade fudge recipe. 

Before I start giving you details about freezing fudge, we have to differentiate. Freezing store bought fudge is very different to freezing fresh homemade fudge.

The reason for this is because store bought fudge usually contains preservatives and stabilizers.

does homemade fudge need to be refrigerated?

In sum, if you wish to extend the shelf life of your fudge, then do it by all means. Put it in the fridge.

In fact, if your room temperature exceeds 70°F / 21°C then I definitely recommend you placing the fudge in the fridge. If you live in a hot country or if the weather is too warm right now, also opt for the fridge option. 

how long does fudge last unrefrigerated?

Again, in order to answer this question, we must distinguish between freshly homemade fudge and the store bought one. Let's start with the store bought fudge.

As mentioned above, store bought fudge usually contains all sorts of additives to make ingredients last longer. Of course, if you have store bought fudge leftovers, the shelf life is going to be longer (as it is designed to do so).

Hence, store fudge in an airtight container in a cooled place in your kitchen. Unrefrigerated, it usually lasts anywhere from 1 - 2 weeks. 

can you freeze fudge to set it?

Sometimes, freezing can be an art. So, instead of answering the question - can you freeze fudge, I 'll also tell you how you can use your freezer to set your fudge. 

Have you ever watched one of the Masterchef series? They use the blast freezer to set recipes all the time. Since fudge is a concentrated syrup (usually chocolatey), it will harden at some point.

When your fudge fails to set properly, this is probably because you've undercooked it. 

So, first thing's first. Put your stove back on and cook your fudge properly. After this, allow it to cool a little so it reaches room temperature. You don't want to stick hot fudge into a freezer.

First of all, it won't set properly. Second, the taste will degenerate. Once it's at room temperature, stick the fudge into the fridge for 1-2 hours. Lastly, to set fudge completely, put it in the freezer.

can you freeze fudge with condensed milk?

Yes, you can also freeze fudge with condensed milk. In fact, there are three ways you can freeze fudge with condensed milk. The first being, you'll need to wrap the fudge into cling wrap.

You can also use plastic wrap. Just make sure you cut the fudge into appropriate sizes so that they fit into your freezer. Alternatively, you can also use aluminium foil.

However, this is not my preferred method of storing ingredients because it's not see-through. You'll have to label your food in this case.

Still, I prefer using sealable see-through freezer bags. Just make sure you press all of the air out before you seal the freezer bag. 

📖 Recipe

How to freeze fudge

Yield: fudge

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: £5

Can you freeze fudge? Yes, you can. Learn how to freeze fudge in a few easy steps.

Print

Materials

• Aluminum foil
• Freezer Bags
• Airtight container
• Sharpie pen

Tools

• Knife

Instructions

1. Slice the fudge into individual portions.
2. Wrap each piece up individually in aluminum foil. 
3. Place the wrapped or packaged fudge in an airtight freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the freezer bag. Alternatively, you can place the fudge blocks in an airtight container.
4. Label the bag with a Sharpie pen to mark the date of freezing as well as that it's fudge. Done!
   

Notes

• If you still haven't finished the fudge by the third day, stick the fudge into the fridge. With that, you'll extend its shelf life by at least a week.

fudge recipes

My favourite chocolate fudge recipes is this easy chocolate fudge sauce that goes with everything

how to thaw frozen fudge

It's a very simple process. Take out the frozen fudge out of the freezer, but don't take the fudge out of the container or the wrapper/sealable bag.

When the fudge will defrost, you'll see moisture on the sides of the wrapper, not on the fudge. Once you allow the fudge to thaw, just let it stand at room temperature until it defrosts completely.

Tips for freezing butternut squash

Let’s recap a few important tips when it comes to freezing butternut squash:

Blanch the squash before freezing

It might take a bit of effort, but blanching your squash helps to preserve its taste, texture and color. It’s definitely worth the time and effort to blanch before freezing.

Flash freeze the squash

Again, it takes a bit of time and effort, but flash freezing makes the whole process so much easier. It allows you to freeze your squash in smaller portions without it clumping together.

📖 Recipe

How To Freeze Butternut Squash

Yield: frozen butternut squash

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: £5

Do you have plenty of butternut squash you don't know what to do with? Here you will learn how to freeze butternut squash in a few easy steps, giving you different options depending on your situation.

Print

Materials

• Sharp knife
• Baking sheet
• Paper towels
• Ice cube tray
• Plastic wrap
• Freezer bags
• Freezer safe airtight container

Tools

• Saucepan
• Blender

Instructions

How to freeze raw butternut squash

1. Remove the stem, skin and seeds with a sharp knife. 
2. Cut the squash in half, then into small bite-sized chunks.
3. Blanch your butternut squash chunks by parboiling them in salted boiling water for around 5 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge the butternut squash chunks into ice-cold water. Drain, then pat dry with paper towels.
4. Arrange the pieces onto a baking sheet. Make sure none of the chunks are touching. Cover the tray in foil or plastic wrap film and flash freeze the squash in the freezer for 2–3 hours.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the freezer and transfer the chunks into a freezer bag or airtight container. Leave a ½ inch gap at the top to allow the squash to expand when frozen.
6. Label the freezer bag or container with contents and date of freezing.

How to freeze cooked butternut squash cubes

1. Chop up your butternut squash and roast in the oven.
2. Allow them to fully cool at room temperature.
3. Once cooled, transfer the squash to freezer bags. Put a few cubes into each bag. This means you can use butternut squash in smaller portions, only using as much as you need each time.
4. Label the freezer bag or container with contents and date of freezing and place in the freezer. After 30 minutes, give the bag or container a shake to avoid clumping.

How to freeze cooked butternut squash puree

1. Blitz the butternut squash in a blender
2. Spoon into an ice cube tray. 
3. Wrap the tray in cling film and place it in the freezer for 2–3 hours. 
4. When the cubes are frozen, remove them from the tray and transfer them in a freezer bag or freezer safe container.
5. Label the freezer bag or container with contents and date of freezing.

Butternut squash recipes

Make the most of your delicious and healthy squash by buying it in bulk, freezing to extend its lifespan and using these great recipes for inspiration:

• Slimming world butternut squash soup – a slimming and delicious soup
• Butternut squash risotto – wonderfully comforting and very easy to make
• Curried butternut squash and apple soup – delicious flavors, with a hint of spice and a subtle spice 
• Butternut dauphinoise – creamy, garlicky and utterly delicious
• Butternut and chickpea burger – a fantastic vegan burger

“Can you freeze cream cheese frosting?” I hear you ask. Well, let’s find out…

So… can you freeze cream cheese frosting?

Yes, absolutely! It’s a good job too, because so many of us make too much cream cheese icing and it’s such a shame to waste it.

However, there’s definitely a “BUT.” While you can freeze cream cheese icing, there’s a good chance the taste and texture will be negatively affected. 

That’s because cream cheese frosting has a high fat content. When frozen, the fat molecules can separate from the liquid. This can turn your previously luscious creamy frosting into a watery, crumbly mess.

Cream cheese can also take on freezer flavors. So, it’s vital to get it properly packaged in the freezer.

There are ways and means of locking that texture and flavor in. That’s why it’s so important to follow the steps in this guide and keep your frosting tasting great.

Tips on freezing cream cheese frosting

Cream cheese frosting can be easily frozen, as long as you keep these key tips in mind:

• As with any frosting, cream cheese frosting will need to be frozen as soon as possible after you’ve made it. The longer you wait, the more the quality of the frosting will suffer.
• Never leave your cream cheese frosting to defrost at room temperature. Not only will you ruin the taste and texture, it will be unsafe to eat the cream cheese frosting
• Defrost your cream cheese overnight in the refrigerator. 
• Thawed cream cheese frosting can be repaired if you’ve lost the texture after it has been defrosted. Use an electric mixer to whip it until creamy.
• Once thawed, you should use your cream cheese frosting as soon as possible to avoid losing taste and texture

📖 Recipe

How To Freeze Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yield: frozen cream cheese frosting

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Active Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 4 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: £25

Can you freeze cream cheese frosting? Learn how to do it in a few easy steps.

Print

Materials

• Freezer bags
• Freezer safe airtight container

Tools

• Sharpie pen
• Stand mixer

Instructions

1. Decide on whether you want to freeze your cream cheese frosting in smaller portions or as one large portion. That way, you can defrost as much cream cheese frosting as you need.
2. Place the cream cheese frosting in either an airtight container or a ziploc freezer bag. Be sure to leave a small gap at the top, to allow for expansion of the cream cheese frosting during the freezing process.
3. If sealing in a freezer bag, squeeze all excess air out before sealing.
4. Seal the airtight container or ziploc freezer bag. 
5. Label the freezer container or ziploc bag with the contents and date of freezing.

What can I do with leftover cream cheese frosting?

We’ve all done it. Made a batch of cupcakes, only to realize you’ve gone WAY overboard on the cream cheese frosting. 

Whatever you do, DON’T LET IT GO TO WASTE! Use the step-by-step instructions below. Then you can work your way through this list of recipes and satisfy that sweet tooth!

• African prince pie – use your cream cheese frosting for this regal, decadent pie. Then add gold flakes, rose petals and toasted shredded coconut to seal the deal
• Chocolate fairy cakes with Amarula buttercream – mix in some Amarula – a magical South African liqueur – when whisking up your cream cheese frosting after it has defrosted. Then make these delightful little fairy cakes. They never fail to put a smile on the face of anyone which has a taste
• Chocolate orange cupcakes – a little bit of orange extract and orange food coloring are all that’s needed to turn your revived cream cheese frosting into something wonderful – in an entirely different way
• Chia seed cake – this deliciously indulgent cake is the perfect antidote to the doldrums or the humdrum of day to day life. Bake it, add your defrosted cream cheese frosting and relax with a cup of tea. Bliss!
• Cherry bakewell cake – another old-school cake tailor-made to put a smile on the face of any sweet-toothed foodie. Topped with cherries and almonds for a final irresistible flourish

In fact, you can also freeze smoked lox. However, there are certain steps and precautions you must take in order for you to enjoy the salmon later, without risking spoiling it. As such, you'll need to step up your storage skills.

Moreover, you'll need to know exactly what type of salmon recipe you can freeze. For example, smoked salmon recipes which already include a cream element is very difficult to freeze.

Actually, it's very difficult to reheat because the cream element usually splits. It would make your smoked salmon recipe very unappetising and a beautiful piece of fish would go to waste.

For these types of recipes, you should only refrigerate or consume immediately. Keep reading to learn more on this interesting topic.

can you freeze smoked salmon?

If you want to know whether you can freeze smoked lox, smoked salmon dips and pâtés, and more, read on. Soon, you'll be an expert at freezing and storing smoked salmon recipes.

It's never a bad idea to gain some wisdom regarding this topic, as you don't want to get food poisoning later on. So, let's start answering this simple question - can you freeze smoked salmon?

Generally speaking, yes you can. You can easily freeze smoked salmon without ruining it. Then you can reuse it for these type of smoked salmon recipes:

• watercress salad with smoked salmon - freeze only the smoked salmon as the rest of the ingredients would wilt
• salmon terrine - a classic smoked salmon starter

A quick history of smoked salmon

We can be thank the Nordics and Vikings for having cured and smoked fish recipes to enjoy today. Back in the Middle Ages and years before that, Vikings discovered that smoking fish actually preserves the fish.

Therefore, Vikings could stock up on smoked fish which would last them for entire winters. The methods of smoking and salting fish was then introduced to England and other parts of Europe.

Since then, smoked fish as well as meats have become an integral part of some cuisines. To learn more about the history of the smoking process, click on my hot smoked salmon recipe. You'll learn all there is to know about how to smoke salmon.

can you freeze sliced lox?

Now, back to the question - can you freeze smoked salmon? You can freeze smoked salmon for roughly 6 months in the freezer. However, this is purely when you are considering freezing smoked salmon on its own.

After six months, whether you've opened the pack of slices lox or not, the flavour of the salmon will deteriorate, making it unpalatable.

how to store smoked salmon

If you haven't opened the packet of smoked salmon, then simply place it in the freezer. However, if you've opened it, you'll need either a freezer-friendly sealable bag or a container.

First of all, if you use the freezer-friendly sealable bag, make sure that you've sealed it properly. There should not be any air coming in or out of the bag.

Next, if you store the lox in the storage container, simply put the lid on. Take a look below what storing essentials you need in order to complete this step. 

Nevertheless, the best way to store the smoked salmon is with the help a vacuum sealer. It's super helpful!

can you freeze smoked salmon dip?

Although it is quite comforting to know that you can freeze smoked salmon, you should always keep the other recipe ingredients in mind. Both salmon dip or a smoked salmon terrine are fabulous.

However, usually they call for a cream element. In this case, I recommend to consume such dips or terrines immediately. Don't freeze them, because the cream will split.

can you freeze smoked salmon pâté?

The same can be said with a smoked salmon pâté recipe. Usually, it contains heavy cream, mascarpone and/or crème fraîche. In this case, you should not freeze it.

You can store it in the fridge for a couple of days. However, I highly advise not to make large batches as it would be a waste of ingredients. Especially, if you won't have time or enough mouths to eat it.

can you freeze cooked salmon?

Yes, you can. For example, you can easily freeze this air fried salmon recipe or this pesto baked salmon recipe. Just store the salmon separately from the other ingredients if there are any.

can I freeze smoked salmon twice?

I wouldn't recommend it as the salmon has most likely already been frozen during delivery. As such, the more you freeze an ingredient, the higher risk of food poisoning. This applies to all food, not just fish.

how long does smoked salmon last?

Generally speaking, there are three scenarios one must consider in order to answer this question properly.

1. Let's consider the scenario where you purchase a pack of smoke salmon or slices of lox and you don't open it. Assuming that it is well and tightly packed, it can usually last in the fridge for about two months.
2. You opened a pack of smoked salmon and it's lying in the fridge. From the moment you open the packet, you can store it for up to three days in the fridge. Of course, it also depends on your fridge settings and how cold your fridge is. In this case, the colder the better. However, I wouldn't risk it beyond three days.
3. If you decide to freeze the smoked salmon (open or not), it usually lasts about 6 months in the freezer. Anything beyond this period of time, the flavour of the salmon will degenerate. So, I recommend eating the salmon in about 3 months after freezing, just to err on the safe side.

Did you find this article helpful? Do you have another answer to the question - can you freeze smoked salmon?

If you have alternative methods which also work, I'd love to know about them. Please leave a comment in the comments section below.

📖 Recipe

How To Freeze Smoked Salmon

Yield: Frozen Smoked Salmon

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Estimated Cost: £25

Learn how to freeze smoked salmon. There is no reason for you to throw away a lovely piece of piece. Use the right containers and freeze away.

Print

Materials

• 100 -150 grams of smoked salmon or smoked lox
• 4 x freezer-friendly sealable bags

Tools

• Freezer
• Vacuum Sealer

Instructions

1. Remove the slices of smoked salmon from the package (if opened).
2. Carefully take two to three slices of smoked salmon and place them into a freezer-friendly releasable bag.
3. Preferably vacuum seal the bag with a vacuum sealer. At the very least, ensure no air is coming in or out.
4. Repeat these steps until you've stored all the smoked salmon.
5. Place the bags in the freezer and freeze for up to six months.

Notes

You can freeze more slices of smoked salmon in a bag if you know you'll be consuming it all in one go once thawed. Two or three slices usually act as one portion.