How To Freeze Soup

Freezing soup is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal on a chilly evening or even a light lunch on a warm afternoon without having to cook from scratch each time.

Whether it’s a chunky vegetable soup, a silky smooth tomato bisque, or a robust chicken noodle soup, freezing and reheating can help retain the flavors and freshness for months.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to freeze soup effectively and efficiently.

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The Basics of Freezing Soup

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to freeze soup, it’s essential to understand a few basics about this process.

Safety

Always allow your soup to cool down completely before freezing it. Placing hot soup directly in the freezer can lower the temperature of your freezer, causing other foods to partially thaw and potentially promoting bacterial growth.

For a comprehensive guide on safe food handling, you can refer to the guidelines provided by the FDA.

Freezing and Soup Quality

While freezing can extend the shelf-life of your soup, the texture of certain ingredients might change after thawing.

Ingredients like pasta and rice may become mushy once reheated. To prevent this, consider freezing the soup without these ingredients and adding them when reheating.

We have detailed guides on how to freeze rice and freeze pasta separately if you’d like to use this approach.

How To Freeze Soup

1. Let it cool: After cooking the soup, let it cool down at room temperature for about 30 minutes. To speed up the cooling process, you can place the soup into a cooled pot or bowl and then into an ice bath.
2. Skim off the fat: If the soup contains meat, there might be a layer of fat on top. Skim this off for better freezing results.
3. Portion the soup: Divide the soup into meal-sized portions. This way, you can easily thaw only what you need, preventing wastage.
4. Fill the containers: Leave about an inch of headspace in each container to allow for expansion as the soup freezes.
5. Seal tightly: Ensure the lids are securely tightened to prevent air from entering the container.
6. Label: Write the type of soup and the date of freezing on the containers to keep track of your meals.
7. Freeze: Place the containers in the freezer, ensuring they sit flat.

Choosing the Right Containers

Selecting the right storage methods is critical to ensure your soup stays fresh and tasty. Whether you choose containers or plastic bags, there are certain aspects you should consider.

Size

When freezing soup, consider portioning them into meal-sized servings. Containers or bags that hold one to four servings are ideal. This way, you won’t need to defrost more soup than you can eat at a time.

Material

Choose BPA-free plastic, glass, or stainless steel containers for freezing soup. If you’re using plastic bags, make sure they are designed for freezer use to prevent leaks or tears.

Lids

Choose containers with airtight lids to prevent freezer burn. If you opt for freezer bags, ensure they have a robust seal. Removing as much air as possible before sealing can also help maintain the quality of the soup.

Shape

Opt for stackable containers or flat-laying freezer bags to maximize freezer space. Plastic freezer bags can be particularly space-efficient.

After they’re filled and frozen flat, they can be stacked or even filed upright, much like a file folder.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to storing soup. The best option depends on your personal needs, including the size of your freezer, how quickly you plan to consume the soup, and your preferred reheating method.

Here’s a table comparing the different types of containers:

	Plastic Container	Glass Container	Plastic Bag
Durability	Moderate: Can crack in extreme cold	High: Very durable, but can break if dropped	Moderate: Can puncture or tear, handle with care
Storage Space	Moderate: Depends on shape and size	Low: Typically bulkier and harder to stack	High: Bags can be laid flat and stacked, saving space
Ease of Use	High: Easy to fill, seal, and store	High: Easy to fill, seal, and store	Moderate: Filling can be tricky without a second pair of hands, but they’re easy to store
Cost	Low to moderate: Reusable for long periods	Moderate to high: Higher initial cost, but highly reusable	Low: Generally cheaper but may need replacing more often

Remember, whichever option you choose, make sure that it’s suitable for freezer use to avoid any potential issues with food safety or container durability.

How To Thaw Soup

When the time comes to savor your deliciously preserved soup, there’s a recommended way to safely and effectively thaw it. Follow these simple steps:

Refrigerate

Remove the soup from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator. It’s best to plan ahead as this process typically takes about 24 hours for a 1-2 serving portion. Larger quantities might need more time.

Cold Water Thawing

If you’re in a rush, you can use the cold water thawing method. Place the sealed soup container or bag in a bowl or sink filled with cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the soup is thawed.

Direct Heating

For some soups, you can heat them directly from frozen. Remove the frozen soup from its container (you may need to run warm water around the container to loosen the frozen soup) and place it in a pot. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Note: It’s important to reheat the soup until it reaches a temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety, according to FDA guidelines.

How Long Can Soup Stay Frozen?

Frozen soup maintains optimal quality for about 4 to 6 months when stored correctly, continuously frozen at 0°F.

Although safe to eat beyond this period, it may lose some flavor and texture. It’s advisable to consume frozen soup within 6 months for the best experience.

Always label containers or bags with the freezing date for easy tracking.

What Kinds of Soup Can I Freeze?

You might be wondering if there are specific soups that freeze better than others. The good news is that most soups freeze wonderfully!

From hearty meat stews to seafood chowders to classic tomato soup, there are a plethora of options to prepare and freeze for later consumption.

For example, a classic Chicken Noodle Soup made from scratch with a whole chicken is a fantastic candidate for freezing. Just remember to add the noodles when you’re reheating the soup to maintain the best texture.

Conclusion

Freezing soup is a game-changer for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy homemade soup anytime with minimal effort.

Remember, the key to freezing soup is to cool it properly, choose the right containers, portion it wisely, and thaw it safely.