Kitchen Tips & How-Tos

Foods That Freeze Well (And 8 That Don’t)

An organized freezer

I froze a big batch of potato salad after a family reunion, and it thawed into a watery mess. My sister laughed and told me some foods just don’t like the freezer.

An organized freezer

Foods That Freeze Well

  • Soups, stews and chili
  • Casseroles and lasagna
  • Cooked ground beef and shredded chicken
  • Bread, muffins and cookie dough
  • Butter and hard cheese (shredded freezes best)
  • Bananas and berries for baking or smoothies

Foods That Don’t Freeze Well

  1. Lettuce and salad greens turn limp and slimy.
  2. Raw potatoes turn grainy and dark.
  3. Mayonnaise-based salads separate.
  4. Cucumbers and celery go mushy.
  5. Cooked pasta in a lot of sauce can get soft.
  6. Sour cream and cream sauces may separate.
  7. Fried foods lose their crunch.
  8. Eggs in the shell can crack.

Freezer bags ready to freeze

Freezing Tips

  • Cool food before freezing.
  • Use freezer bags with the air pressed out.
  • Label everything with the name and date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is frozen food safe forever?

Frozen food stays safe, but the quality slowly drops over time.

Can I freeze milk?

Yes, though it may separate. It’s fine for cooking.

Freeze the hearty stuff, and leave the salad in the fridge.

Try It Tonight

AboutReda

Reda grew up cooking beside his mom and sister and later worked in the family's donut shop. He runs It's Not About Nutrition, where slow cooker dinners and casseroles are his home ground.