Can You Freeze Macaroni And Cheese?

Do you love doubling a recipe so you have extra portions to freeze for a simple, ready-to-go dinner any night of the week? Or maybe you're planning a big meal and want to prepare dishes ahead of time that you can freeze.

Mac and cheese is a great candidate for making and freezing. After all, good homemade macaroni and cheese can take time to prepare, so it's the perfect candidate for making ahead and freezing.

Learn the proper way to freeze mac and cheese so it's good after freezing and thawing.

Can You Freeze Macaroni and Cheese?

Yes, you can freeze macaroni and cheese. You can cook it before freezing, or you can combine all the ingredients before baking and freeze it to bake later.

The option you choose will depend on your preferences and needs. However, it's important to know that baking first and then freezing can change the texture when you're ready to defrost and reheat it. This won't ruin the dish by any means, but it isn't uncommon for the pasta to feel extra soft.

How To Store Macaroni And Cheese In The Freezer

You have two options to prep mac and cheese for the freezer.

• You can bake the pasta dish first and let it cool completely before covering it and then storing it in the freezer.
• You can also prepare all the ingredients ahead of time, and place them in an oven-safe dish without baking. This way, the mac and cheese is ready to be baked after fully defrosting for a hot and fresh dish.

Either way you go, cover the dish in a couple of layers of plastic wrap and then place a layer of foil on top before placing it in the freezer.

If you love creamy mac and cheese, your best bet is to hold off on cooking it when you're ready to eat it. Plus, wait to top the dish with a layer of cheese or crackers until you bake it. The texture of these toppings can become grainy or soggy when reheated.

How Long Is Frozen Mac and Cheese Good?

Mac and cheese lasts in the freezer for up to three months. However, if the dish has a lot of freezer burn when you unwrap it, it may no longer be good.

How To Thaw Macaroni and Cheese

When you're ready to prepare frozen mac and cheese, remove it from the freezer, and place it in the fridge overnight or approximately a day in advance. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) advises against defrosting foods on the counter as bacteria can multiply and spread quickly when temperatures are above 40°F. 

Remove almost all of the plastic wrap when defrosting mac and cheese in the fridge. Leave only a single piece of plastic wrap loosely on the top of the dish.

The USDA recommends thawing in the fridge for food safety. An alternative is to defrost in the microwave if the dish fits and can be placed in the microwave. Once your dish of macaroni and cheese is fully defrosted, follow the baking instructions.