Can you freeze mac and cheese? This smooth, creamy and comforting mixture of elbow macaroni and cheesy goodness — whether it’s gouda, cheddar or another type of delicious cheese — makes the perfect side dish for a variety of mains. It’s even perfect on its own. 

The quick answer to “Can you freeze mac and cheese?” is yes. Freezing mac and cheese is a smart and convenient way to always have extra on hand, making it easy to grab for lunch, dinner, a spur-of-the-moment potluck event or a holiday get-together.

For those times when you or the kids are craving a creamy bowl of gooey goodness, here are all the details about if and how you can freeze mac and cheese. Whether you've cooked a surplus and are wondering whether you can freeze baked mac and cheese, or are simply curious, this guide has the answers, so read on to discover whether (and how) you can freeze mac and cheese.

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• Can Mac and Cheese be Frozen?
• How to Freeze Mac and Cheese
• How to Defrost Mac and Cheese

Can Mac and Cheese be Frozen?

Have you ever made too much dinner and thought “Can you freeze mac and cheese?”. The answer is yes, it absolutely can be frozen. Freezing mac and cheese can make the finished product seem softer and mushier than normal but it shouldn’t alter the taste at all. Keep in mind that during the freezing process, pasta can soak up the cheesy sauce, causing the mixture to become dry. This can be fixed by adding milk or extra cheese. 

Can You Freeze Mac and Cheese With Toppings?

It’s best to not add toppings like crackers or grated cheese to mac and cheese you wish to freeze as they can become soggy when defrosted. Instead, add the toppings after you’ve defrosted and cooked the mac and cheese. 

Can You Freeze Baked Mac and Cheese?

Can you freeze mac and cheese that's been baked? Yes, you can freeze baked mac and cheese, as well as other varieties like this one-pot mac and cheese recipe. It might have a slightly different texture once thawed. To alleviate this problem, simply add some milk to the mixture when you’re ready to reheat. 

Can You Freeze Homemade Mac and Cheese?

Do you like to prepare your own mac and cheese from scratch? It’s so much tastier and more nutritious than the box version? If so, then before you ask, yes, you can freeze mac and cheese that you've made yourself. Freezing homemade mac and cheese is an excellent way to have it on hand for times when you just need that comforting taste of cheese and pasta. After you’ve carefully prepared your homemade recipe, you’ll want to be sure to follow the correct steps for freezing it.

How to Freeze Mac and Cheese

Now that we’ve answered the question “Can you freeze mac and cheese?” it’s time to go over a few simple step-by-step instructions on how to prep and store mac and cheese in the freezer. It’s important to note that the creamier the sauce, the better it is for freezing.

• Cook your favorite mac and cheese recipe. It’s best to slightly undercook the pasta to just below al dente, which prevents it from becoming mushy when thawing.
• Cool the mac and cheese completely. If it’s too warm when frozen, it can become mushy when defrosted.
• Can you freeze mac and cheese in a plastic container? You’ll want to use a freezer-safe container or separate it into smaller containers, which makes it easier to thaw small portions. If the container doesn’t have a lid, such as a casserole dish, cover it with two layers of aluminum foil.
• Store in the coldest section of the freezer.

Can you freeze mac and cheese in a plastic storage bag? Yes, you can! Resealable freezer-safe food storage bags are perfect for storing mac and cheese flat in the freezer.

How Long Can You Freeze Mac and Cheese?

Mac and cheese recipes, such as this gouda mac and cheese, can be frozen for about three months. You’ll want to check for freezer burn before eating as that can hurt the taste.

How to Defrost Mac and Cheese

It’s a simple process to defrost frozen mac and cheese. Follow these steps to enjoy the taste and flavor of mac and cheese whenever you like:

• Take the mac and cheese container out of the freezer.
• Place it in the refrigerator overnight.
• Once it has thawed, stir it to combine ingredients.
• If it’s dry, add milk or grated cheese before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop, in the oven, toaster oven or microwave.
• It should be eaten within two to three days for the best flavor and texture. Do not refreeze.

How to Reheat Frozen Mac and Cheese

Now that you know you can freeze mac and cheese, how to do it and how to defrost it, you may be wondering how to reheat it. It’s best to defrost frozen mac and cheese first, but you can also reheat it without defrosting. Use an oven, stovetop or toaster oven to reheat frozen mac and cheese recipes. Place the mac and cheese in a container that’s safe for whichever heating option you choose. Add a little bit of milk or butter to make a creamier dish and refresh any dryness that's occurred from the pasta absorbing the sauce. If using the microwave, heat it in increments, stirring between cycles. If using the oven, cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Can you freeze mac and cheese to reheat later? Absolutely! By following a few simple steps, you’ll be able to keep a steady supply of everyone’s favorite side dish. If you’re looking for ways to save time in the kitchen, consider adding frozen mac and cheese to your food prep routine. It makes the weekly dinner preparation routine easier and more convenient, and those with kids will thank them for always having this childhood staple on hand.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.