5 Freezer-Friendly Foods
Here's how to freeze now and enjoy later
From the LifeMinute.TV Team
September 7, 2023
Freezing foods can help you save time and money. Here are items you may not have known you can put on ice.
Pasta
Speed up dinner prep by keeping pasta already cooked on hand. Undercook it just before it reaches al dente. Toss it with extra-virgin olive oil while still warm. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking together when frozen. Allow it to cool before transferring to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to use, reheat it in the microwave or warm it up in a pan on the stove with a small amount of water for a few minutes. Store for up to about two months in the freezer.
Applesauce
Naturally sweetened frozen applesauce bites make for a healthy alternative to ice cream or pops. Try a no-sugar-added applesauce pouch and squeeze bite-size dollops onto a parchment or waxed paper cookie sheet. Freeze until solid, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can also use the treat to sweeten your morning oatmeal. Frozen bites should stay fresh for at least a few months.
Hard Cheese
Don’t let cheese go bad. Typically, semi-firm to hard cheeses with no rind, like low-moisture mozzarella, Jack, and cheddar, freeze well. Keep the block in its original wrapping, then tightly wrap it in parchment paper, followed by aluminum foil. When ready to be used in a cooked dish, thaw it in the fridge for about 12 hours. It’s advisable not to refreeze cheese as it can become overly crumbly and less flavorful. Use frozen cheese within a month for the best quality.
Potato Chips
Once opened and exposed to oxygen and sunlight, potato chips can start losing their flavor and texture. Extend their life (and crunchiness) by freezing a bag or part of a bag. When ready to enjoy, you will not need to defrost them. They should taste crispier frozen. They’ll stay fresh for up to about three months in the freezer.
Tomato Paste
Have you ever wasted part of a can of tomato paste for a recipe that only called for a tablespoon or two? Freeze it in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop out cubes and place them in a freezer-safe bag. One cube is the equivalent of 1 tablespoon. Paste should last up to a year in the freezer.