What leftovers can I freeze? 

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• Posted on: 12-2022

If you have leftovers that you won’t be able to eat within 3-4 days, consider freezing them for later use. Label an air-tight container with the date and type of food, and use within 3-4 months for best quality.

You can freeze:

1. Egg whites or beaten eggs for use in cooking. 
2. Cooked pasta dishes, such as lasagna or baked casseroles, and cooked rice dishes as long as they contain a sauce or liquid to help preserve the texture.
3. Cooked, diced or sliced meats can become tough and lose their flavor when frozen.
4. Broth-based soups and sauces without cream or milk.
5. Cooked vegetables if they are pureed or diced and mixed into soups, stews, or casseroles. Raw cut squash and potatoes, beans, peas, okra freeze well.  
6. Whole berries, and cut fruit freeze well. (And are great for smoothies)

You may not want to freeze: 

1. Raw, cooked, or fried eggs that can become rubbery or watery.
2. Cooked rice and pasta without liquid that can lose texture and flavor. 
3. Cooked, diced or sliced meats that can become tough.
4. Creamy soups that can separate.
5. Vegetables, such as lettuce, celery, and cucumbers, that can become wilted and lose their crunch.
6. Most types of cheese can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. 

Cheese can be frozen (with varied results)

1. Harder, aged cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, and asiago, tend to freeze better than Softer, fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella and goat cheese.
2. The texture of any cheese may may become crumbly or lose some of its flavor when thawed, but it can still be used in cooked dishes or as a topping on pizzas or sandwiches.
3. Cheese can be usually frozen for 3-4 months for best quality if stored properly. Cut into small, uniform pieces or shred it to help it thaw more evenly. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Avoid freezing cheese that has been processed with additives or preservatives, such as some types of American cheese or cheese spreads. They can become mushy or lose their flavor when thawed.