BityFreezing soup is a practical way to save time in the kitchen, reduce food waste and ensure you always have a comforting meal on hand. Whether you’re prepping ahead for busy nights or saving leftovers, freezing soup is a simple process that can make life easier. Here’s how to freeze soup effectively, covering tips for preparation, storage and thawing.
Quick Breakdown
Preparing the soup for freezing
It’s important to prepare your soup properly before freezing. This involves cooling it completely, choosing the right storage method and considering which types of soup freeze best.
Cooling the soup
Cooling your soup thoroughly is a key step for food safety. It also prevents ice crystals from forming and maintains the soup’s quality in the freezer. After cooking, allow the soup to cool at room temperature for no more than two hours. Transfer the soup to shallow containers or divide it into smaller portions to speed up the process. You can also place the container in an ice bath to lower the temperature quickly.
“I love freezing soup because it’s a budget-friendly way to avoid food waste and ensure I always have a homemade meal ready. I use zip-top freezer bags laid flat for freezing; they’re easy to stack and thaw quickly.”
— Mandy Applegate, My Reliable Recipes
Choosing the right soups to freeze
While most soups, like this chicken and cabbage soup, freeze well, some ingredients may not hold up as well in the freezer. Cream-based soups and soups with dairy are more likely to separate and lose their smooth texture upon thawing. If your soup contains cream or milk, consider adding these ingredients after reheating rather than before freezing. Similarly, soups with pasta or rice can become mushy, so if possible, cook these components fresh and add them after reheating.
Soups that freeze exceptionally well include broth-based soups, pureed vegetable soups and hearty stews with beans or lentils. Chicken soup is a classic example of a freezer-friendly option that’s perfect for cold and flu season.
“I always love having my homemade chicken soup in the freezer during the winter months. It’s super helpful when sickness falls over the house to have warm, comforting soup on hand without having to make it!”
— Casey Rooney, Get On My Plate
Packing and freezing
Properly packing your soup ensures it freezes efficiently and is easy to reheat later. The right method can save space in your freezer and make it faster to prepare meals.
Portioning and storing
Divide the soup into individual or family-sized portions before freezing. This makes reheating more convenient and prevents waste. Use freezer-safe containers, silicone bags or heavy-duty zip-top bags to store the soup.
If using zip-top bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Lay the bags flat in the freezer to save space and speed up thawing later. Once frozen solid, you can stack the bags vertically or horizontally for easy storage.
Labeling and storing
Label each container or bag with the type of soup and the date it was frozen. Soups generally maintain their quality for three to six months in the freezer. While they may be safe to eat beyond this timeframe, the flavor and texture could begin to deteriorate over time.
Thawing and reheating frozen soup
When you’re ready to serve your soup, you’ll need to thaw and reheat it safely. Proper handling will ensure your soup tastes as good as it did on the day you froze it.
Thawing methods
The best way to thaw soup is to move it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. If you’re short on time, you can reheat the soup directly from frozen. To do this, place it in a pot on the stovetop over low heat and stir frequently to ensure even heating throughout. Bring the soup up to a boil and then down to a simmer for proper food safety.
Reheating tips
Reheat soup on the stovetop to preserve its flavor and texture. For cream-based soups, stir well to re-incorporate any ingredients that may have separated during freezing. If the soup is too thick after reheating, add a splash of water, broth or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
“As a new mom, freezing soup has been a game-changer for me. I love to make big batches of hearty vegetable minestrone on Sundays, portion it into individual servings and freeze them. It’s such a lifesaver to have a nutritious, homemade lunch ready in minutes on those hectic days when I’m managing a fussy baby.”
— Bella Bucchiotti, xoxoBella
Tips for making freezing soup easier
Here are some additional tips to make freezing soup a seamless process:
- Avoid overfilling containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow the soup to expand as it freezes.
- If your soup comes with toppings like croutons, fresh herbs or grated cheese, freeze them separately and add them after reheating.
- Batch cooking multiple types of soup at once can also provide variety in your freezer stash, giving you options for different cravings or needs.
Final thoughts
Freezing soup is a convenient way to have nourishing meals ready when you need them most. By following these steps, you can preserve your soup’s flavor, texture, and nutritional value for months. Whether you’re managing a busy household, recovering from illness, or simply planning ahead, frozen soup can provide comfort and simplicity in your kitchen.
Gen is a professional chef, writer, and editor living in Southern California. She is the owner and recipe creator behind Two Cloves Kitchen, a food site featuring contemporary, California-inspired recipes. She has edited over 20 novels, short stories, and essays for publication. This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
Additional Tips for Freezing and Meal Prep
Freezing soup isn’t just about convenience – it’s an opportunity to simplify your weekly meals while maintaining variety. If you’re looking for more easy meal prep ideas that complement frozen soups, here are a few comforting and practical options:
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup – This hearty dish freezes well if you hold off on adding the noodles until reheating. Perfect for cold days when you need something warm and satisfying.
- Crack Chicken Noodle Soup – A flavor-packed twist on classic chicken soup, this recipe is great for making ahead and freezing. Add the noodles fresh for the best texture.
- Easy Creamy Chicken Bake – While not a soup, this creamy bake can be prepped in advance and frozen for busy weeknights. Pair it with a light broth for a complete meal.
- Quick And Easy Miso Soup With Greens And Tofu – Miso soup freezes well when the broth is stored separately. Add greens and tofu fresh after reheating for a quick, healthy option.
- 28 IP Chicken Recipes – These Instant Pot recipes are great for freezing in portions, making meal prep even easier. From broths to stews, you’ll have plenty of options to rotate through.
Top 5 Soup Freezing Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your frozen soups taste as fresh as the day you made them:
- Overfilling Containers – Always leave about an inch of space to allow for expansion during freezing. This prevents containers from cracking.
- Freezing Soups with Dairy – Cream-based soups can separate. Add dairy or cream after thawing and reheating to restore their smooth texture.
- Forgetting to Label – Mystery containers are fun until you thaw the wrong thing. Label each container with the soup type and date.
- Improper Cooling – Hot soup in the freezer can lead to ice crystals and uneven freezing. Let it cool in shallow containers or use an ice bath.
- Freezer Burn – Air exposure can ruin texture. Use airtight containers or silicone bags and squeeze out as much air as possible.
Best Containers for Freezing Soup
Choosing the right container makes all the difference in preserving flavor and preventing leaks. Here are some great options:
- Freezer-safe glass jars – Ideal for small portions and broth-based soups. Always leave headspace for expansion.
- Silicone bags – Flexible, reusable, and space-saving. They lay flat and stack easily.
- Plastic freezer containers – Affordable and stackable. Perfect for large batches and stews.
FAQ – Freezing Soup Made Simple
Can I freeze soup in glass jars?
Yes, but be sure to leave about an inch of space to prevent cracking. Use jars labeled freezer-safe for best results.
How long does frozen soup last?
Most soups stay fresh for 3 to 6 months in the freezer. After that, the flavor might decline, but the soup remains safe to eat.
Can I freeze soup with noodles or rice?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the broth separately. Cook fresh noodles or rice when reheating to avoid mushiness.
My Freezing Routine:
Freezing soup has been part of my weekly routine for years. I make a big pot of chicken noodle soup, freeze the broth separately, and add fresh noodles when serving. For heartier soups like minestrone, I divide them into individual silicone bags – perfect for quick, easy lunches!
