Here’s How Long You Can Really Freeze Food

Updated: Mar. 18, 2024

Freezing food doesn't have to be a mystery. Our handy chart—plus freezing and thawing tips—will have you stockpiling like a pro in no time.

Most busy home cooks love the idea of make-ahead freezer meals, but some of us are too nervous to try the genius meal prep technique. Are you steering clear because you’re worried about causing freezer burn, thawing food safely or having to eat a mushy freezer meal? Well, you don’t have to be concerned about any of that! I’m here to debunk the myths and give you some guidance to make freezing food super easy. Wondering if you can freeze ham? Find out here!

Food	# of Months
Casseroles	2-3
Soups & Stews	2-3
Uncooked Bacon	1
Uncooked Steak	6-12
Uncooked Pork Chops	4-6
Ground Beef	4
Cooked Chicken Pieces	4
Uncooked Chicken Pieces	9
Whole chicken or Turkey	12
Cooked Fish	4-6
Cooked Shrimp	3
Ice Cream	2
Cheese, Hard or Soft	6
Butter	6-9
Frozen Veggies	8
Baked Pie	1-2
Cheesecake	2-3
Baked Quick Bread	2-3
Yeast Bread or Rolls	3-6
Baked Cookies	8-12

What to Know Before You Freeze Anything

Freezing food successfully is a cinch when you follow these tricks. You’ll never have to worry about freezer burn or clumpy foods again. (Psst: Freezer-burned food may not look good, but it is safe to eat.)

Use a thermometer to monitor your freezer. For optimum quality, it should be 0°F.
Cool food quickly and evenly before freezing.
If you’re not sure that something will freeze well, try a small amount first. After it’s thawed and reheated, decide if the quality is up to your standards.
Season sparingly before freezing and add more later if necessary. Spices change flavor during freezer storage.
Keep the freezer two-thirds full for energy efficiency.
Leave some space around each package so air can circulate.
Manage the quantities so whatever is placed in the freezer is frozen solid within 24 hours. Adding a lot of food at once will increase freezing time.
Store nuts, flour and juice in the door because it’s frequently opened. Save the colder parts of the freezer for other foods.
Freeze fruits and vegetables at the peak of flavor. Here’s how to freeze most fruits and veggies.
Use caution when freezing soups since you can’t freeze just any kind. Here’s what you need to know about how to freeze soup.

Make Sure You’re Thawing Food Safely

Want to take something out of the freezer? We have tricks for defrosting, too. There are three safe methods of thawing frozen food. Here’s the scoop.

Refrigerator: Defrosting in the refrigerator is the safest and most fuss-free method, but it’s also the slowest, so plan ahead. Smaller items like a pound of ground beef defrost overnight(Editor’s Tip: You want to extend the shelf life of ground beef but still maintain its taste and quality? Check how long can you freeze ground beef?)Most items take a day or two. For small beef and pork roasts, allow 3 to 5 hours per pound of meat; for larger cuts, allow 5 to 7 hours. Prepping for Thanksgiving? A whole turkey will take 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of weight.
Cold water: This type of defrosting requires less time than the refrigerator but more attention. Place food in a watertight plastic storage bag; place the bag in cold water. Change water every 30 minutes until food is thawed.
Microwave: Defrosting in the microwave is suitable for last-minute thawing of small items. Unwrap the food and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cook the food immediately after defrosting.

You’ve now got all the tips you need for freezer success! Get started by prepping these easy freezer meals.

24 Easy Freezer Meals to Prep NOW

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Taste of Home

Egg BurritosZap one of these frozen burritos in the microwave and you'll stave off hunger all morning. This recipe is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota

Here’s How Long You Can Really Freeze Food

Food

# of Months

What to Know Before You Freeze Anything

Make Sure You’re Thawing Food Safely