Can You Freeze Stuffing? A Complete Guide
Got leftover stuffing from your Thanksgiving celebration? Follow our Test Kitchen’s tips for freezing it.
No matter what stuffing recipe you follow, a Thanksgiving spread just isn’t complete without this classic side dish. And since leftovers are usually a given after the big meal, you might want to freeze some dishes to extend their shelf life. Luckily, just like other Thanksgiving staples including turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce, stuffing can be frozen. While recipes vary, from our most popular traditional bread stuffing to cornbread stuffing to this squash, mushroom and farro number, most stuffing recipes maintain their flavor and texture well if properly frozen. Here, the Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen breaks down everything you need to know about freezing stuffing.
Does Stuffing Need to Be Cooked Before Freezing?
Stuffing can be frozen either fully cooked or uncooked, which is good news if you’re looking for some make-ahead recipes to save time on the big day. “One advantage of freezing uncooked stuffing is that it has less of a tendency to dry out when being cooked,” says Sarah Brekke, M.S., Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen culinary specialist.
Angie Mosier
How to Freeze Stuffing
If you’re freezing leftover stuffing that has already been cooked, make sure to freeze it within 24 hours of making it. You don’t need much equipment to freeze stuffing—just be sure to have some resealable freezer bags or airtight freezer-safe containers on hand. Brekke recommends dividing stuffing out ahead of time into portions that are no larger than two servings each. Be sure to label and date each stuffing container.
“Cooked stuffing should be divided into individual portions before freezing to allow for easier portioning and reheating at a later time,” Brekke says. “The most common mistake people make is freezing a large amount of stuffing in a large block, which will slow down the thawing and reheating process.”
How to Freeze Cooked Stuffing
If freezing stuffing that has already been cooked, first allow it to fully cool. Then, divide the stuffing into smaller portions by scooping into a silicone muffin pan before freezing. Once frozen, transfer stuffing portions to a bag, container, or baking dish wrapped tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of heavy-duty foil for longer-term storage. Label and freeze.
How to Freeze Uncooked Stuffing
If freezing uncooked stuffing, you can leave it in the baking dish you wish to bake it in at a later date, or you can divide it into smaller portions in ramekins or individual casserole dishes.
How to Cook Frozen Stuffing
Uncooked stuffing can be baked right from frozen—just don’t forget to remove the layer of plastic wrap on any baking dishes or pans before baking. To cook a frozen pan of stuffing, preheat oven to 350°F. Place foil-covered dish of stuffing into the oven and bake about 1 hour (cook time will vary depending on your recipe and how full the dish is) or until the stuffing mixture is hot in the center, about 165°F. Remove foil from the dish and increase oven temperature to 375°F. Continue baking stuffing until top is browned and lightly crisp, 10 to 15 minutes more.
Related: How to Make Stuffing That'll Win Thanksgiving
How to Reheat Cooked Stuffing
To reheat stuffing that has already been cooked, Brekke recommends first thawing it overnight in the refrigerator. “If already cooked stuffing is still fully frozen, it can be baked without thawing but the baking time will vary greatly depending on the portion size,” she says.
To reheat cooked stuffing, first preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer stuffing to an oven-safe dish and drizzle with a little broth or apple juice. Cover tightly with foil and bake about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil and continue baking until top is browned and lightly crisp, about 15 minutes more.
How Long Does Stuffing Last in the Freezer?
Properly stored, stuffing will last in the freezer for 3 months.
Now that you know how to freeze stuffing, you'll be ready to get holiday meal prep done ahead of time and make the most of your leftovers. Start with our best stuffing recipes and you'll be ready for Thanksgiving.
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