Learn how to freeze macaroni & cheese so that you can easily store your leftovers, meal prep, or make a huge batch for later! It is the perfect freezer meal for when you need a tasty side dish in a pinch! I'll even share the best ways to thaw it and reheat it!
Guide To Freezing Mac & Cheese
Macaroni & cheese is a quintessential staple side dish in the South; it is easy to make and pairs well with so many entrees (plus, it is delicious!) Whether you made a ton or just like to meal prep for later, freezing macaroni and cheese is simple, and it freezes super well!
It's so easy to do that you'll want to keep your freezer stocked with tasty mac & cheese at all times! Simply reheat it and enjoy!
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When you're ready to enjoy your frozen mac & cheese, make sure you check out my guide on how to reheat it!
Best Macaroni & Cheese For Freezing
You can freeze any type of macaroni and cheese! However, creamy macaroni and cheese dishes freeze better than the baked variety due to the nature of the baked macaroni being drier.
Alternatively, baked macaroni and cheese can actually be frozen before being baked, which might be the better option (more on that below).
How To Freeze Mac & Cheese
Cooked macaroni and cheese is super simple to freeze! For standard macaroni & cheese recipes (not baked), just follow these easy steps!
1. Cool
Let your mac & cheese cool completely before storing it (either in the fridge or the freezer). If you place still-warm food into the freezer, the moisture from the condensation will cause ice crystals on the food.
2. Portion
You'll want to portion out your macaroni into containers that suit your needs (either freezer-safe bags or storage containers). If planning for the dish to be used as a side for a family dinner, you may want to store a large amount altogether in a zip-top bag. However, for quick and easy lunches, consider using small, single-serving containers (8 or 16 ounces).
3. Label
Make sure you use a permanent marker to label your containers with the contents, the date, and some simple reheating instructions. You don't want to forget when it comes time to take it out of the freezer!
4. Freeze
Now that your macaroni is completely prepped for storage, just pop it into the freezer, and you are good to go!
Freezing Baked Mac & Cheese
Baked macaroni & cheese can also be frozen, though it is slightly different than the creamier varieties of macaroni & cheese. First, you'll need to decide if you are freezing your macaroni and cheese before or after it is going to be baked.
Freezing Unbaked Mac & Cheese
Baked macaroni makes a great freezer make-ahead meal, as you can completely prepare it and then store it in the freezer so that it is ready to bake when you need it.
You don't need to portion it out, just place the prepared (and unbaked) dish into a freezer-safe baking dish or aluminum baking dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Then, wrap it in aluminum foil and label it.
Make sure to check the recipe to see if the dish needs to be thawed first or if it can be baked straight from frozen.
Freezing Baked Mac & Cheese
To freeze baked macaroni that has already been cooked, make sure it is completely cool first. Then, cut it into smaller portions (if desired) and place the pieces into freezer-safe containers. Label and date the container and then place it into the freezer.
How To Thaw Mac & Cheese
The best way to thaw out your frozen macaroni is to transfer it to the refrigerator the night before you need it. This gives it plenty of time to thaw out.
Alternatively, you can also place your frozen dish on the counter if you forgot to move it the night before. This will still take a couple of hours, depending on how large the portion is.
However, I don't recommend using the microwave to thaw your macaroni, as this could cause it to dry out.
How To Reheat Mac & Cheese
There are a few different ways in which you can reheat your thawed macaroni. You can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop, but the oven is definitely the best option.
All you need to do is add a splash of milk to your dish, tightly cover it with aluminum foil, and bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (time will vary based on portion size).
For more detailed instructions, how to reheat macaroni using other methods, and some great tips and tricks, make sure you check out my guide to reheating macaroni and cheese.
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❓ Recipe FAQs
When stored properly, macaroni & cheese can be frozen for up to 3 months! Make sure to label your container so you don't forget when to reheat it by!
The best way to defrost frozen macaroni is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. If you don't have that much time, you can also set it out on the counter for an hour or two before reheating.
This is entirely up to you! Freezing the dish before it goes into the oven is ideal if you are wanting to meal prep for later. However, if you have some leftovers that will need to be reheated, it is also okay to freeze them after baking. Make sure you read your recipe for details regarding freezing your baked macaroni and cheese.
Now you know how to freeze macaroni and cheese for later! Leave a comment down below and let me know your favorite way to enjoy macaroni and cheese!
🧀 Best Mac & Cheese Recipes
- Instant Pot Mac & Cheese - This easy recipe will make some perfectly cooked macaroni in just minutes!
- Velveeta Mac & Cheese - Adding Velveeta makes this macaroni extra rich and creamy.
- Crockpot Mac & Cheese - Slow cooker mac & cheese is perfect for those extra busy days!
- White Cheddar Mac & Cheese - Sharp white cheddar cheese is the star of the show in this dish!
- Sour Cream Macaroni & Cheese - Sour cream adds some extra tanginess to this easy 20-minute side dish.
- Mac & Cheese Without Flour - A hassle-free way of preparing some creamy macaroni!
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How To Freeze Mac & Cheese: Sour Cream Macaroni and Cheese (+More Great Recipes!)
Ingredients
Sour Cream Macaroni & Cheese
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (cooked, drained, rinsed)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, *see notes)
Optional Topping For Baked Mac & Cheese
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (or Panko breadcrumbs)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 3 tablespoon butter (melted)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
Sour Cream Macaroni & Cheese
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes for al dente pasta. Remove from heat when done and rinse in cool water then return to your saucepan.
- Add the sour cream, butter, and seasoning to your pasta (salt, pepper, garlic powder). Stir over low heat until the butter is melted.
- Remove from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted, then serve immediately.
Optional Topping For Baked Mac & Cheese
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix until the butter has coated the dry ingredients.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the combined sour cream mac & cheese in a casserole dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and the topping is golden.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes
- Each cup of shredded cheddar cheese is approximately 4 ounces.
- Check out my post on the best cheese for macaroni and cheese for more tasty cheese combinations you can try!
- Freshly shredded cheese is always the best choice when making mac and cheese. The store-bought packages of shredded cheese coat the cheese with cellulose to block moisture which keeps the cheese from melting as easily.
- I like to add a pinch of paprika or ground mustard to complement the rich and creamy flavor of the macaroni.
- The number of optional mix-ins you could try is endless! Diced ham, lump crab meat, pickled jalapenos, bacon, frozen peas, there are so many great ways to make this recipe your own!
- I don't recommend freezing this macaroni and cheese because the sour cream-based sauce will start to separate. If you are looking for a freezer-friendly mac and cheese, give this mac and cheese without flour a try!
- To store: Let the leftovers cool fully before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. Large portions can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
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