Here's how to freeze stuffing so that you can prepare it in advance or save it for later without having to worry about it going to waste! This guide will walk you through exactly how to store this tasty side dish in the freezer. Whether it is cooked or uncooked, I'll show you what to do!
Guide To Freezing Stuffing
Preparing stuffing ahead of time is a great way to knock some items off your cooking to-do list, whether it be for the holidays or just a Sunday brunch! Simply make your stuffing when you have some time to spare and then freeze it for later!
Alternatively, you may have just enjoyed a delicious stuffing side dish and have some leftovers that you want to store for later. Either way, I'm going to show you the best ways to properly freeze your stuffing!
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Can Stuffing Be Frozen
If you've ever wondered if stuffing can be frozen, the answer is a resounding yes! This side dish actually freezes incredibly well. Just make sure you reheat it properly so that it tastes just as good as when you first made it!
Whether you're a pro at hosting Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties or giving it a try for the first time this year, you're sure to find my ultimate guide to planning Thanksgiving a help! Don't forget to safely thaw your holiday turkey early, too!
How To Freeze Cooked Stuffing
This method is ideal if you are freezing some leftover stuffing that has already been cooked. Don't throw away those leftovers! Instead, freeze them for later!
- Cool. First of all, make sure your stuffing has completely cooled off before storing it.
- Portion. how you would like to portion your stuffing, and then transfer these portions into airtight Ziploc bags.
- Remove air. Squeeze out any excess air from the bags.
- Label. Label your bags with the date (so you know how long they're good for).
- Freeze. Pop them in the freezer!
How To Freeze Uncooked Stuffing
If you are preparing your stuffing in advance, freezing it before it has been cooked is a fantastic option. This helps to ensure that it doesn't get dried out during the reheating process.
- Make stuffing. Prepare your stuffing according to your favorite recipe and stop before baking it.
- Transfer. Place your stuffing into the same dish that you are planning to bake it in. *Or, you can portion and separate the smaller portions into sealable Ziploc bags.
- Wrap. Tightly wrap the dish in several layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil (to prevent freezer burn).
- Label. Label and date the container so you know how long it can be frozen.
- Freeze. Transfer it to the freezer.
How Long Can Stuffing Be Frozen
In general, both cooked and uncooked stuffing can easily be frozen for up to 3 months (as long as you are properly storing it).
The stuffing will still be good for longer than 3 months, but the texture and flavor could begin to change at this point.
Tips For Freezing Stuffing
- If you are making your stuffing ahead of time, go for freezing uncooked stuffing. This way, you are less likely to dry it out during the reheating process.
- Frozen uncooked stuffing can simply be popped straight into the oven with no need to defrost it!
- Tightly wrap your tray so that all corners and edges are completely sealed and no air can get into the container.
- Make sure to label your frozen food so you enjoy it before it goes bad!
Now that you know how to easily freeze your cooked or uncooked stuffing! Are you wanting to meal prep or store leftovers for later? Leave a comment and let me know!
📖 More Cooking Guides
- How To Freeze Pumpkin Pie - Freeze your pumpkin pie to make your holiday prep work even easier!
- How To Freeze Sugar Cookies - You can freeze sugar cookies and enjoy them any time of year!
- How To Make Green Bean Casserole - Check out this guide to making a perfect green bean casserole!
- Freezing Christmas Cookie Dough - Go ahead and freeze your Christmas cookie dough to make your life extra easy!
- Best Apples For Baking And Cooking - No matter the recipe, these are the apples you need to be using for the best dishes!
- Sweet Potato vs Pumpkin Pie - Take a look at all of the similarities and differences between these two popular holiday desserts!
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📖 Recipe Card
How To Freeze Stuffing: Easy Stuffing (Best Methods & Tips)
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 2 ribs celery (diced)
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon herbes de provence (see recipe, or use your favorite brand)
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
- 17 oz stuffing cubes
- 2 cups chicken broth (heated)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4).
- In a large pot over medium heat add the ½ cup butter and allow it to melt.
- Once the butter is melted add the 1 large yellow onion, 2 ribs celery, and 1 tablespoon garlic then saute until softened or about 3-4 minutes. Add the 1 tablespoon herbes de provence seasoning with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper and stir into the sauteed veggies.
- Remove from heat and add the 17 oz stuffing cubes. Stir to coat with the butter and mix evenly with the sauteed onion, celery, and garlic.
- Warm the 2 cups chicken broth in a saucepan on the stovetop until it just begins to boil, or heat in a microwave-safe measuring cup in the microwave. Combine with stuffing mixture.
- Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Alternatively, your fully combined stuffing can be stuffed into your turkey before roasting.
Jdurante@telus.net says
Your make ahead freezing stuffing is absolutely awesome! Thank you.
I had to entertain 70 people moved over from baked ham after five years to turkey.
Very big transformation, now you need mashed potatoes butterball Turkey roasts cooked.
I was able to make the before stuffing and gravy and freezing. And remove day before.thank you so much!
Stuffing was absolutely excellent, gravy as well
Carol says
I loved your information about how to make and freeze uncooked stuffing and I froze my stuffing in my baking pan. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I want to bake it and you did NOT put in your instructions about how to bake the uncooked frozen stuffing especially how long to bake it prior to eating it on Thanksgiving day. I looked everywhere on your site, but no instructions were found by me. Thank you ahead of time for answering my question.
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
Hi Carol, thaw overnight in the fridge if it's in a glass dish that isn't safe to go from freezer directly to your oven. Either way, cook at 400F (205C) and tightly cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes of thawed, or an hour if still frozen (may take up to an hour and fifteen minutes). Once fully heated, remove from the oven and stir. Set aside for 3-5 minutes before serving. Happy holidays!
Nadine says
I JUST PREPARED MY STUFFING WITH LUMP CRABMEAT FROM A CAN. HOW LONG CAN I SAFELY KEEP IT IN THE REFRIGERATOR. OR SHOULD I FREEZE IT IMMEDIATELY. I WOULD LIKE TO USE THIS IN 4 DAYS?
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
Hello Nadine, freezing your stuffing would have been the best option for storing it. Typically most stuffing recipes can be made up to 3 days in advance. With the addition of crab meat, I would say that should be 2 days max.
Deborah says
Can I freeze the uncooked stuffing then stuff the turkey the next morning
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
Yes, pop on down to this section for those instructions https://bakeitwithlove.com/how-to-freeze-stuffing/#how-to-freeze-uncooked-stuffing