Macaroni Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Macaroni and cheese is a delicious comfort food, but what happens when you have leftovers? How long does it last in the fridge? Well, the precise answer depends on storage conditions. To maximise shelf life, the general consensus is to refrigerate macaroni and cheese within two hours of cooking, storing it in shallow, airtight containers. With proper storage, cooked macaroni and cheese will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. However, one source suggests that after 3-4 days in the fridge, macaroni and cheese starts to get iffy, and after 5-7 days, it's probably best to toss it. If you want to keep leftovers for longer, you can freeze them, and they'll last for 1 to 2 months.

How to store macaroni and cheese in the fridge

To store macaroni and cheese in the fridge, it's important to act quickly. The dish should not be left out for more than two hours, otherwise, it may start to spoil. Once it has been cooked, it's best to refrigerate the macaroni and cheese within two hours. Portion it out and store individual servings separately in airtight containers. Glass or silicone containers that fully seal are best for the fridge, while any freezer-bound containers should be specifically designed for freezing.

When storing in the fridge, wrap the container in aluminium foil or plastic wrap if you don't have a fully sealed container. You can also use a resealable ziplock bag, ensuring you push out as much air as possible before sealing.

The temperature of the container is also important. Moisture can collect inside, so keep the temperature as consistent as possible. It's best to avoid any temperature changes by keeping the cooked macaroni and cheese at room temperature until it has cooled almost completely before placing it in the fridge or freezer.

How long does it last? Well, that depends on the quality you're happy with. For the best quality, consume within three to four days of refrigeration. It can be consumed after this period, but the risk of deterioration increases. One source suggests a maximum limit of seven days, while another suggests that after day four, the risk of food poisoning increases.

To extend the shelf life, you can freeze your macaroni and cheese. It will maintain its best quality for about one to two months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.

How long does macaroni and cheese last in the freezer

To maximise the shelf life of cooked macaroni and cheese, it should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and stored in shallow, airtight containers. Properly stored, cooked macaroni and cheese will last for three to five days in the refrigerator.

To extend the shelf life of cooked macaroni and cheese even further, it can be frozen. To do so, transfer the food to covered, airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Cooked macaroni and cheese dishes containing sauce freeze best; cooked macaroni noodles frozen without sauce may become overly mushy when thawed.

When properly stored, cooked macaroni and cheese will maintain its best quality in the freezer for about one to four months, but will remain safe beyond that time. The freezer time indicated is for best quality only; cooked macaroni and cheese that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will remain safe indefinitely.

How to reheat macaroni and cheese from frozen

To reheat macaroni and cheese from frozen, you can use the oven or toaster oven. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350ºF.
• Transfer the frozen macaroni and cheese to a baking dish.
• Drizzle milk down the sides of the baking dish. Add about 1 tablespoon of milk for every cup of macaroni and cheese.
• Cover the baking dish with an oven-safe lid or aluminium foil.
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven or toaster oven.
• Bake until the macaroni and cheese is warmed through. This should take around 40 minutes, but start checking after 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• If you want a crispy top, remove the lid or foil, sprinkle on some extra cheese, and bake for a further 10 minutes.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a little butter and shredded cheese before serving.

Note that you can also defrost frozen macaroni and cheese in the refrigerator and then reheat it using the oven, stovetop, or microwave methods.

How to tell if macaroni and cheese has gone bad

Macaroni and cheese is a delicious, indulgent comfort food, but it can be tricky to store. To maximise the shelf life of cooked macaroni and cheese for safety and quality, it should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and stored in shallow, airtight containers. Properly stored, cooked macaroni and cheese will last three to five days in the refrigerator.

Smell

Give your macaroni and cheese a good sniff. Fresh mac and cheese has a cheesy, starchy aroma. If it has developed a sour or foul odour, it's time to toss it.

Appearance

Take a good look at your macaroni and cheese. If the colour is unusual or if there are signs of mould growth, these are signs that bacteria is present and it should not be eaten.

Texture

All food spoilage gives off a smell, and food rot is caused by bacteria. The sniff and texture tests are pretty reliable. If it's slimy on the surface and that texture is not the expected texture, then it should be thrown away.

Taste

If the macaroni and cheese passes the smell and appearance tests, you can try a spoonful. You already know its familiar taste, so use your common sense to determine if the taste seems off. Consuming food past its expiration date can cause food poisoning, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

How to extend the shelf life of macaroni and cheese

To extend the shelf life of macaroni and cheese, it is important to adhere to optimal storage practices. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve this:

Refrigeration

When storing macaroni and cheese in the refrigerator, always use shallow, airtight containers. This will ensure proper cooling and prevent bacterial growth. It is safe to store cooked macaroni and cheese in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days if it is properly stored.

Freezing

To extend the shelf life even further, freezing is an effective method. Use freezer-safe, airtight containers to protect the macaroni and cheese from freezer burn. Frozen macaroni and cheese will maintain its best quality for about 1 to 2 months, but it can be safely stored beyond this timeframe.

Portioning

Before storing, portion the macaroni and cheese into individual servings. This will make it easier to reheat only what you need, reducing the risk of waste.

Temperature Control

Maintain your refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or lower. This will help ensure that your macaroni and cheese stays fresh and safe to eat.

Food Additives

Consider using food additives such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, which can help inhibit microbial growth and extend the shelf life of your macaroni and cheese. Always follow recommended guidelines for safe and effective use.

Packaging

Proper packaging is crucial. Ensure that your containers are intact and airtight, especially if you plan to freeze your macaroni and cheese. This will maintain quality and extend its shelf life.

By following these instructions, you can effectively extend the shelf life of macaroni and cheese while also maintaining its taste, texture, and safety.

Frequently asked questions