Bushra Griffith
Macaroni and cheese is a delicious, indulgent comfort food. But what do you do with all those leftovers? Proper storage is key to multiple delicious dinners. The first step is not letting it sit out for more than two hours, otherwise, it might start to spoil. Then, portion it out and store individual servings separately in airtight containers. Leftovers stored in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower should be eaten within three to four days. If you can't eat it within that time frame, transfer it to the freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Once in the freezer, it can technically last for quite a while, but it should be eaten within two to three months. When you're ready to reheat the macaroni and cheese, you can use the stovetop, oven, or microwave.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step | Do not let the macaroni and cheese sit out for more than two hours, otherwise, it might start to spoil |
| Refrigeration | Leftovers stored in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower should be eaten within three to five days |
| Freezing | If not eaten within the above time frame, transfer to the freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. It can last for up to three months |
| Reheating | Put it straight into the oven or let it defrost in the fridge or on the counter. Warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop |
| Pro tip | When you warm it back up, add just a little milk to the container to loosen the noodles so they don't smush together |
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What You'll Learn
How to store macaroni and cheese in the fridge
To store macaroni and cheese in the fridge, it is important to act quickly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises that cooked macaroni and cheese should not be left sitting out for more than two hours, otherwise, it may start to spoil. Once you have finished cooking, you do not need to wait for the food to cool down before placing it in the fridge. However, if you are planning to freeze your leftovers, you should let the food cool to room temperature first.
When placing your macaroni and cheese in the fridge, use a glass or silicone container that fully seals. If you do not have access to these, you can wrap the container tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It is important to keep your fridge between 35°F and 40°F to avoid bacterial growth.
Leftovers stored in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower should be eaten within three to four days, according to the USDA. If you want to keep your leftovers beyond four days, you can freeze them. To do so, transfer the macaroni and cheese to a freezer-safe container with a lid that fully seals to prevent freezer burn.
When you are ready to reheat your macaroni and cheese, only heat the portion that you want to eat. You can heat the food in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or a pat of butter to prevent the pasta from drying out. You can also add extra cheese, seasonings, or other ingredients at this time.
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How to store macaroni and cheese in the freezer
To store macaroni and cheese in the freezer, you should first let it cool. Contrary to what some believe, you don't have to let the mac and cheese cool down before it goes in the fridge, but it should be cooled to room temperature before freezing. To cool the dish quickly, separate the pasta and sauce, and rinse the pasta under cold water. Then, spread the pasta out on a baking sheet to cool. Once the sauce is made, remove it from the heat and let it cool until it is barely warm before combining it with the pasta.
Next, portion the mac and cheese into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers or bags. You can use freezer-safe zip-top bags, or containers with a lid that fully seals to prevent freezer burn. Lay the zip-top bags flat to save space in your freezer.
Make sure to label the container with the date so you know how long it has been in the freezer. Mac and cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. After this time, it will lose its flavour.
To reheat frozen mac and cheese, remove it from the freezer and place it in the fridge overnight or for a day in advance. You can also defrost it in the microwave. Once it is defrosted, you can reheat it in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. To prevent the pasta from drying out, add a splash of milk or a pat of butter when reheating.
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Reheating macaroni and cheese from the fridge
When reheating macaroni and cheese from the fridge, it's important to note that the dish tends to lose moisture, resulting in a hard and dry texture. To prevent this, you can add a splash of milk, butter, or water to the dish before reheating.
If you're reheating a small portion, using the microwave is a convenient option. Place the macaroni and cheese in a microwave-safe container and cover it. Heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature. Adding a little extra cheese during the last 30 seconds of microwaving can also help.
For larger batches, using the oven is a better option. Break up any clumps of macaroni and cheese and add a tablespoon of milk per cup of the dish. Transfer it to an oven-safe dish, cover it, and bake at 350°F until it's bubbling and heated through.
You can also reheat macaroni and cheese on the stovetop, especially if it's a stirred macaroni and cheese recipe. Add a tablespoon of milk per cup of macaroni and cheese to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it's heated through, add a touch of butter and extra cheese to finish.
Remember, regardless of the reheating method, it's important not to overheat the dish as it can cause the fats to separate and make it greasy.
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Reheating macaroni and cheese from frozen
When it comes to reheating frozen macaroni and cheese, there are several methods you can use: the oven, microwave, or stove-top.
If you're reheating a large portion, the oven is a good option. Preheat the oven to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the macaroni and cheese in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. If your mac and cheese doesn't have a topping, you can add a splash of milk or water to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the amount of macaroni and cheese you're reheating.
For smaller portions, you can use the microwave. Place the macaroni and cheese in a microwave-safe container and add a splash of milk or water. Cover the container, leaving one corner slightly open to release steam. Heat on medium to high power in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until the dish is heated through.
You can also reheat macaroni and cheese on the stove-top. Place it in a pot that is size-appropriate for the serving and add a few tablespoons of milk or water. Heat on medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the dish is heated through.
When reheating frozen macaroni and cheese, it's best to thaw it first. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge, on the counter for a couple of hours, or in the microwave. However, thawing in the microwave can dry out the dish, so it's not recommended unless it's your last resort.
To add some extra flavour to your reheated macaroni and cheese, you can sprinkle on some garlic powder, onion powder, or extra cheese during the reheating process.
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How long macaroni and cheese lasts in the fridge and freezer
When storing macaroni and cheese, it is important to note that it should not be left sitting out for more than two hours, as it may start to spoil. It can, however, be stored in the refrigerator immediately without letting it cool down. For optimal storage, portion it out and store individual servings separately in airtight containers.
Macaroni and cheese will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, or 3 to 4 days if the refrigerator is set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. It is important to keep the container's temperature as consistent as possible to avoid spoilage. If you are unable to eat it within this time frame, it can be transferred to the freezer.
In the freezer, macaroni and cheese will last for up to 4 months for best results and to avoid freezer burn. It can technically be stored in the freezer for longer, even indefinitely at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is recommended to be eaten within 3 months to retain its flavor.
To reheat frozen macaroni and cheese, it can be put straight into the oven, or defrosted in the fridge or on the counter first. It can then be heated in the microwave or on the stovetop. When reheating, add a small amount of milk to the container to loosen the noodles and prevent them from sticking together. Some garlic powder and onion powder can also be sprinkled on top for added flavor. It is important to note that thawed macaroni and cheese should be eaten within 3 to 4 days if defrosted in the fridge, but if defrosted in the microwave or cold water, it should be eaten immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
Leftover macaroni and cheese can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, as long as it is stored within 2 hours of cooking and kept in an airtight container.
To store leftover macaroni and cheese in the freezer, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic and aluminium foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Frozen macaroni and cheese can be reheated in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. For the best results, transfer the frozen macaroni and cheese to an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminium foil, and bake at 350°F/175°C until heated through. If using a microwave, heat in short, 30-second bursts, checking the temperature until it's heated through. When reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of milk or a pat of butter to prevent the pasta from drying out.
It is recommended to portion leftover macaroni and cheese into individual servings before storing in the fridge or freezer. This can be done by using freezer bags or small containers, which can be stacked easily.
To prevent leftover macaroni and cheese from becoming mushy, undercook the pasta by 2-3 minutes before mixing it with the cheese sauce. When reheating, add a small amount of milk to the container, which will help loosen the noodles and keep their shape.
