Lasagna is incredibly delicious – and takes a bit longer to make. Have you made too many lasagnas or do you want to make two instead of one, to enjoy one right away and save the other for a later date? Either way, freezing is your best bet to extend the shelf life of the delicious dish by a few months.
So to quickly answer the question: Can you freeze Lasagna? Yes, you can for up to 3 months.
In this post, you’ll learn how to do it right to keep the quality as good as possible. Moreover, we also cover the most common questions such as:
Is it better to freeze lasagna cooked or uncooked? How to freeze uncooked lasagna? Should I defrost it first or cook it from frozen?
Does Lasagna Freeze Well?
Lasagna freezes very well, and that makes it a perfect dish that you can prepare in advance and store for some time. You can hardly mess it up. Be aware though, that you can probably keep it for years in the freezer but the quality will deteriorate over time.
So it is best to use eat it within a couple of months. We go more in-depth in later sections, but first let’s see how to freeze it.
How to Freeze Lasagna?
Freezing food is a very common practice, but at the same time, you have to be careful with the preparation. Not everyone knows what are the steps to follow to guarantee a good and unaltered product. Let’s find out together.
Make lasagna following a recipe suitable for freezing. Some ingredients retain their flavor better than others when heated after being frozen. Most lasagna recipes that use fresh ingredients retain their flavor after freezing, whether frozen roasted or unroasted.
Many types of cheeses also freeze very well.
However, if the recipe uses ingredients that have been frozen and thawed before, it is best not to freeze the lasagna because thawing it a second time is not advisable (because of quality decline).
Here is how to freeze your favorite Lasagna:
- Portion it – If you have a very large amount of lasagna, it makes sense to portion them. Each serving then receives its container. This has the advantage of being able to thaw only what you need. It will also thaw fast. However, cut your creation into portions only after it has cooled down. This way individual pieces are less likely to fall apart.
- Store it – Like mentioned, put every piece in a separate container. I prefer to use airtight freezer containers made from glass.
- Wrap with cling film – Cover the lasagna as tightly as possible with a freeze-resistant plastic wrap. Wrap it with several layers to keep it nice and fresh (it is best to wrap the film around the whole container to avoid holes and therefore freezer burn). I don’t like to use aluminum foil, but it would probably work too.
- Labeling – Label the containers with the date to keep track of them (for the shelf life).
- Place the lasagna in the freezer.
Is it better to freeze lasagna cooked or uncooked?
The decisive role in the terms of taste does not determine whether you will freeze lasagna raw or cooked – but it does in terms of preparation. Baked lasagna must be brought to room temperature before being frozen. This means that the delicacy must first be allowed to cool completely. Otherwise, your lasagna will lose quality both in terms of texture and taste. If you want to cook food only after it has been frozen, you don’t have to do anything.
Lasagna can be frozen as long as you use fresh and quality ingredients if you want to guarantee a good defrosted product and not encounter unpleasant surprises. Lasagna can be safely frozen regardless if it is prepared with minced meat or with sausages.
Once you have prepared the lasagna, regardless of the fresh ingredients you use, whether it is with tomato, béchamel, mushrooms, or vegetables, choose the container that is suitable for the freezer. Packaging is the main key to ensuring good conservation.
When you buy the container make sure that there is the snowflake symbol, it means that it is suitable for freezing. If you can, choose a container with dual functions, freezer, and oven. This way you don’t have to replace the lasagna from one container to another to bake it in the oven. If you want a budget-friendly option that will get the job done, try the Bentgo Storage Containers.
How Long Can You Freeze Lasagna?
When stored in an airtight container or plastic freezer bag, lasagna can last for about 2-3 months provided it has been stored properly.
So storing the lasagna in the freezer can greatly increase its shelf life. But the freezer temperature should be at least 0 degrees. At this temperature level, you will prevent bacterial growth.
How to Defrost Lasagna?
The best way to thaw lasagna is to place it in the fridge overnight. This usually has less of a negative effect on quality than if you were to defrost it quickly with hot water, for example (which is not recommended).
Also if you try to grill it while it’s still partially frozen, it won’t cook evenly and its flavor and texture will be negatively affected. It will also be harder to tell if it’s done or not.
For quicker defrosting, you can utilize the defrost function on the microwave or place the packed Lasagna in a bowl of cold water.
Can you Freeze Lasagna after Reheating?
Freezing pasta bake multiple times isn’t recommended if you still want to have something tasty. Foods that are frozen and thawed more than once lose much of their flavor and texture.
So don’t make the mistake of refreezing the lasagna.
Freezing Different Types or Variations of Lasagna
| Can you freeze vegan lasagna? | Yes, vegan lasagna can be stored for up to 3 months. |
| Can you freeze seafood lasagna? | Yes, it can be frozen. I recommend covering it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil before freezing |
| Can you freeze gluten-free lasagna? | Yes, it should be frozen uncooked. |
| Can you freeze Costco ravioli lasagna? | Yes, Costco ravioli lasagna freezes well. |
| Can you freeze uncooked lasagna with raw egg? | It can be frozen, but it’s important to follow proper freezing procedures because raw eggs can carry salmonella. |
| Can you freeze bechamel lasagna? | Yes, it can be frozen easily. Cook the lasagna and cool it to room temperature. Wrap in foil and put it in the freezer. |
| Can you freeze chicken lasagna? | Yes, chicken lasagna can be frozen. |
Best Way to Reheat Frozen Lasagna?
Some folks say that lasagna is the dish that after being reheated tastes even better. This is because the sauce dissolves when heated, but when the fat cools down, it re-solidifies and sticks to the ingredients, preserving the flavor of the sauce.
To reheat I like to use the oven. This is how:
- Preheat the oven to 350º.
- Place your Lasagna in an oven-safe container.
- Add a bit of water. The secret so that it does not dry out is to put 3 tablespoons of water on top of the lasagna or tomato sauce (if you have the same one you prepared).
- Wrap in the plastic paper for the oven or aluminum foil.
- Heat it for about 20 – 40 minutes until heated through. This will vary depending on the size. To check if it is done you can use a thermometer and measure the center of the Lasagna. If it is about 160° you can serve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze 3-day lasagna?
Yes, lasagna will stay in the refrigerator for 3 days, after that it can be safely frozen.
How long will lasagna last in the fridge?
Homemade, cooked lasagna stays in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Once cooked, leftover lasagna can be safely refrigerated for up to two days in a covered container.
Can you freeze homemade lasagna?
Freezing homemade lasagna is a great way to have prepared meals on hand for nights when all you can do is turn on the oven and heat dinner.
Conclusion
When you make lasagna and freeze it for later, you’ll have a healthy, homemade meal on hand whenever you need it. Lasagna can be stored in the freezer for up to three months – with or without meat. Now, there is no excuse, to eat the perfect lasagna any day of the week! I hope this article was helpful to you. Check out my other articles.
