Freezing holiday leftovers: here’s what to do

After the holiday season, we often end up with leftovers from big dinners. With New Year’s Eve fast approaching, you may want to take a break from holiday leftovers, but you don’t want to waste food.

If you still have leftovers from Christmas, it’s time to finish them up or freeze them. Freezing holiday leftovers reduces food waste and makes it easy to eat later.

Here’s a quick guide on how to freeze holiday leftovers.

When should I freeze holiday leftovers?

The best time to freeze something is after it has been chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours.according to food networkFreezing food stops the growth of bacteria. If you have foods that are still safe to eat, consider freezing them now. It’s okay to store leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days before freezing them, but they should be frozen if possible.

How do I freeze holiday leftovers?

Proper storage of holiday leftovers can help keep them fresh.

Airtight freezer containers and airtight freezer bags are great for storing leftovers. If leftovers are divided into dedicated containers and stored in bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing the bags. Label leftovers with type of food and date.

If you have meat, it is recommended to freeze it in small portions. That way, you don’t have to unzip most of it when you’re ready to use it, and don’t throw it away.

What holiday leftovers can be frozen?

You can technically freeze anything, but you may not want to do that.

The best foods to freeze are meats, breads, baked goods, or vegetables. Freezing brie or lettuce may not be the best option.

How to reheat holiday leftovers

The best way to reheat holiday leftovers tends to be a 350 degree oven. The time depends not only on the amount of food, but also on the type of food. You can check online for approximate estimates for each type of food you may have.

change holiday leftovers

Think of creative ways to reuse holiday leftovers.

Consider using leftover meat in soups, hot sandwiches, or as the star of a new dish. Using ingredients in different ways can make you feel like you haven’t eaten the exact same dish for days.

Consider making bokti or another variation of potato pancakes with leftover mashed potatoes. There are so many ways to rethink holiday leftovers.