Introduction on Can you Freeze Chicken Noddle Soup in Masion jars
Chicken noodle soup: it’s the ultimate comfort food, warm and soothing on a chilly day. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up.
But what if you’ve made a big pot and can’t finish it all? Or maybe you want to cook a large batch for easy meals throughout the week?
That’s where mason jars come in! They’re a safe and convenient way to freeze leftover chicken noodle soup, keeping it delicious and ready to enjoy whenever you crave it.
Can You Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup in Mason Jars?
Yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup in mason jars, but with a caveat: the noodles tend to get mushy after thawing and reheating.
Here’s what you can do:
Freeze the soup without the noodles. Cook and freeze the broth, vegetables, and chicken. When reheating, thaw the soup base and cook fresh noodles to add in.
Alternatively, freeze the soup with the noodles, knowing the texture might be slightly affected.
Here are some tips for freezing soup in mason jars:
- Use wide-mouth mason jars for easier filling and cleaning.
- Leave at least 1 inch of headspace at the top of the jar to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to the jars.
- Label the jars with the date so you know how long they’ve been frozen. Soup will generally keep for 3 months in the freezer.
How to Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup in Mason Jars: Two Approaches
Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that freezes well. Here are two methods for freezing it in mason jars:
Method 1: Freeze Soup Base Only
This approach allows you to have a quick and customizable soup on hand.
Freeze the Broth, Vegetables, and Chicken
- Let your cooked chicken noodle soup cool completely.
- Remove the cooked chicken and shred it.
- Strain the broth and vegetables into freezer-safe mason jars, leaving at least 1 inch of headspace for expansion.
- Add the shredded chicken to the jars.
Reheating Instructions
- Thaw the frozen soup base in the refrigerator overnight.
- In a pot on the stovetop, heat the thawed soup base.
- While the base heats, cook fresh noodles according to package instructions.
- Add the cooked noodles to the heated soup base and simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
Method 2: Freeze Soup with Noodles
This is a convenient option for a single-step reheating process, but be aware the noodles may lose some texture.
Freeze the Entire Soup
- Let your cooked chicken noodle soup cool completely.
- Portion the soup into freezer-safe mason jars, leaving at least 1 inch of headspace.
Reheating Instructions
- Thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight.
- Heat the thawed soup directly in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Minimizing Noodle Texture Change
While freezing can affect the texture of noodles, here are some tips to minimize the impact:
- Noodle Type: Use egg noodles or thicker varieties like udon noodles that hold up better to freezing and reheating.
- Cook Slightly Undercooked: When cooking the noodles for the initial soup, cook them for a minute or two less than al dente. This allows for further cooking during reheating without becoming mushy.
General Tips
- Use freezer-safe, wide-mouth mason jars for easier filling and reheating.
- Label your jars with the soup name and date before freezing.
- Frozen chicken noodle soup will generally stay good for 3-4 months.
Top Tips for Freezing Soup in Mason Jars
Mason jars are a fantastic way to store leftover soup for future meals. Here’s how to ensure your frozen soup stays delicious:
Wide Mouth Wins
Choose for wide-mouth mason jars. They’re easier to fill and clean, especially when dealing with chunky soups.
Leave Room to Breathe
Remember, liquids expand when frozen. Always leave at least 1 inch of headspace at the top of your jar to prevent breakage.
Cool Completely
Patience is key! Don’t fill your jars with hot soup. Let it cool completely on the counter or fridge before transferring it to the jars. This prevents thermal shock and potential cracks.
Label It Up
Be your future self’s hero! Label your jars with the soup type and date it was frozen. This helps you keep track of what you have and ensures you enjoy the oldest soups first.
Freeze, Don’t Forget
Generally, frozen soup stored in mason jars will stay safe and delicious for up to 3 months. After that, the quality may start to decline.
FAQs
Can I freeze my homemade chicken noodle soup?
Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken noodle soup! But for best texture, cook the noodles fresh when reheating. Freeze soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can you put glass mason jars in the freezer?
Yes, but with care. Use straight-sided jars, leave space at the top, and cool food before freezing to avoid cracks.
What is the best container to freeze soup in?
Glass jars are ideal for long-term storage, while freezer-safe plastic containers are affordable and stackable. Silicone bags save space but might not be best for large batches.
Can you freeze soup in Ziploc bags?
Yes, you can freeze soup in Ziploc bags! Use freezer-safe ones and leave room for expansion. Consider reusable containers for long-term freezing or environmental concerns.
Can you freeze chicken noodle soup in plastic container?
Yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup in a freezer-safe plastic container. Just leave space for expansion and cool the soup completely first.
How long is chicken noodle soup good for in the refrigerator?
Homemade chicken noodle soup lasts 3-5 days in the fridge. Always check for spoilage (off smell, texture) before reheating.
Conclusion
Freezing leftover chicken noodle soup in mason jars is a brilliant way to save time and money. You’ll have delicious homemade soup on hand whenever you crave it. Plus, mason jars offer a safe, space-saving storage solution.
Remember to thaw the frozen soup in the fridge and consider adding fresh noodles for optimal texture when reheating. So ditch the canned soup and embrace the convenience of freezing your own! You won’t regret it.