Freezing leftovers

[ctyler]

How soon after cooking do you need to freeze leftovers? I frequently make too much food to be eaten in a reasonable amount of time, but I don't want to freeze it if it has been held in the refrigerator too long. Is there a "rule of thumb" here that could help me? I hate wasting food!

 

[Alix]

Generally speaking, if the leftovers won't get eaten in the next 3 days they ought to go in the freezer. Thats my own personal Rule of Thumb.

 

[ctyler]

Thanks for the advice. Sounds like you should plan to freeze within the same time frame that you would consider them safe to eat as a leftover without freezing. I generally think leftovers should be consumed within three days. So, now I think I would add: eat or freeze within three days.

 

[DaveSoMD]

Generally speaking, if the leftovers won't get eaten in the next 3 days they ought to go in the freezer. Thats my own personal Rule of Thumb.

I agree with Alix, if I'm not going to use them in the next 3-4 days then i freeze them.

 

[kcbowie]

How soon after cooking do you need to freeze leftovers? I frequently make too much food to be eaten in a reasonable amount of time, but I don't want to freeze it if it has been held in the refrigerator too long. Is there a "rule of thumb" here that could help me? I hate wasting food!

I follow the two day rule...but usually the next day once cooled

 

[CookLikeJulia]

In our side we Before eating leftovers, reheat them thoroughly. Reheat leftover sauces, soups and gravies to boiling. Freeze it frst in just a day then reheat it ,,, thats my i observe usually

 

[Tuscan Chef]

depends

Fish, custard cake, whatever has high proteins and is wet, I will suggest to toss and not freeze.

 

[Andy M.]

I agree with the three days - freeze or eat. BUT, if you freeze it, then it must be eaten the day it's defrosted. The three day clock doesn't start again.

 

[frozenstar]

I personally do not let a day or two pass without consuming the leftovers. Sometimes I give the leftovers to my dog for food so it won't be wasted to trash. So I think you should set a rule regarding leftovers to prevent them to become a waste.