Keep your potato soup fresh for weeks: a step-by-step guide to freezing

Potato soup is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed all year round. But what do you do when you have leftovers? Freezing potato soup is a great way to preserve its delicious flavor and enjoy it later. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to freeze potato soup:

1. Cool the Soup

Before freezing potato soup, it’s essential to let it cool completely. This will prevent the soup from expanding and bursting the container in the freezer. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature for at least 2 hours before proceeding.

2. Choose the Right Container

For freezing potato soup, airtight containers are the best choice. Glass jars, plastic freezer bags, or airtight plastic containers work well. Avoid using containers with a wide mouth, as they can be more difficult to seal properly.

3. Portion the Soup

If you plan to freeze individual portions of potato soup, portion it out into smaller containers. This will make it easier to defrost and reheat the soup when needed.

4. Leave Headspace

When filling the containers, leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. This will allow the soup to expand slightly during freezing without breaking the container.

5. Seal the Containers

Once the soup is portioned into containers, seal them tightly. If using freezer bags, press out as much air as possible before sealing. If using jars, make sure the lids are screwed on securely.

6. Freeze the Soup

Place the sealed containers in the freezer. Potato soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

7. Thaw and Reheat

When ready to enjoy, remove the frozen potato soup from the freezer and allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat the soup over medium heat until warmed through.

Tips for Freezing Potato Soup

• To prevent the soup from separating during freezing, add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the soup before freezing.
• If you’re freezing potato soup with dairy, use whole milk or cream instead of low-fat milk. This will help prevent the dairy from separating.
• To add a creamy texture to the soup after freezing, blend it with an immersion blender or regular blender.
• If you don’t have airtight containers, you can freeze potato soup in a freezer-safe bag. Double-wrap the bag in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Freezing Potato Soup with Toppings

If you want to freeze potato soup with toppings, such as bacon, cheese, or chives, it’s best to freeze the toppings separately. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their texture. When ready to serve, add the toppings to the reheated soup.

Conclusion: Preserve Your Potato Soup Goodness

Freezing potato soup is an easy and effective way to preserve its delicious flavor and enjoy it later. By following these simple steps, you can freeze potato soup with confidence and have a hearty meal ready to go whenever you crave it.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can I freeze potato soup with potatoes in it?

A: Yes, you can freeze potato soup with potatoes in it. However, the potatoes may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.

Q: How long can I store frozen potato soup?

A: Potato soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I freeze potato soup made with cream cheese?

A: Yes, you can freeze potato soup made with cream cheese. However, the cream cheese may separate slightly during freezing. To prevent this, add a cornstarch slurry to the soup before freezing.

Q: How do I prevent potato soup from separating when freezing?

A: To prevent potato soup from separating when freezing, add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the soup before freezing.

Q: Can I freeze potato soup with meat in it?

A: Yes, you can freeze potato soup with meat in it. However, the meat may become slightly tougher after freezing and thawing.