Can You Freeze Lasagna?

Can you freeze lasagna? It can take some effort to prepare Lasagna so many people like to freeze it to make for an easy heat-and-serve meal. It is also a favorite housewarming and new baby gift. Lasagna keeps very well in the freezer and can be thawed and reheated with very little loss of quality.

Lasagna can be frozen either before or after it is baked. If you plan on freezing lasagna, it is best to prepare it in a dish that is safe for the freezer and the oven, making for an easy meal. Glass and ceramic baking dishes are both good options. Metal pans should be avoided, as the lasagna could take on a metallic taste over time.

Many people like to prepare two lasagnas at the same time, and freeze one to enjoy later. This also helps save money, by allowing you to buy in bulk, or otherwise use up as many ingredients as possible. Below is a step by step guide on how can you freeze lasagna:

How to Freeze Lasagna?

Freezing leftover lasagna in single-serve slices is another way to make a convenient weeknight dinner. There is very little difference in flavor or texture between pre-baked and unbaked frozen lasagna. The choice which type of lasagna to freeze is a matter of convenience.

Lasagna should not be frozen if it was made using frozen ingredients. The thawing and refreezing allow for the introduction of harmful bacteria, which increases with each freeze and thaw cycle.

If you choose to use frozen ingredients, make sure they have only been frozen and thawed once before, and make sure to bake your lasagna thoroughly prior to freezing it.

Slice of lasagna
Image used under Creative Commons from stu_spivack

Prior to freezing, lasagna should be cooled to room temperature, or placed into the refrigerator to chill. This will improve the quality of the lasagna when reheated.

Chilling the lasagna will also make it easier to cut into single-serve slices if you desire. It should be wrapped air-tight with plastic wrap, or individual slices can be stored in plastic bags.

Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn and drying. If you prefer, you can line your baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and once cooled lift the lasagna from the pan to transfer to a suitable freezer container. This way, you can keep using the baking dish, rather than having it in the freezer. Lasagna can be kept for about three months in the freezer.

How to Defrost and Reheat Frozen Lasagna?

Thawing Frozen Lasagna

Lasagna should be fully thawed prior to reheating or baking, to ensure even cooking. The best method to do this is to place it in the refrigerator the night before, allowing it to slowly thaw.

Lasagna can also be thawed in the microwave or placed in a cold oven, allowing the oven to heat up around it, but this may affect the taste and texture of your heated lasagna.Once thawed, lasagna should be covered

Reheating Thawed Lasagna

Once thawed, lasagna should be covered with foil to prevent excess browning (especially if pre-baked), and cooked in a 350° oven for 30-40 minutes, until hot all the way through. The foil can be removed in the last 10 minutes of cooking if you desire additional browning.

Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave. Keep your lasagna chilled until ready to cook it, to prevent bacterial growth. Your lasagna should taste as good reheated as it did originally! Some people even prefer reheated lasagna, as it allows the flavors to meld.

Summary

Nothing better than a serving of lasagna as a snack or a meal. Lasagna is one of those pasta dishes that taste better the second time around. Now that you know how can you freeze lasagna, you can store your leftovers for longer without worrying about spoilage!