If you’re already starting to plan your Thanksgiving menu early, you might be thinking about which dishes you can make ahead. Pie crust? Check! Cranberry sauce? Definitely! But what about the Thanksgiving stuffing? Sure, you might consider stuffing a holiday classic, but does it actually need to be made on Thanksgiving Day? “There are several things you can do ahead that'll save you time,” Ree Drummond says. For starters, you can dry your bread cubes for stuffing in advance! Another Thanksgiving question that comes to mind is: can you freeze stuffing?
While some people might be wondering if you can freeze stuffing for their make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes, others might simply be wondering what the heck they'll do with all that extra leftover stuffing! Ahead, you'll find out more about freezing stuffing for both scenarios (before and after your stuffing is cooked). So, go ahead and pick out your favorite stuffing recipe (anything from apple-cranberry stuffing to sausage stuffing to stuffing made with chorizo and poblanos), then find out how to freeze the stuffing for easy Thanksgiving prep. Or check out how long your cooked stuffing will last in the freezer for your Thanksgiving leftovers!
Can You Freeze Stuffing?
The short answer is yes, you can freeze your Thanksgiving stuffing! And it actually freezes really well. Just like with freezing mashed potatoes or freezing pumpkin pie, keeping stuffing in the freezer is a great time-saving trick. Phew, now that you got that squared away, you might be wondering just how to do it.
Should You Freeze Stuffing Before or After Baking?
The good news is that you can freeze stuffing before or after cooking! It all just depends on your preferences. If you want to prepare your stuffing in advance of Thanksgiving, freezing it uncooked will ensure it stays nice and moist.
How to Freeze Stuffing
Simply follow the steps of your stuffing recipe, but before baking it, wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap first, then aluminum foil to make it air tight. Store in the freezer until you're ready to bake.
How to Cook Frozen Stuffing
When you're ready to reheat, just pop the stuffing straight in the oven (no need to thaw). Just be sure to remove the plastic wrap, then place the foil-covered casserole in your oven and bake until the center is hot and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. You can remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden and crisp.
Does Leftover Stuffing Freeze Well?
Yes! You can also freeze stuffing after it's baked. This option is better for freezing leftovers rather than prepping ahead. If you happened to make too much stuffing, you can portion the leftovers into food storage containers and pop in the freezer to enjoy during the days to come.
How Long Does Stuffing Last in the Freezer?
According to the USDA, Thanksgiving leftovers will last in the freezer "indefinitely," but it's best to reheat your leftover stuffing within approximately three months for the best taste and texture.
