Potato soup is a comforting, hearty soup that is perfect for chilly weather. It is often made in large batches so there are leftovers for additional meals throughout the week. A common question many cooks have is whether or not potato soup freezes well. The short answer is yes, potato soup can be frozen successfully with a few tips and tricks.
Can You Freeze Potato Soup?
Potato soup freezes extremely well when done properly. The potatoes and broth in the soup retain their texture and flavor during the freezing process. However, there are a couple things to keep in mind when freezing potato soup:
- Use sturdy soup containers, ideally wide and shallow to allow the soup to freeze quickly. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight fitting lids work best.
- Leave at least 1-2 inches of headspace at the top of containers as liquids expand during freezing.
- Cool the soup completely before freezing. Do not freeze piping hot soup.
- Potato soup with dairy products like milk, cream, or cheese may separate or curdle when frozen. Adding the dairy after thawing helps prevent this.
As long as you follow these tips, your potato soup should freeze beautifully. The soup will last 2-3 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline. Be sure to label containers with contents and freeze date.
What Ingredients Work Best?
The best potato soups for freezing contain simple, starchy ingredients. Here are some guidelines for ingredients when making freezable potato soup:
- Potatoes – Starchy potatoes like russets and Yukon golds freeze well. New potatoes and fingerlings are more delicate and can become mushy.
- Broth – Use vegetable, chicken or beef broth. Avoid milk-based broths as they may curdle or separate when frozen.
- Seasonings – Most herbs, spices and seasonings like garlic, onion, salt and pepper freeze fine.
- Veggies – Hearty veggies like carrots, celery, mushrooms and greens are ideal. Avoid veggies with high water content like tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini which can become mushy.
- Meat – Fully cooked meats like chicken, sausage and bacon freeze well. Avoid raw meats which can become tough when frozen.
- Dairy – Hold off adding milk, cream or cheese until after the soup has thawed. They can curdle or separate during freezing.
Following these guidelines will ensure your potato soup retains the best flavor and texture through freezing.
How to Freeze Potato Soup
Freezing potato soup is easy to do at home with just a few simple steps:
- Make the soup – Prepare your favorite potato soup recipe. Let it cool completely before freezing.
- Portion into containers – Ladle cooled soup into wide, shallow containers leaving 1-2 inches of headspace. Wide containers freeze faster.
- Seal and label – Make sure containers are sealed tightly. Label with name and freeze date.
- Freeze – Place containers in the freezer, ideally sitting flat to freeze quicker. Do not stack until completely frozen.
- Store and use – Once frozen, containers can be stacked or transferred to freezer bags. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
Some additional tips for best results:
- Chill soup rapidly using an ice bath before freezing to retain brightness of vegetables.
- Leave space at the top for expansion and to allow steam to escape when reheating.
- Double wrap glass jars in foil to prevent cracking in the freezer.
- Use freezer-safe packaging like rigid plastic or freezer bags once frozen solid.
How to Thaw and Reheat
Thawing and reheating frozen potato soup is easy, just follow these guidelines:
- Thaw in refrigerator – Transfer frozen container to fridge. Allow soup to thaw slowly over 24-48 hours.
- Thaw in cold water – Submerge sealed container in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- Microwave – Reheat individual portions in microwave, stirring frequently.
- Stovetop – Pour soup into pot and reheat slowly over medium-low heat, stirring often.
- Add any dairy – Stir in milk, cream or cheese after soup has been thawed and reheated.
- Avoid boiling – Reheat gently just until heated through to keep soup from curdling or separating.
The soup may need a little extra seasoning or thickening after thawing. A sprinkle of cheese or croutons can also help revive the texture. Now you can enjoy your favorite potato soup on demand!
Tips for Freezing Other Soups
While potato soup freezes exceptionally well, many other soup varieties can also be frozen successfully. Here are some tips:
| Soup Type | Freezing Tips |
|---|---|
| Chicken Noodle Soup | Cook noodles separately to avoid mushiness. Store broth and noodles separately. |
| Vegetable Soup | Avoid vegetables with high water content. Cook vegetables less time before freezing. |
| Chili | Omit fresh garnishes like sour cream. Add toppings after thawing. |
| Beef Stew | Freeze stew and vegetables separately to avoid mushy veggies. |
| Cream Soups | Freeze broth and cream separately, combine after thawing. |
Following basic guidelines for each soup variety will result in the best flavor and texture retention during freezing. Be sure to label containers clearly and track freeze dates.
Common Freezing Problems and How to Avoid
While potato soup freezes very well overall, there are a few common freezing problems that can occur. Here is how to prevent them:
| Problem | Prevention Tips |
|---|---|
| Watery or separated liquid |
|
| Mushy vegetables |
|
| Curdled dairy |
|
| Unpleasant changes in flavor |
|
Being aware of potential problems and taking steps to avoid them will result in delicious potato soup straight from the freezer.
Recipes for Freezer-Friendly Potato Soups
Here are some tasty and freezable potato soup recipes to try:
Classic Potato Soup
- 4-5 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions, bacon, cheddar for garnish
- Simmer potatoes, onion, garlic in broth until very tender, about 20 minutes.
- Puree soup until smooth. Stir in milk.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish after thawing and reheating.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, baked, peeled and cubed
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- Chives, sour cream for garnish
- Simmer onion in butter. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes.
- Whisk in broth, cook 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in potatoes, bacon, cheese.
- Remove from heat. Cool completely then freeze. Garnish after reheating.
Creamy Potato Leek Soup
- 1 lb potatoes, diced
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Simmer leeks, onions, potatoes, garlic in broth until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Discard bay leaf. Puree soup. Stir in cream.
- Season with thyme, salt and white pepper. Freeze cooled soup.
Get creative with potato soup recipes that suit your tastes. Just follow the basic freezing guidelines and you will have delicious homemade soup ready anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I freeze potato soup with potatoes in it?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to freeze potato soup with the potatoes included. Potatoes freeze well and their texture holds up fine in soups as long as the soup is cooled properly before freezing.
Can potato soup be frozen and reheated?
Absolutely! Potato soup freezes and reheats extremely well. Allow soup to cool completely before freezing. Thaw frozen soup slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently until heated through.
How long does potato soup last in freezer?
Properly frozen potato soup will maintain best quality for 2-3 months in the freezer, although it can technically last up to 6 months. For ideal flavor and texture, use within 2-3 months.
What kind of container is best for freezing soup?
Rigid plastic containers or freezer bags are ideal for freezing soup. Glass jars can crack more easily. Leave headspace and use containers that seal tightly.
Can you freeze soup with dairy in it?
It’s best to avoid freezing soup with added dairy like milk, cream or cheese as the dairy can curdle or separate during freezing. Add those ingredients after thawing and reheating for best results.
Conclusion
Potato soup can be successfully frozen for convenient meals any time when following a few simple guidelines. Allow soup to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container, leaving headspace. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave. Avoid adding dairy before freezing to prevent curdling. Properly frozen and thawed potato soup retains its delicious flavor and hearty texture.
With a variety of potato soup recipes to choose from, you can stock your freezer with this comforting classic to enjoy for months to come. Nothing beats the convenience of homemade soup ready in minutes when you need a hearty, satisfying meal.