Freezing fresh patties allows you to have burgers, meatballs, and other foods readily available for quick and easy meals. When frozen properly, patties maintain their texture and flavor for 3-6 months. Freezing works well for beef, turkey, chicken, pork, veggie and other kinds of patties. With some simple preparation and the right storage methods, you can freeze patties for future use.
Should You Freeze Patties?
Freezing patties has several advantages:
- Saves money by buying in bulk when on sale and freezing extras
- Saves time by having patties readily available to thaw and cook
- Allows you to prepare batches of patties ahead of time
- Lets you pull just what you need from the freezer
- Reduces food waste since patties last for months in the freezer
The main disadvantage is that frozen patties will never taste quite as fresh and moist as just prepared ones. However, with proper freezing methods, you can get very close.
Overall, for convenience and budget-friendly meal planning, freezing patties is recommended.
What You Need
- Patties – formed into individual portions, ready to cook
- Wax paper
- Freezer bags
- Permanent marker
- Large baking sheet
- Freezer space
You can freeze both uncooked and pre-cooked patties, depending on your preference. Make sure patties are fresh and of high quality before freezing.
Freezing Raw Patties
Follow these steps to successfully freeze uncooked patties:
- Form patties to desired size and shape. Beef patties are commonly 4 ounces each and 3⁄4 to 1 inch thick. Season patties at this point if desired.
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Place patties in a single layer on the baking sheet without touching.
- Freeze patties on baking sheet until completely firm, about 1-2 hours. Transfer frozen patties to freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal bags tightly. Label bags with type and number of patties and freeze date.
- For best quality, use frozen raw patties within 3-4 months.
Freezing patties individually on a baking sheet prevents them from freezing together in a block. Once frozen solid, they can be stored together in bags.
Freezing Cooked Patties
Pre-cooked patties take a bit more preparation:
- Form patties to desired size and shape. Season with desired herbs and spices.
- Cook patties using preferred method – pan-frying, grilling, broiling etc. Cook until just done, but not overcooked.
- Cool cooked patties completely on a baking sheet.
- Place cooled patties between sheets of wax paper on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer frozen patties to freezer bags, removing air. Label and freeze.
- For best quality, use frozen cooked patties within 2-3 months.
The key is cooling patties completely before freezing. This prevents moisture loss and texture changes.
Thawing Frozen Patties
To thaw frozen patties:
- Place frozen patties in refrigerator overnight. This is the safest thawing method.
- Microwave individual patties on defrost setting. Cook immediately.
- Set patties on counter for 30-60 minutes until thawed. Cook promptly.
- Place frozen patties directly on grill or in skillet. Cook thoroughly until done.
Avoid thawing at room temperature for more than an hour, as this allows bacterial growth. Cook thawed patties right away and do not refreeze.
Helpful Freezing Tips
- Double wrap patties in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Portion patties for meals – bags with 4 burgers, 6 meatballs etc.
- Place pieces of wax paper between patties when freezing together.
- Flatten patties before freezing to save space.
- Label bags clearly with contents and freeze date.
- Use oldest frozen items first based on freeze dates.
Proper freezing and thawing ensures patties retain moisture, texture and flavor. With some planning, you can enjoy quick weeknight dinners using your frozen patties stash.
Freezing Veggie & Plant-Based Patties
Veggie and plant-based patties freeze exceptionally well. Follow the same freezing methods as for beef patties:
- Raw: Freeze individual patties on a baking sheet before transferring to bags.
- Cooked: Cool completely before wrapping in wax paper and freezing. Store in bags.
Some tips for veggie/plant patties:
- Double wrap very moisture-dense patties.
- Flatten before freezing to save space.
- Can freeze uncooked up to 2 months; cooked up to 1 month for best quality.
With the growing popularity of plant-based diets, having frozen veggie patties makes healthful, meatless meals a snap.
Storing Other Frozen Meats
In addition to patties, you can freeze:
Beef
| Beef Cut | Freeze Time |
|---|---|
| Steaks | 6-12 months |
| Roasts | 6-12 months |
| Ground beef | 3-4 months |
- Divide meat into meal-sized portions.
- Wrap tightly in freezer paper or bags.
- Press air out before sealing.
- Label with cut, amount and date.
Chicken
| Chicken Type | Freeze Time |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 12 months |
| Parts/boneless | 9 months |
| Ground | 3-4 months |
- Wrap pieces individually in freezer bags or paper.
- Flatten to remove air and maximize space.
- Do not refreeze previously frozen raw chicken.
Pork
| Pork Cut | Freeze Time |
|---|---|
| Chops | 4-6 months |
| Roasts | 4-12 months |
| Bacon | 1 month |
- Wrap in freezer paper or bags.
- Divide roasts into meal sizes before freezing.
- Keep raw meats separate from other foods.
Follow safe thawing and food handling practices with all frozen meats.
Freezing Patties Troubleshooting
Problem: Patties are stuck together
- Solution: Place wax paper between patties when freezing.
Problem: Patties lose juiciness and texture
- Solution: Use freezer bags instead of paper to prevent freezer burn.
- Solution: Do not refreeze previously frozen patties.
Problem: Unpleasant flavor and dry patties
- Solution: Label bags with freeze date and use within recommended times.
Problem: Uncooked patties turn brown in freezer
- Solution: Use freezer bags and remove air before sealing.
- Solution: Freeze raw patties right after forming.
Conclusion
Freezing is an easy, economical way to preserve patties for future use. With proper preparation, storage and handling, frozen patties retain quality and taste for months. Label bags clearly and follow food safety guidelines. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before cooking frozen patties. Enjoy convenient, fast meals using your frozen patties stash.