Baked beans are a staple in American cuisine. Camping trips and 4th of July gatherings wouldn’t be the same without this scrumptious side. Traditional canned baked beans typically have a long shelf life. So, you don’t have to worry about your beans going bad. But if you’re reading this article, you’ve found yourself in a predicament where you’ve cooked too many baked beans and can’t finish them all. What happens with the leftovers? Can you freeze baked beans?
Can You Freeze Baked Beans? Money-Saving Tricks
You don’t want to waste food, but leftovers can only last a few days in the refrigerator before going bad. So, what options do you have? Many people are concerned that freezing foods that have already been heated, such as baked beans, will lose their taste once thawed and reheated. This article will tell you everything you need to know about freezing baked beans, easy-to-follow reheating instructions, and tips and tricks for maintaining freshness.
Can You Freeze Baked Beans?
The surprisingly simple answer to this question is yes! You can easily freeze baked beans. If the baked beans are in an unopened can, they can simply be stored in your pantry until you’re ready to eat them. Just make sure you check the expiration date!
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If you’ve already opened the can and exposed the beans to air, or you’ve made homemade baked beans from scratch, then the leftovers must be stored in a sealed container in either the refrigerator or the freezer. Refrigerated baked beans can only be stored for a few days, so if you don’t intend to eat them soon, it’s best to store the leftovers in the freezer.
How Do You Store Baked Beans in the Freezer?
First, make sure you let the baked beans cool down completely to room temperature. Then, choose a container or several containers that can fit your leftover baked beans. Make sure you choose an airtight container, such as a bowl with a lid or a sealable bag. After you add the baked beans to the container, try to remove as much air as possible. This step will guarantee that your baked beans will remain fresh once thawed and reheated. If you want to go a step further, try adding extra sauce to your container. This will protect your baked beans from freezer burn and provide added freshness when you go to reheat.
Canned baked beans can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. Homemade baked beans usually have a shorter shelf life and should be eaten within 3-4 months. Occasionally check your frozen baked beans to ensure they aren’t freezer burned.
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How Do You Reheat Frozen Baked Beans?
Reheating frozen baked beans is surprisingly simple. The first thing you need to do is defrost the baked beans. There are several options for defrosting frozen baked beans. The most straightforward option is to thaw your beans in the fridge. This way, you can place the baked beans in the fridge and walk away without any other steps.
However, if you’re short on time you can choose to defrost your baked beans in either the microwave or over the stove. If you’re using the microwave, make sure you place a loose cover over the container and stir the beans every 20-30 seconds to ensure that the beans are cooked evenly. If you choose to use the stove, place the beans in a pan and heat slowly over low heat while stirring occasionally.
Once the beans have been defrosted, you can reheat the beans using a microwave or a stove. You can use the same methods that were mentioned above for defrosting.
Tips and Tricks for Reheating Frozen Baked Beans.
Now that we’ve answered the main questions about freezing baked beans, it’s time to talk about the secrets behind freezing and reheating baked beans.
- Never Freeze Uncooked Backed Beans
- Let the Beans Cool Completely Before Freezing
- Label The Container
- Get Creative With Your Baked Beans Recipes
Never Freeze Uncooked Baked Beans
Freezing baked beans is okay, but freezing uncooked beans is never a good idea. Frozen uncooked beans will not be able to be cooked normally once completely unthawed, so it’s best to stick to only freezing beans that have already been cooked.
Let The Beans Cool Completely Before Freezing
You might be in a rush to put away any leftover baked beans, but this step is extremely important. If you place baked beans in the freezer while they’re still hot, the heat could cause the container to expand and crack. In order to avoid damaging your container or the baked beans, always let your leftovers cool down completely before placing them in the freezer.
Label The Container
This is a tip that is often overlooked. Place a label on your container of baked beans that includes the date the leftovers were frozen. If you don’t do this, you will most likely forget how long the baked beans have been in the freezer, and you run the risk of eating spoiled beans.
Get Creative With Your Baked Beans Recipes
Baked beans can be used as more than a side dish. Try adding your reheated baked beans on a loaded baked potato, or liven up your hot dogs with a heaping topping of baked beans.
Conclusion
Baked beans are an easy side dish that can make a delicious addition to any meal. Additionally, many people love to make large batches of their favorite food to save time and energy. Baked beans are cost-effective and easy to cook, making them an obvious food choice for anyone on a budget. Baked beans are also filled with beneficial nutrients and are high in protein and fibers.
Freezing and reheating baked beans has never been easier. Not only can you freeze traditional canned baked beans that are mixed with meat, but you can also freeze canned vegetarian baked beans. No matter your preference for homemade baked beans versus canned baked beans, you’ll always be able to cook as many beans as you want without the worry of leftover waste.
The key to freezing and reheating baked beans is being imaginative. Don’t be afraid to reuse your frozen baked beans in new recipes, you might be surprised at the possibilities!
