And whether you’re storing leftovers or honing your meal-prep skills, freezing soup is one of the best ways to avoid waste and secure a healthy, readily available dish. It’s equally important to “choose container sizes that fit your lifestyle,” says Maggie Moon, M.S., R.D., author The MIND Diet. “If you’re one person, reheating from a container that includes one to two servings makes more sense than having to reheat six servings to get one meal.” Another helpful tip to consider is to let your soup cool down thoroughly before transferring it into your favorite freezer container. Freezer-specific plastic bags are also an option—and a better one over conventional sandwich baggies. These are made of thicker and sturdier plastic, which prevents them from leaking or becoming brittle. Because liquids expand as they chill, make sure to leave 1 to 2 inches of space at the top of the bag (which applies to almost any soup-friendly container you choose). Buying high-quality freezer bags from a reliable brand you trust is always a good bet. A quick tip: If you’re on a mission to prevent freezer burn, aim to press out as much air as possible from your zip-top freezer bags (although certainly not necessary, a vacuum sealer might come in handy). Then, freeze your bags flat or store them upright like books to maximize freezer space. Why do we love this method? It allows you to distribute and store almost any soup into contained serving sizes. One tip to keep in mind: When you’re ready to reheat your frozen soup, set the tins in a tray filled with warm water to help the portions pop out. Mason jars are a durable, inexpensive glass favorite that make for a lovely storage solution (wide-mouth options work especially well). Their tight lids mean you can minimize freezer burn without worrying about leaks. Just be sure to let your soup cool down to room temperature before freezing, to avoid glass fractures down the road. And if you’re worried about spilling soup all over the counter in the pot-to-jar transition, a funnel might be useful. Glass jars are also one of the few microwave-safe options. That said, remember to remove the metal lid before zapping your Mason jar. Soup is a health-supporting powerhouse that’s easy to cook, eat, and, yes, freeze! Ingredients, flavors, textures, ratios, cooking techniques, storage methods—the sky is the limit when it comes to soup. Its wide variety and versatility make it an unmatchable freezer food. A quick tip: Label your freezer-safe containers with both the date and name, to help you keep track of your frozen meals.
