One day, you have way too much leftover frittata to finish within a couple of days. Naturally, you’re wondering if freezing frittata can lengthen its shelf life.
Perhaps, frittata is one of your family favorites. However, preparation and cooking always take time. So, you’re considering to double or triple the recipe and freeze for later. But, how long can you freeze frittata?
Don’t worry, we got you covered! In this article, we walk you through the nitty-gritty of freezing frittata. If this is what you’re looking for, keep reading!
How To Freeze Frittata
Frittata is an egg-based dish, typically prepared with vegetables, cheese, and whatever ingredients you love, such as mushrooms, ham, or bacon. This Italian omelet is almost similar to crustless quiche.
Whether having leftovers or baking in larger quantities for later, you can always freeze frittata for future serving.
The latter is an option if you’d like a quick filling and nutritious breakfast. This way, you’ll have a meal ready in no time! Please keep in mind that the freshness and type of ingredients also determine how the frozen version turns out.
Some vegetables do not hold their texture and flavor during freezing. If you plan to freeze frittata, you may want to avoid certain vegetables such as asparagus and leafy green vegetables.
Just like other prepared dishes, freezing frittata is easy and a no-brainer. Here is our step-to-step guide to freezing frittata successfully!
1. Prepare frittata as usual according to your favorite recipes.
2. Cool down quickly before freezing for 10 to 30 minutes. Skip this step if you are freezing leftovers.
3. Divide frittata into individual portions. This step is optional but makes it easier for thawing and serving. You can also freeze mini frittata as is.
4. Pack frittata in a freezer-safe container or bags.
5. Squeeze as much air as possible from the freezer bag and seal it tightly.
6. Mark the package with a freezing date and place it in the freezer for long term storage.
The key to storing frozen foods is to keep them at 0 °F (−18 °C) or lower. Thus, make sure to check your freezer’s temperature and set it to 0 °F.
How Do You Defrost and Reheat Frozen Frittata?
Frozen frittata is incredibly easy to handle. The safest method to defrost frozen frittata is by placing it in the refrigerator. If you have leftovers, you can safely put it back into the freezer.
Please note that refrigerator thawing takes time, particularly for large quantities. Make sure to place frozen frittata overnight to have it ready the next day.
After the frittata is completely thawed, the next step is reheating. Frozen frittata needs to be fully thawed before reheating. Otherwise, the excess moisture will make it wet and soggy.
You can quickly reheat frittata in the oven at 275 to 350 °F for 20 to 30 minutes or until it is steaming hot.
If you’re in a hurry, reheating in the microwave is also an option. Please note that reheating in the microwave might make your frittata a little soggy.
How Long Can You Refrigerate and Freeze Frittata?
You can treat frittata similarly to other prepared dishes. If you’d like to keep it in the fridge, the general rule is to keep it for a maximum of three to four days.
Make sure to keep it in a sealed, airtight container. For long term storage, freezing is your best option.
With adequate preparation and freezing, frittata preserves its texture and taste for up to 1 to 3 months. Beyond this timeframe, this Italian omelet is likely safe to eat with a decrease in flavor or texture.
Keep in mind that the quality after freezing and reheating also depends on the ingredients, such as the freshness of the eggs and types of vegetables.
FAQs
Can you freeze egg-based dishes?
It depends on the dish. Some egg dishes freeze well while others don’t. For example, frittata and omelet freeze pretty well. Hard-boiled eggs tend to become rubbery and chewy after thawing and reheating.
Can you freeze frittata for babies?
Yes. A frittata is highly nutritious from the eggs and vegetables. However, if you want to serve it for babies, you may want to adjust the recipes, such as reducing the salt.
Can frittata sit out overnight?
No, you shouldn’t leave frittata on your kitchen counter or at room temperature overnight. Frittata is typically prepared with eggs, vegetables and often added with meat or other perishable foods. According to the USDA, perishable foods should be kept refrigerated or can sit out at room temperature for a maximum of two hours to prevent bacterial contamination.
Summary
Frittata is delicious, quick to prepare, and a freezer-friendly dish. Whether having leftovers or planning to make larger quantities for future serving, you can freeze frittata successfully for up to 1 to 3 months.
Cooldown frittata rapidly and pack into freezer-safe bags or containers. When it’s time to serve, defrost frozen frittata in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven. That’s about it. A quick filling meal is ready on the table!
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
