Quick Answer: Can You Freeze Clam Chowder?
Yes, you can freeze clam chowder, and it can last well in the freezer for a couple of months. Clam chowder made without dairy or too many spices freezes the best. The key is to freeze them in freezer-safe air-tight containers or Ziploc bags.
Here is the most comprehensive guide on how to freeze and store clam chowder.
These methods and tips have worked like a charm for me.
Here is how it’s done.
Can You Freeze Clam Chowder in a Freezer-Safe Air-Tight Container??
Freezing clam chowder in a freezer-safe air-tight container or Ziploc bag is the best way to go about it.
Materials
- Clam Chowder
- Freezer-Safe Air-Tight Container or Ziploc Bag
Tools
- No special tools needed
Instructions
- Prep and Cool: Make your preferred clam chowder recipe and let it cool down to room temperature.
- Portion and Transfer: Divide the clam chowder into serving measures that you can easily consume in one sitting.
Then spoon them into a freezer-safe air-tight container or Ziploc bag. - Seal: Seal the container or bag after making sure to leave some room at the top.
The space is required to accommodate any expansion when the clam chowder freezes. If you are using a Ziploc bag, make sure to squeeze out all the excess air. - Label and Freeze: Add a label on the container or bag with the best-before date, and you are all set to freeze the clam chowder.
How Long Can You Freeze Clam Chowder?
You can freeze clam chowder for up to 3 months.
But keep in mind that several of the ingredients of clam chowder can change texture if frozen for long.
So, it is best to consume them sooner rather than later.
If you have made the clam chowder with fewer vegetables or if you have made it without heavy cream, you could freeze them for longer than you could freeze clam chowder that is filled with veggies and dairy.
How to Store Frozen Clam Chowder?
You can store frozen clam chowder in any freezer-safe air-tight container or Ziploc bag.
The key is to make sure that it is completely protected, from being exposed to air.
Since clam chowder isn’t a dish that you would freeze in big batches, a freezer-safe container would work just fine.
When storing in a container, make sure to leave at least an inch space at the top to make room for the clam chowder to expand when it freezes.
But if you are pressed for freezer space, you could freeze them in Ziploc bags and lay them down flat on a baking sheet.
Later, when it has frozen solid, you can remove the baking sheet and stack them one on top of the other and save space.
How to Defrost Clam Chowder?
The best way to defrost clam chowder is to take out the portion you need and leaving it in the fridge for 6 to 8 hours or overnight, to let it thaw gradually.
Defrosting the clam chowder slowly can help avoid a drastic change in texture or taste.
Once the clam chowder has defrosted, make sure to give it a good stir before reheating it.
The contents of the clam chowder could have split so, whipping it together can help fix it.
Can You Refreeze Clam Chowder?
Although you can refreeze clam chowder, it is strongly advised not to.
Especially if the clam chowder is made with heavy cream or another dairy, refreezing it would not be safe.
The texture of clam chowder changes when it thaws, and repeated freezing will only make it more unappealing.
It is best not to freeze big batches of clam chowder.
If you want to avoid refreezing clam chowder, the best option is to portion it beforehand into small servings, which you can eat in one go.
Does Clam Chowder Freeze Well?
Technically, yes, clam chowder freezes well. But it is not the best dish to freeze.
Because most of the ingredients that make a clam chowder delicious, like the shellfish, the veggies, and the dairy, don’t do well in the freezer for long.
You could freeze the clam chowder for long by not adding the vegetables or the dairy in it, adding them once you have defrosted the base recipe.
But that might not taste as rich as a traditionally made clam chowder.
That being said, you can freeze all kinds of clam chowder – New England, Manhattan, and Rhode Island – if it’s fresh, and kept air-tight.
FAQ
Yes, you can freeze clam chowder with milk or cream in it and it can last in the freezer for a couple of months. But keep in mind that the texture of the clam chowder can change the longer it stays in the freezer.
Though it is safe to eat, it might not be as appealing. So, it is best consumed fresh.
Yes, you can freeze clam chowder in a can, but you have to transfer it into another container.
If it is a sealed can, it can rupture when the clam chowder expands and leak out. If it is an unopened can, it will be exposed to air and can spoil.
So, it is best to transfer it into an air-tight freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag before freezing.
Bottom Line
I hope these tips and tricks helped you freeze and store clam chowder.
If you have any doubts or would like to share freezing tips of your own, you can always write to us.
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