freeze defrost rules with ease storage tips at room temperature submerge in cold water or defrost in the microwave depending on how quickly you need to thaw your food food once it has been should never place an uncooked item back in the freezer after thawing • divide leftovers among individual containers and freeze for containers are a budget-friendly option for freezer storage! label everything with the date and type of food so you know what it is and when to use it by • wrap meat and seafood in plastic wrap for a tight seal marinade before freezing freeze produce in a single layer on a sheet pan before adding to containers so it doesn't freeze together beat the burn completely in the refrigerator before adding to the freezer flatten and release air from freezer bags and make sure your bag or container is tightly sealed! to freeze or not to freeze? how lo these foods do not fare as well as others in the freezer • gravies and creamy sauces fruits and vegetables with high • fully cooked pasta • dairy products such as yogurt soft cheeses and sour cream • raw and hard-boiled eggs • anything carbonated • soft herbs like cilantro and basil bacon and sausage casseroles egg whites or egg substitutes up to 12 months frozen dinners and entrées soups and stews lunch meats up to 12 months up to 12 months beef and pork uncooked ground beef and pork cooked whole parts produce simply schnucks on a budget