Most of us are always on the go and having leftovers in the fridge can be a lifesaver! A quick reheating and you're off to your next activity. Eating leftover soup is an excellent way to minimize food waste and helps you save time that is why learning how to store leftovers properly would be very beneficial to your kitchen routine.
While everyone at Anderson House has their own preferences and practices for storing leftover soup, we must look at theUSDA Food Safety and Inspection Service's recommendation. According to the USDA, it is important to keep leftovers out of the "danger zone" - a temperature range between 40°F and 140°F which is an optimal environment for bacterial growth. So, to ensure safe storage of your leftovers, makesure to pack them within two hours of cooking or after it is removed from a warming appliance.
Storing leftover creamy soups such asBroccoli Cheddar,Creamy Cauliflower,Tomato Basil,Corn Chowder, andLoaded Potato can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques, you can keep them fresh and tasty for longer.
We let the soup cool down to room temperature before putting it in the fridge for a maximum of three days. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can make the soup watery and affect its flavor.
It's essential to note that soups that contain milk or cream don't generally hold up well in the freezer. They tend to take on a grainy texture and separate when defrosted and reheated. To avoid this we suggest dividing the soup before adding the cream and freezing the portion that you won't be consuming immediately. Add the cream to the frozen portion when you defrost and reheat the soup.
We label and date the containers so that we can easily identify what's inside and when it was made. This will help keep track of what needs to be consumed first.
If you have a leftover soup that doesn't contain creams, likeTortilla soup,Chicken Noodle,Chicken Stew,White Bean Chili,Vegetable Soup, and more, there are several ways to store it properly.
As previously mentioned, we let the soup cool down before storing it. Doing so will prevent the appliance's (or portable cooler’s) internal temperature from rising to unsafe levels, which can put other perishable items stored inside at risk.
Use airtight containers to store the soup like tupperware or quart-size ziplock bags. It will prevent any bacteria or odors from seeping into the soup and makes it easy to defrost also.
Practice writing labels on the container with the date you stored it and keep track of how long it has been in the fridge or freezer.
If you have a container of soup sitting in the fridge for a few days without any date labels, you might be wondering whether it's still safe to eat. Here are some ways to tell if your leftover soup has gone bad:
- Check the smell: If the soup smells sour or has an off-putting odor, it's a sign that bacteria has started to grow and it's no longer safe to eat.
- Look for mold: If you see any mold growing on the surface of the soup, it's definitely time to throw it out.
- Check the texture: If the soup has become slimy or has a strange texture, it's a sign that it's gone bad.
- Taste a small amount: If you're still not sure, you can taste a small amount of the soup. If it tastes off or has a strange flavor, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety. If you're ever in doubt about whether a food is still safe to eat, it's best to throw it out and avoid any potential risks to your health.
FAQs
Leftovers. Discard any food left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature was above 90 °F). Place food into shallow containers and immediately put in the refrigerator or freezer for rapid cooling. Use most cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
How to properly store leftover soup? ›
We let the soup cool down to room temperature before putting it in the fridge for a maximum of three days. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can make the soup watery and affect its flavor. It's essential to note that soups that contain milk or cream don't generally hold up well in the freezer.
What condition should containers for soup storage be when storing soups? ›
Refrigerate your soup uncovered until it reaches 40 °F (4 °C). Pour your partially cooled soup into a sturdy, airtight storage container, leaving the lid off. Store it towards the top of the refrigerator, so it can cool off more quickly.
What are the FDA guidelines for leftover food? ›
Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.
What are the hygiene and safety factors to consider when storing soups? ›
Storing cooked food safely
- Put hot food into shallow dishes or separate into smaller portions to help cool the food as quickly as possible.
- Don't put very hot food into the refrigerator. Wait until steam has stopped rising from the food before putting it in the fridge.
When refrigerated, soup that contains vegetables or meat will stay good for 3–4 days. If you're freezing soup containing vegetables or meat, you can expect that to last for 2–3 months in the freezer.
Can you leave cooked soup out overnight? ›
Food should not be at room temperature for more than two hours. Shallow containers or small amounts of hot food can be placed directly in the refrigerator or rapidly chilled in an ice or cold water bath before refrigerating.
What is the best container to store soup? ›
Go for glass or something reusable like silicone. Do you need an affordable and easy-to-store option? Plastic deli-style containers are a great choice available in a variety of sizes. Plastic, glass, and silicone are all suitable for freezing soup, though glass and silicone will likely last longer.
Can I eat soup that has been in the fridge for a week? ›
For best safety and quality, plan to eat refrigerated soup within 3 to 4 days or freeze it. And avoid letting soup set at room temperature for more than TWO hours.
Is it better to freeze soup in a bag or container? ›
The best way to freeze soup is by letting it cool in an ice bath. Next, pour it into a zip-top plastic freezer bag and lay it flat in the freezer.
If kept frozen continuously, it will be safe indefinitely. Chicken may be frozen in its original packaging or repackaged. If freezing longer than two months, over wrap the porous store plastic packages with airtight heavy-duty foil, plastic wrap or freezer paper, or place the package inside a freezer bag.
Can I eat 5 day old leftovers? ›
Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away. Frozen leftovers will stay safe for a long time.
What are the two rules about refrigerating leftovers? ›
If foods have been left out for more than two hours, discard items to prevent foodborne illness. Exception to the two-hour rule, if the food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F (32°C) (like a hot car or summer picnic), refrigerate it within 1 hour.
How to store leftover soup? ›
The simplest way to store soups and stews (if you're planning to use them within a few days) is in the fridge. Refrigerating soups and stews is mostly a matter of transferring it to some sort of container with a tight-fitting lid and getting it into the fridge within two hours.
How to know soup has gone bad? ›
Spoiled soups--especially those containing meat, poultry or seafood--will smell and taste foul. The broth or sauce may appear slimy. Spoiled soup also may appear moldy.
How long to boil leftover soup? ›
You can then reheat it in a saucepan on the stove, or in a bowl in the microwave. Soup should not be reheated more than once, so only heat up as much soup as you will eat each time. When reheating broths or clear soups, bring them to the boil for three minutes.
Should you refrigerate soup after cooking? ›
Many soups, with the possible exception of seafood soups, may taste better the next day! For best safety and quality, plan to eat refrigerated soup within 3 to 4 days or freeze it. And avoid letting soup set at room temperature for more than TWO hours. Don't put a large pot of hot soup directly into your refrigerator.
How do you cool and store homemade soup? ›
To cool down a pot of soup or stock, place the pot in a sink filled with ice water and let it stand. Stir the soup occasionally until tepid. Another method for cooling hot soups is to pour the soup into small containers and let it cool for 30 minutes. Then refrigerate or freeze as desired.
How long can leftover soup be held for? ›
How to make leftover food last longer
| Category | Food | Refrigerator (40 °F or below) |
|---|
| Soups & Stews | Vegetable or meat added | 3 to 4 days |
| Leftovers | Cooked meat or poultry | 3 to 4 days |
| Chicken nuggets or patties | 3 to 4 days |
| Pizza | 3 to 4 days |
13 more rowsRefrigerating & Reheating Soup
Store soup in shallow containers for rapid cooling. Cover and refrigerate soups for up to 3 days. Soups made with fish or shellfish should be refrigerated no longer than 1 day. Heat broth-based soups over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot; or reheat in the microwave.
