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
Leftover soups are good for 3 to 4 days at 40F or below. Day 3 or 4, reheat soup and anything leftover - freeze. If soup in freeze bag not enough for a meal, add to it to make a meal. Whatever is left, is then thrown away.
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.
At what temperature should all soups be stored? ›
Once cooled to 70°F, by using one of the above rapidly cooling options, you can place the container of soup in the refrigerator. Place on the top shelf. Leave uncovered until cooled to 40°F. Consume or freeze leftovers within 4 days of preparation.
Can you freeze leftover soup? ›
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.
How long can leftover soup sit out? ›
The best plan is to put leftovers in the refrigerator right after your meal. Food that is sitting out for a party or picnic should be chilled after two hours at typical room temperature. If it's above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) or more, food should not sit out for more than one hour.
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.
Can I leave hot soup out overnight to cool? ›
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.
How long do leftovers last? According to the FDA Food Code, all perishable foods that are opened or prepared should be thrown out after 7 days, maximum. No leftovers should survive in your fridge for longer than that. Some foods should be even be thrown away before the 7 day mark.
Is 2 year old frozen chicken still good? ›
A raw whole chicken can be kept in your freezer for up to a year. Raw chicken parts can be kept in your freezer for up to nine months. Raw ground chicken or giblets can be kept in your freezer for three to four months.
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.
Can you boil bacteria out of soup? ›
To be completely safe, you'll have to boil the soup vigorously for 10 minutes. Doing this will not only kill off any active bacteria, it will also inactivate -- but not destroy -- botulinum spores.
What temperature should soup be held at Servsafe? ›
Risk minimizing procedures should include: covers/lids and sneeze guards, holding hot foods at 135°F or higher and cold foods at 41°F or lower, and checking food temperatures at least every 2 hours (to leave time for corrective action) with the proper thermometer inserted into the food.
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 long can I keep homemade soup in the fridge? ›
A general rule of thumb is that soup can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days, but you should always taste your dish before deciding to reheat. A clear, vegetable-based soup with some acidity, such as tomatoes, may last longer. Chicken soup usually lasts three to five days.
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 |
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