If you’re left with a half-empty can of Heinz baked beans, or if your canned baked beans are nearing their printed date, you may be wondering: Can baked beans be frozen?
Can Baked Beans Be Frozen?
You can freeze baked beans or homemade baked beans for up to six months, but you’ll need to portion them into airtight containers before doing so. Do not attempt to freeze a tin of baked beans; it will not work as intended.
If you have leftover baked beans and don’t plan on eating them anytime soon, then freezing them is the best option. This process can come in handy down the line. If you haven’t frozen baked beans before, read on for more information.
How to Freeze Baked Beans?
Although it may seem like common knowledge, you should never freeze sealed and unopened tinned goods—such as baked beans. If kept in a cupboard, these cans can last for months or even years due to the preservation from the canning process. However, there are times when you only end up eating half of what’s inside the tin. That’s when freezing comes into play:
- Take your leftover beans with sauce and place it into a freezer-safe container, but refrain from filling the container to the brim. The sauce will expand when frozen, so giving it some room is ideal.
- Seal: Make sure the lid is on tight so seal it with the lid. If you’re not confident that it’s airtight, then wraps the container in clingfilm.
- If you want to store this product in the freezer, put a clear label with the date on the container and then place it in the freezer.
As you can see, there’s no complicated method or multiple stages of freezing. You really have no excuses for wasting leftover baked beans now!
Can You Freeze Cooked Baked Beans?
Freezing cooked baked beans would not be a good idea as it will affect the texture of the beans. You may end up with gloppy or mushy baked beans, which is probably not what you want!
Tips for Freezing Baked Beans
Now that you know how to reheat baked beans once they have been frozen, we suggest strongly following our 2 top tips for the best results:
Never Freeze in the Tin
Freezing in the tin or canned beans can cause freezer burn, so instead freeze your baked beans in airtight containers.
Avoid the need for freezing in the First Place
Because baked beans have a lengthy shelf life, it’s ideal if you can keep them from freezing at all. If you find that you only ever eat half a can, then buy mini cans in the future to avoid always reheating baked beans.
How Long Can You Freeze Baked Beans for?
You can preserve baked beans in the freezer for half a year, as long as you mark the freezing date on the container. Keep in mind that an unopened tin of baked beans will last much longer–months or even years–in your cupboard, so there’s no need to freeze them unless you do not plan on using them within a few days after opening.
How Long Do Baked Beans Last in the Fridge?
For the best flavor and quality, use opened baked beans within 2 days. Keep them in a covered dish in your refrigerator.
Do Baked Beans Freeze Well?
Some people find that frozen beans can become mushy, and as a result, may not enjoy the texture once they are thawed. However, this is still better than wasting them entirely. If you take care when freezing your beans, you can extend their shelf life and save money in the long run.
Now that you know how to freeze one breakfast staple item, why not explore other options? For example, consider freezing bacon or black pudding instead?
How Do You Defrost Baked Beans?
If you plan on eating the beans as part of a meal, such as on a jacket potato or toast, then you’ll want to fully defrost them before cooking. To thaw them out slowly and safely overnight, simply place them in the fridge.
You can cook them however you’d like. If you’re looking to add them into a stew or casserole, then it’s good news- they can be cooked straight from frozen. Just remove the container from the freezer and tip the beans into the pan. If they seem stuck, place the container in the microwave for a 30 second burst before adding them to your dish.
Can You Refreeze Baked Beans?
Doing this will drastically change the texture of the beans and you’ll be left with mushy, instead of firm results.
Can Baked Beans Be Frozen? – Bottom Line
Freezing cooked or uncooked baked beans is possible, but might not always result in a desirable texture once thawed. It’s best to avoid freezing them if possible and opting for mini cans instead. If you do decide to freeze them, follow our tips and be sure to only defrost and eat within half a year from the freezing date.
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