How long does mac and cheese last in the fridge? If you have leftovers of this ultimate comfort food and you are wondering whether to toss or eat.. read on for tips about how long this food lasts and everything else you need to know!
Original post: October 2021 | Updated: November 2022
How Long Does Mac and Cheese Last In The Fridge
Store leftover mac and cheese in a sealed airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days for best quality. If you wish to store for longer periods, toss it into the freezer.
How To Freeze Macaroni and Cheese
Transfer cooled macaroni and cheese to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 4 months for best results and to avoid freezer burn. Frozen mac should thaw in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours before heating and serving.
How To Reheat Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese leftovers are inevitable since most recipes make huge batches. Learn how to reheat mac and cheese while retaining moisture and flavor!
What To Serve With Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a comfort food favorite! But what goes with it?! This roundup provides 16 delicious ideas about recipes to serve with mac and cheese to create a complete, satisfying meal!
Substitute For Milk in Mac and Cheese
Whether you are looking for a different flavor in your next creamy pasta dish or you just don’t have milk on hand, learn what to substitute for milk in mac and cheese! Choose from a handful of different ways to sub out milk!
Extend Shelf Life of Macaroni and Cheese
- Freeze it! Macaroni and cheese freezes well. For best results, double up a plastic freezer bag if using ziploc storage, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze mac for up to 4 months. Before reheating, allow the container to sit in the fridge overnight so it has a chance to thaw completely.
- Refrigerate it! Allow cooked mac and cheese to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container or cover baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Another option is to scoop the mixture into a resealable ziploc bag, ensuring that as much air is pushed out of the bag as possible before sealing. Store mac & cheese in the fridge for no more than 4 days.
- Keep at the same temp! Moisture can collect inside the container when temperature change occurs. Keep the temp of the container as consistent as possible to avoid early spoilage and entering that danger zone.
- Go glass! Use food storage containers made of glass vs plastic! This type of storage container is a great way to keep cooked macaroni and cheese as fresh as possible.
- Avoid cross contamination! Use clean utensils when scooping this dish onto serving plates in order to avoid cross-contamination and bacteria growth.
Does Unopened Boxed Pasta Go Bad
Store-bought mac (such as Kraft macaroni and cheese from the grocery store) has a very long shelf life and can last months past the date printed on the box. Store in a dry place such as a pantry out of direct sunlight and in its original packaging.
Elbow macaroni noodles are a shelf-stable food that can sit in your pantry until the best-by date has been reached.
Cheese Options For This Dish
- Sharp cheddar cheese or any variety of cheddar cheeses
- Parmesan cheese
- Velveeta or other cheese products
- American
- Mozzarella
- White cheddar
- Pecorino cheese
- Monterey jack
- Pepper jack
- Colby jack
- Gruyere cheese
- Cream cheese
Pasta Toppings
Any cheesy dish full of pasta will taste even better when topped with any of the following:
- Hot sauce
- Extra shredded cheese, any variety
- A scoop of chili
- Hot dog slices
- Cubed ham
- Chopped bacon
- Ground beef or taco meat
- Chives or fresh parsley
- Paprika
- Spoonful of tangy coleslaw
- Pulled pork
- Barbecue sauce
- Tomato sauce
- Black pepper
Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipes
- Easy Mac and Cheese in the slow cooker is creamy and cheesy and just plain delicious. This comfort food comes together quickly and easily for dinner tonight.
- Looking for a new way to enjoy this delicious family meal? Make these baked mac and cheese bites in a muffin tin for a fun and perfect finger food to serve to kids and adults.
- Instant Pot mac n cheese is a holiday meal dream come true! Done in 20 minutes, this side or main dish cooks absolutely perfectly every single time!
- Baked homemade macaroni cooks perfectly every time with the perfect amount of creamy cheese and with that crispy top. Great as a holiday side or weekday main dish. Kids and adults alike will devour it!
- Add pumpkin to your next batch of mac and cheese so it’s more delicious and more creamy. This creamy mac and cheese with pumpkin is 100% kid-friendly and done in 30 minutes!
- This chili mac recipe is the perfect marriage of two of the most comforting comfort foods of all time. Delicious way to use up leftover chili!
Macaroni and Cheese Recipes for Thanksgiving – 13 Delicious Ideas!
Mac and cheese is a Thanksgiving staple! Read on for some scrumptious macaroni and cheese recipes for Thanksgiving that you can make this year! You’ll find a ton of options to choose from in this roundup.
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