Freezing Chili?

[Jaycey'smom]

I made chili today and have WAY to much. I was thinking of freezing it but have no idea how. Do I put it in a bowl w/lid or a ziplock bag? I am lost please tell me how to freeze this stuff!! TIA

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

I would think you can freeze it in anything that is air-tight. I usually use the Ziploc containers with screw on blue lids (off brand works as well) just for an easy secure seal. The pop on lid containers will shatter if dropped when taken out of the freezer. Yes I speak from experience.

 

[Disney Doll]

I put it into quart size ziploc bags, flatten them out and freeze them that way. They are then "stackable" in the freezer so they take up less room and a quart size ziploc is about one serving of chili, so if I want to do a quickie meal, I microwave it right in the ziploc, pour it into a bowl and voila!!!!!!!! Dinner.

 

[clh2]

I also freeze chili in the quart - freezer bags. We freeze enough in 1 bag for 1 dinner.

 

[mjantz]

I usually use a container but if space were an issue I'd use freezer bags. In my experience chili freezes well.

 

[Jaycey'smom]

Thanks so much!! Now should I put the chili in the fridge over night then put it in the bags? Or just let it cool a bit then put it in? Sorry this is my first time and do not want chili all over my freezer or bad chili.

 

[LOLCAT]

Just let it cool a bit so it doesn't melt the bag

 

[emurray]

I have frozen chili in both plastic containers and Ziploc bags. Since I have stopped microwaving in plastic, I always use bags then run them under water to thaw the chili enough to get it into a microwave safe bowl.

 

[bdcp]

Do not microwave in ziploc bags. They are not made of a plastic that can withstand the heat. My dad is a chemist and he said never, ever microwave in plastic not made for the microwave (even then, be careful not to get it too hot) because chemicals are released from plastic when they are heated and it can be dangerous. I freeze it in ziploc or other containers and reheat it on the stovetop or in a GLASS/PYREX bowl in the microwave.

 

[Jaycey'smom]

Thanks so much!!!! I froze 3 bags I hope it lasts!!

 

[sherry7]

I always make a double or triple batch of chili, just so I have enough to freeze. I usually put mine in a generic tupperware container. A freezer bag would work too.

I let mine completely chill in the fridge before I put it in the freezer...that helps keep it from getting freezer burned.

And I just figured out what we're having for dinner tomorrow! Frozen chili from the freezer.