Ziti is a unique-shaped hollow tube-like pasta that is mainly used as a topping on a baked casserole. When combined with baked casserole, it becomes incredibly delicious. It can also be cooked like pasta and eaten alone. However, it is nothing compared to the taste of where it belongs (casserole). It is common to have baked too much ziti. We don’t want to waste them by throwing them in the trash. How can you preserve them then? Can you freeze ziti to store them? Is it a proper way to preserve them for later use? We are going to see that in this article.
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Can Ziti Be Frozen?
Yes, ziti can be frozen in order to preserve them. It is quite an efficient way to store them for later use. If you are trying ziti with a baked casserole for the first time, the chances are that you will cook excessive ziti.
Or if you want ziti for your weekend meal but you will be in a hurry on that day or will have important prior engagements, you can bake ziti beforehand and freeze them. By doing so, you will have access to instant ziti whenever you want. However, there are some time limits on how long that ziti can last unspoiled inside the freezer. And you can’t just put them in a freezer bag and freeze them. You have to follow a different method for freezing ziti. We will see these things in the following sections.
How To Freeze Ziti?
As we have discussed, freezing ziti requires us to follow a different procedure compared to freezing other food items. Let us see the right way to freeze ziti.
1. Cook or bake the required amount of ziti. If you are planning to eat ziti on multiple occasions, it is better to part them to make the thawing process easier. Or else, you will have to thaw everything, which will reduce its shelf life.
2. After cooking, let ziti cool down to room temperature. People often mistake that placing them in the freezer while they are hot will increase their shelf life. In reality, it’s quite the opposite. So, let it cool down.
3. Now, take aluminum foil and place two or three layers on the table. Take your scalloping spoon and take the necessary amount of ziti and place it on top of it.
4. Fold the aluminum foil to close the ziti completely. Don’t let the ziti be exposed even slightly. You can add some more aluminum foil to accomplish the task. This step is crucial because the baked ziti will be prone to freezer burn.
5. Put the aluminum foil containing baked ziti into a resealable freezer bag. Label it and add the date for your reference. Now keep it inside the freezer.
This is the proper procedure to freeze your baked ziti. Now, you can enjoy your favorite ziti with a baked casserole or other items whenever you want after defrosting it.
How To Defrost Ziti?
Defrosting ziti requires a slightly different process than defrosting other food items. Normally, we would take the food out of the freezer and let it rest at room temperature until it comes down to it. But here, we have to place them in the refrigerator for several hours until they defrost. It will still be cold but not freezing cold.
If you are in a hurry, carefully put the resealable package containing the baked ziti in water. It will defrost within 30 minutes. Now take out the aluminum foil from the bag and place it inside the oven, which should be preheated at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. After 10 to 15 minutes, it will be ready to be served with love.
How Long Can You Freeze Ziti?
If you properly store the baked ziti, it can be fresh and unspoiled even beyond three months. However, the optimal time range where it will be in the best condition is between 1 to 2 months. Make sure not to eat them after three or four months from freezing. They can even last longer, but to be on the safe side, consume it within a month or two.
Is It Ok To Freeze Ziti?
Yes, it is perfectly alright to freeze ziti. Millions of people around the world freeze them to use them later. It saves a lot of time since you can cook them all at the same time and use them for up to three months whenever you want.
Even professionals recommend freezing them for later use since it will save a lot of time. However, the baked ziti should be placed under 0 degrees celsius constantly. Keeping them in the refrigerator will get them spoiled within days.
