Can rice pudding be frozen?

If you’ve never tried rice pudding, you’re missing out on a real treat. Made with rice, milk, and spices, this dish is enjoyed around the world in many variations. It’s simple to make, comforting to eat, and easy to digest.

Recipes often make quite large batches of rice pudding, so you can end up with a lot of leftovers that you can’t eat before they go bad in the fridge.

You may be wondering if you can keep leftover rice pudding in the freezer to keep it longer for future enjoyment.

So, can rice pudding be frozen?  You can do it. You will need to portion it out in freezer bags or airtight containers and use it within about 3 months for best results. It may last longer, but the quality and flavor may decrease. 

Read on to find out how to make delicious rice pudding from scratch, the best way to freeze it for long-term preservation, and how long you can keep it in the fridge before it goes bad.

What is rice pudding?

There’s something infinitely comforting about a cozy bowl of rice pudding. If you have never tried this delicious dish, I highly suggest you go to your kitchen to try it. This dish is seemingly simple and absolutely delicious.

Arroz pudding has been made in different variations around the world and there are both sweet and savory iterations. Today we will share a recipe for the most common rice pudding.

In general, a basic rice pudding is made with rice, milk/water, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, and raisins.

Can rice pudding be frozen?

If you want to make a big batch of rice pudding so you’ll always have something on hand for those days when you need a little comfort food, you may be wondering if you can freeze leftovers for long-term storage.

Since rice pudding already breaks down much of the starch and consistency of the rice during the cooking process, it can freeze very well without affecting flavor or texture. If you want to freeze leftovers, be sure to use them within 3 months for best results.

You can keep the rice pudding in the freezer for more than 3 months, but the quality will start to decline. It can also affect the flavor and texture or even get freezer burn if you leave it in there too long. So be sure to label and use your rice pudding within three months to maintain that great taste.

How long does rice pudding last in the freezer?

If you want to enjoy the best quality rice pudding, make sure you consume it within 3 months of freezing it. It will likely keep for more than 3 months, but the flavor and texture may change or freezer burn could develop.

How to properly freeze rice pudding

To properly freeze rice pudding, you must follow the following steps. There are shortcuts you can take, but they can affect the final product or make your rice pudding last less time in the freezer.

So if you don’t cut corners, you could be enjoying the fruits of your labor for months.

Steps to freeze rice pudding:

1. Let your rice pudding cool completely. You can even put it in the fridge overnight before continuing with the freezing process.
2. Divide the leftover rice pudding into portions that you or your family can comfortably eat in one or two sittings. You don’t want to freeze it all, as that means you’ll have to thaw and eat it all in a couple of days.
3. Put the portions of rice pudding in thick freezer bags or airtight containers.
   1. If you use freezer bags, be sure to gently squeeze out all the air before sealing the bag. Air left in the bag can cause freezer burn. Don’t fill it all the way to leave some room for expansion.
   2. If you’re using storage containers, place a piece of plastic on top of the rice pudding to protect it from air that can cause freezer burn. Be sure to leave an inch of space at the top for expansion.

4. Find masking tape and a permanent marker. Write the date and contents on the tape and stick it to the freezer bag or container.

   1. This step may seem silly, since you probably think you’ll remember what you’ve frozen and when. But believe us, after a few weeks everything fades. It is better to be sure to know on what date you have to eat your rice pudding.
5. Place your rice pudding containers in the freezer and enjoy them within 3 months.

How long does rice pudding last in the fridge?

If you make a big batch of rice pudding and have some left over, rest assured it will last in the fridge for 4-5 days. This means that rice pudding is a great option for batch cooking, as you can use it as a delicious breakfast.

You can make 4 days’ worth of rice pudding and top it with fruit, coconut, nuts and seeds for a delicious and filling breakfast that’s easy to pack for those busy mornings.

You can enjoy it cold or reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, as you prefer.

How to store rice pudding in the fridge

Depending on the space you have in the fridge, you can store the rice pudding in a large container or in individual servings.

The process will be the same; you only have to repeat it several times if you use several different containers.

Steps to correctly store rice pudding in the refrigerator:

1. Let the rice pudding cool to room temperature. You can spread it out on a cookie sheet or plate, or stir it every few minutes while it cools to release heat and steam.
2. Once the rice pudding has cooled, you can place it all in a large airtight container, or spread it out among several smaller containers.
3. To keep it cool, place a small piece of plastic wrap over the rice pudding, pressing it gently to cover it without leaving any air pockets.
4. Seal your container(s) and place a small piece of masking tape on the lid of each one.
5. Write the date and content on the lid and store them in the fridge. These labels will help you know if the food is still good when you clean the fridge.
6. Enjoy your rice pudding in 4-5 days. You can eat it cold or reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Do not hesitate to cover it with your favorite fruits and nuts for a delicious treat.

Basic rice pudding recipe

Ingredients :

• 1/2 cup of white rice. Short grain is the most common, but feel free to use your favorite.
• 2.5 cups of whole milk, coconut milk, or non-dairy milk
• a pinch of sea salt
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup white or brown sugar, or even honey or maple syrup (I prefer maple!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 - 1/3 cup dried raisins, currants, currants, or cranberries

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, milk, and sea salt.
2. Bring the contents of the saucepan to a gentle simmer and then reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring the saucepan regularly. You can cover the saucepan between stirring and stirring.
3. After about 25-30 minutes the rice should be tender.
4. In a small bowl, beat the egg and maple syrup (or honey, white sugar, or brown sugar). To temper the egg mixture, beat about 1 tablespoon of the rice mixture at a time until fully incorporated.
5. With the heat low (make sure it’s not boiling or it could curdle the egg), whisk the egg-sugar mixture into the rice and milk. Once fully incorporated, you can let the rice cook for another 5-10 minutes.
6. Add the cinnamon, vanilla and raisins (or the dried fruit of your choice) and serve.
7. Rice pudding tastes great hot or cold, depending on your preferences.

Final thoughts

As you can see, rice pudding is simple to make and infinitely customizable. You can eat it hot or cold, sweet or salty, alone or with your favorite fruit and nuts. Each bowl is a comforting hug for your belly and delicious.

Rice pudding lasts 4-5 days in the fridge, making it a great option for batch breakfasts. You can also store it in the freezer for up to 3 months if you want to enjoy it later.

Before you freeze it, be sure to portion it out so you don’t have to thaw and refreeze it later. Do you have a favorite way to enjoy rice pudding? Let us know in the comments!