Wondering if you can freeze spanakopita without losing the texture and taste? You should pay attention to a few details that will give you almost the same texture and taste after thawing. Let’s find out what things you should consider if you want to freeze spanakopita.
As the spanakopita has only a few ingredients that freeze well, you should not have any problems with freezing it. You just need to ensure that you freeze it properly, and most importantly, you shouldn’t speed up the thawing process to get a nice texture after thawing.
Freezing spanakopita is the best way to store it so that you can make it at a later time. This article will discuss how to freeze and thaw spanakopita with tips on how long it stays good in the freezer.
Can You Freeze Spanakopita?
Yes, you can freeze spanakopita for about 3 months. Whole or sliced. Freezing is your best bet if you plan to make it in advance and store it for later use. For even better results, consider freezing the spanakopita before baking it.
Quick Note: To minimize air contact, consider wrapping the spanakopita in a plastic cling and then wrap it in aluminum foil. By doing that, you will avoid freezer burn and keep the freshness of the spanakopita.
Needed Items for Freezing:
How to Freeze It?
Freezing spanakopita is a simple process. If trying to freeze baked spanakopita, leave it at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes until it cools down.
Pro Tip: Also, consider moving it in the fridge for 1-2 hours to lower the inner temperature of the spanakopita, even more, to avoid forming condensation and later getting ice crystals that will ruin the texture of the pie.
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To freeze, place the spanakopita in an airtight container or freezer bag. Remove as much air from the container as possible before freezing, and label it with the contents and date so you know how long your frozen spanakopita will last!
Quick Note: If you do not squeeze the air from the freezing bags, you may risk getting freezer burn, and spanakopita may dry out once thawed.
If they are correctly stored, spinach and phyllo pastry can be frozen successfully (the latter will hold up better under freezing conditions).
How Long Does It Last in the Freezer?
You can keep the spanakopita in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing the texture and taste.
Yes, the spanakopita will sit for longer than 3 months, but the texture starts to go off. So, to preserve the original quality, consider consuming the spinach pie until that period.
Will the Taste and Texture Change?
The only real difference between fresh-made spanakopita and frozen one is that when thawing out your pie, later on, it may not have quite the same texture or appearance—but don’t worry: this won’t affect its taste!
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After defrosting, the spinach may become a little softer as the moisture will be lost during the freezing.
How to Defrost Properly?
Thawing the pie in the refrigerator overnight is preferable to avoid losing its texture, but if you are in a pinch or want to eat it immediately, you can thaw it in a microwave. But be careful with that.
- Place the frozen spanakopita on a plate and microwave for 1 minute at 50% power. Or use the thawing setting on your microwave.
- Turn over and microwave for another 30-45 seconds. Repeat this step until the spanakopita thaw completely.
You’ll know it’s ready when you see steam coming out of your spinach pie!
Other Ways to Store:
Besides freezing, the only alternative is to put the spanakopita in the fridge in an airtight container where you can safely keep it for up to 3 days.
To keep even better its original texture and taste, let the spanakopita cool completely. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
Can You Refreeze It?
It is not recommended to refreeze spanakopita as the texture will go mushy, and you will not like the taste.
To avoid that, consider freezing spanakopita in individual servings so you don’t need to refreeze it multiple times.
You will take from the freeze only the exact amount of spinach pie that you will eat in one sitting.
How to Know if Spanakopita Goes Bad?
The best way to do this is by checking the appearance of the spanakopita. If your spanakopita has changed its texture or smell, or if there are molds on it, then don’t eat it, as this means that your delicious dish has gone bad already.
Answering Your Questions:
Should You Freeze Baked or Unbaked Spanakopita?
You will get the best taste and texture if you freeze unbaked spanakopita. However, if you have some leftovers, you also can freeze them. The texture may change slightly, but the taste will remain almost the same.
Can I Make It in Advance?
Yes, you can make 1-2 days in advance. Assemble the spanakopita, wrap the pie tightly in plastic cling and aluminum foil, and put it in an airtight container. After that, in the next 2 days, you can move it to the oven and bake it on the day when you need to serve it.
How to Freeze the Spanakopita Safely?
Consider placing the spanakopita in the freezer as soon as you prepare it. Please don’t leave it on the countertop or in the fridge for a few days before deep freezing. Otherwise, you may risk growing bacteria on it.
Conclusion:
You can quickly freeze spanakopita for about 3 months, and it will taste almost the same when you thaw it. You should not worry about the quality or taste of your frozen spanakopita. Ensure that you have frozen it properly and didn’t force the thawing process.
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