Can you freeze pancakes and waffles? Yes, for 3 months
Pancakes and waffles freeze for up to 3 months, and the USDA prefers that to the fridge. Freeze them flat, then reheat from frozen.
By Zain Nazeer, founder and editor
Photo by Luke Pennystan on Unsplash
Yes, you can freeze pancakes and waffles. The USDA FoodKeeper lists 3 months in the freezer for best quality, and it says refrigerating cooked pancakes and waffles is not recommended because the quality drops. That makes them one of the easiest breakfasts to batch cook: make a big batch once, freeze them flat, and reheat a few each morning.
How long do pancakes and waffles last in the freezer?
Up to 3 months for the best quality. Food kept frozen at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe for longer, but the texture and flavour fade, and ice crystals build up the longer they sit. Label the bag with the date so you use the oldest first. For the general rules, see how to prevent freezer burn.
How long do they last in the fridge?
The FoodKeeper does not recommend the fridge for cooked pancakes and waffles because they go soggy and stale. If you do refrigerate them, treat them as any other cooked leftovers: use them within 3 to 4 days, kept in a sealed container. For anything with meat, egg or dairy served on top, follow the shortest time of everything on the plate. See how long meal prep lasts in the fridge.
How do you freeze pancakes and waffles?
- Let them cool completely on a wire rack. Steam trapped in a bag turns into ice.
- Lay them in a single layer on a tray and freeze for about an hour, until firm. This stops them sticking together.
- Move them into a freezer bag, press out the air and seal it. Squeezing out the air helps against freezer burn.
- Label the bag with the date. See how to label meal prep.
- Keep toppings out of the bag. Add syrup and fruit after reheating.
How do you reheat them?
Reheat from frozen; there is no need to thaw. A toaster crisps waffles and thin pancakes in a couple of minutes. A microwave is quicker and softer: about 30 to 60 seconds for a couple of pancakes, covered with a damp paper towel. An oven at about 350°F (175°C) on a tray takes 8 to 10 minutes and works well for a large batch. Heat until they are steaming hot all the way through; for more methods, see how to reheat meal prep.
Which pancakes freeze best?
Plain, thick pancakes and waffles hold up best. Pancakes made with extra protein, such as the protein pancakes recipe, freeze and reheat well in the same way. If you want other grab-and-go breakfasts, the freezer breakfast ideas guide covers more options. For a full plan, see high protein breakfast meal prep.
Can you freeze the batter?
The USDA FoodKeeper does not give a time for batter, so this guide does not either. Freezing the cooked pancakes is the method the data supports.
Related questions
- Can you freeze bread
- Foods that freeze well
- Can you freeze eggs
- Printable fridge and freezer storage chart
Sources
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