How to Freeze Lasagna

Learning how to freeze lasagna is one of the most useful freezer skills there is. A pan of lasagna is a lot of work to make for one dinner, but almost no extra work to make two, and lasagna is one of the dishes that tastes just as good from the freezer, sometimes better, once the flavours have had time to settle.

There are two ways to freeze lasagna: unbaked (the best texture, and the one to use when you are making it for the freezer) or baked, usually as leftovers. Both work. This guide covers each method, how long frozen lasagna lasts, and exactly how to thaw and reheat it. If you like make-ahead pasta bakes, our freezer baked ziti uses the same methods with less layering.

How to Freeze Unbaked Lasagna

1. Use a freezer-to-oven pan. A 9x13 foil pan with a lid is ideal. Glass and ceramic dishes can crack if they go from freezer to hot oven.
2. Use no-boil noodles or undercook regular noodles by 2 to 3 minutes. They keep absorbing sauce in the freezer.
3. Make the sauce a little looser than usual, and finish with a good layer of sauce under the cheese.
4. Assemble, then cool completely if your sauce was hot (no longer than 2 hours at room temperature).
5. Wrap it well. Press plastic wrap onto the cheese, then add the lid or two layers of foil.
6. Label and freeze flat with the date and baking directions.

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Pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface is what stops ice crystals forming on the cheese, and it is the easiest way to freeze lasagna without freezer burn. See the foil pans and freezer gear we use.

How to Freeze Baked Lasagna in Portions

Baked lasagna is easiest to freeze in squares. Cool it completely in the fridge first, which also makes it cut neatly, then slice it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or put it in a freezer-safe container. Stack the portions in a gallon freezer bag and label it.

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Single portions are perfect for lunches: when you freeze lasagna this way, one square reheats in the microwave in about 6 minutes. Label each bag with the date and the number of portions inside, so you know at a glance how many lunches are left. If your lasagna has a lot of sauce, put a small square of parchment on top of each piece before wrapping so the cheese does not stick to the plastic.

How Long Does Lasagna Last in the Freezer?

When you freeze lasagna properly, it keeps its best quality for up to 3 months, unbaked or baked. It remains safe longer at 0°F (-18°C), but the noodles soften and the cheese can turn grainy after that. In the fridge, cooked lasagna lasts 3 to 4 days, in line with USDA leftovers guidance, so freeze leftovers early rather than on the last day.

How to Thaw Frozen Lasagna

• In the fridge (best): Allow 24 to 48 hours for a whole pan, overnight for portions.
• No thawing: A whole unbaked lasagna in a foil pan bakes straight from frozen; it just takes longer.
• Never on the counter: Thawing at room temperature leaves the outside in the danger zone while the middle is still frozen.

How to Reheat Frozen Lasagna

However you reheat it, the centre should reach 165°F (74°C).

A whole lasagna from frozen

Remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 90 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 to 20 minutes more, until the cheese is bubbling and the centre is hot. Rest 15 minutes before cutting.

A whole lasagna, thawed

Bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, then uncovered for 15 minutes.

Single portions

Unwrap, put on a microwave-safe plate, cover and heat at 50 percent power for 4 minutes, then full power in 1-minute bursts until hot in the centre. Or bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes from frozen.

Tips for the Best Results

• Freeze it unbaked whenever you are making lasagna for the freezer.
• Use whole-milk ricotta mixed with an egg so the cheese layer stays creamy.
• Choose low-moisture mozzarella, not fresh mozzarella, which turns watery.
• Add extra sauce on top; frozen lasagna always absorbs some.
• Freeze lasagna in two smaller pans if you cook for two, so you never thaw more than you need.

How to Tell If Frozen Lasagna Has Gone Bad

Freezer burn shows as dry, white or greyish patches on the cheese or noodles. It is safe, but those spots will be dry, so trim them off. Throw the lasagna away if it smells sour, shows mould, was thawed on the counter, or has been in the fridge for more than 3 to 4 days after thawing.

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For more pasta bakes to freeze, browse our freezer casseroles and pasta, or read can you freeze mac and cheese?

How to Freeze Lasagna FAQ

Is it better to freeze lasagna cooked or uncooked?

Uncooked. Assemble the lasagna, freeze it before baking and bake it once, from frozen or thawed. Baked lasagna can be frozen too, but it is a little softer and drier after reheating, so it is best frozen in individual portions.

What container should you freeze lasagna in?

A disposable foil pan with a lid is best for a whole lasagna: it goes from freezer to oven without the risk of a cold glass dish cracking. For portions, wrap each square in plastic wrap and foil, or use freezer-safe glass or plastic containers.

Does lasagna with ricotta freeze well?

Yes. Ricotta freezes well inside lasagna, especially whole-milk ricotta mixed with an egg, which helps it set into a creamy layer instead of turning grainy.

Can I freeze lasagna in Ziploc bags?

Yes, for portions. Wrap each cooled slice in plastic wrap first so it keeps its shape, then put the slices in a gallon freezer bag and press out the air. A whole lasagna is better frozen in its pan.

Can you freeze lasagna in a glass dish?

You can, but thaw it in the fridge before baking and put it into a cold oven, then heat the oven. A frozen glass dish moved straight into a hot oven can crack. Foil pans avoid the problem.