How to Freeze Soup (Best Containers + Mason Jar Tips)

Learning how to freeze soup the right way saves time, reduces food waste, and makes busy weeknights easier. Whether you’re meal prepping, saving leftovers, or stocking your freezer before a busy season, there’s a simple method that keeps soup tasting fresh.

Here’s exactly how to freeze soup safely, including the best containers to use and how to freeze soup in mason jars without cracking or freezer burn.

How to Freeze Soup (Quick Steps)

1. Let soup cool completely before freezing.
2. Choose freezer-safe containers like mason jars, freezer bags, or plastic containers.
3. Leave 1–2 inches of headspace so soup can expand as it freezes.
4. Label containers with the date and soup name.
5. Freeze for up to 3–4 months for best quality.

Different containers work better for different situations, so below I’ll walk through the most reliable ways to freeze soup, including mason jars, plastic containers, and silicone portion trays.

Can You Freeze Soup?

Yes, most soups freeze very well! The key is choosing the right container and leaving room for expansion as the soup freezes.

You can freeze soup in several types of containers, including:

• mason jars
• plastic containers
• freezer bags
• silicone portion trays (like Souper Cubes)

Best Ways to Freeze Soup (Quick Overview)

• Mason jars (great for portioning + reheating)
• Freezer bags (save space)
• Plastic containers (lightweight)
• Portion trays (pre-measured servings)

If you love stocking your freezer for busy weeks, you can browse all of my freezer-friendly recipes here.

Using mason jars for freezer meal prep is simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for stocking the freezer with quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

Around here, a jar of homemade soup waiting in the freezer feels a little like giving your future self a gift. Having a few jars of homemade soup ready to go means you always have something warm and dependable on nights when everyone is hungry and time is short.

I always try to keep a few jars of soup in the freezer for nights when schedules get hectic or we get home late from the field, sports or wherever we may be. It’s one of those small habits that makes a big difference during busy seasons.

After years of freezer meal prep for busy farm seasons, I’ve found freezing soup is one of the most reliable make-ahead meal strategies.

Can You Freeze Soup in Mason Jars?

Yep, you can freeze soup in mason jars safely if you follow these tips:

• cool soup first
• leave headspace
• use freezer-safe jars

These steps prevent jars from cracking and keep soup fresh longer.

Why Freeze Soup in Mason Jars?

Mason jars make it easy to portion soup into future meals and quick lunches.

• Perfect for meal prep
• Easy grab-and-heat lunches
• Great for busy weeknights
• Helps reduce food waste
• Reusable and budget-friendly storage

When you already have dinner made and waiting in the freezer, evenings feel a whole lot easier. They're also great for gifting if someone you know is sick.

Before You Freeze Soup in Mason Jars

Before you start filling jars, there are a few important things to know.

• Not all mason jars are freezer safe
• Soup expands as it freezes
• Hot soup can crack glass
• Wide mouth jars work best
• Always leave headspace

Taking a minute to do this right can save you from broken jars, messy freezers, and wasted soup later.

Best Mason Jars for Freezing Soup

Wide-mouth mason jars are the safest choice for freezing.

Here's why:

• Allow room for expansion
• Are easier to fill
• Are less likely to crack
• Stack better in the freezer

Pint jars work well for individual meals, while quart jars are great for family dinners.

Avoid jars with narrow shoulders, since pressure builds in that area as soup freezes.

Want more freezer meal ideas? Browse my freezer-friendly recipes here.

What Lids Work Best for Freezing?

You can use the metal lid and band that come with your canning jars, or switch to reusable plastic storage lids designed for mason jars.

If you’re in a pinch, you may find that some plastic lids from pantry items (like certain peanut butter jars) fit, but for long-term freezer storage, I recommend using lids made specifically for mason jars so you get a tighter seal and less risk of freezer burn.

How to Fill Mason Jars with Soup

Hot liquid shouldn’t go straight into glass food storage or you risk cracking the jar. Let your soup cool slightly before transferring it.

Using wide mouth jars makes filling much easier and helps prevent spills. Trust me — I’ve dumped more than one ladle of soup down the side of a jar before learning that lesson.

A simple tool that makes this process almost mess-free is a canning funnel (or wide mouth funnel) along with a sturdy ladle. They’re inexpensive, easy to store, and a total lifesaver when you’re freezing soup in mason jars.

Leave about 1–2 inches of space at the top so the soup has room to expand as it freezes.

Step-by-Step: How to Freeze Soup in Mason Jars Safely

Here’s exactly how to freeze soup in mason jars safely, step by step.

1. Let the soup cool slightly before handling.
2. Ladle soup into clean mason jars.
3. Leave 1–2 inches of space at the top for expansion.
4. Wipe rims clean.
5. Place lids on loosely or chill in the fridge first.
6. Once fully cooled, tighten lids and transfer to the freezer.
7. Label jars with date and soup name before storing. Your future self will thank you!

That’s it! Your soup is ready for the freezer and future meals.

Best Containers to Freeze Soup

Different containers work best depending on how you plan to portion and reheat your soup. Below are the most reliable options for freezing soup at home.

While mason jars are one of my favorite ways to freeze soup, they aren’t the only option! Freezer bags, plastic containers, and portion trays can all work well depending on how you plan to use your soup later. Choosing the right container helps prevent freezer burn and keeps texture intact.

Freezing Soup in Plastic Containers

Plastic containers are one of the easiest ways to freeze soup, especially when you’re storing larger batches for family meals.

They’re lightweight, stack well in the freezer, and are easy to grab when you need dinner in a hurry.

Pros

• lightweight and durable
• easy to stack in the freezer
• great for larger meal portions

Cons

• can stain with tomato-based soups
• may absorb odors over time
• not as space-efficient as freezer bags

How to Freeze Soup in Plastic Containers

1. Let soup cool before transferring.
2. Pour soup into freezer-safe containers.
3. Leave about 1 inch of headspace.
4. Seal tightly and label with the soup name and date.
5. Freeze for up to 3–4 months.

Plastic containers are especially helpful when you’re freezing soup for family dinners rather than individual portions.

Freezing Soup in Silicone Molds or Souper Cubes

Silicone portion trays like Souper Cubes have become really popular for freezer meal prep, and for good reason. They allow you to freeze soup in perfectly portioned blocks that pop out once frozen.

If you like the idea of grabbing exactly the amount you need, these trays are incredibly handy.

Pros

• perfectly portioned servings
• easy to pop out once frozen
• great for sauces, broth, or smaller servings
• stackable freezer storage

Cons

• trays take up space while freezing
• cubes usually need to be transferred to freezer bags for long-term storage

How to Freeze Soup in Silicone Portion Trays

1. Let soup cool slightly.
2. Pour soup into the silicone compartments.
3. Freeze until solid (usually overnight).
4. Pop the frozen blocks out of the mold.
5. Transfer cubes to freezer bags or containers.
6. Label and store in the freezer.

This method works especially well if you like to keep single servings ready for quick lunches or smaller meals.

The best containers for freezing soup truly depends on how you plan to use it later. Here’s a quick comparison so you can pick what works best for you and your kitchen.

Container	Best For	Pros	Cons
Mason Jars	Portioning + reheating	Reusable, stackable, no plastic	Leave space at the top so the soup can expand as it freezes.
Freezer Bags	Saving space	Lay flat, stack easily	Not reusable
Plastic Containers	Meal prep	Lightweight, durable	Can stain or absorb smells
Souper Cubes	Portion control	Pre-measured servings	Takes freezer space

For most home cooks, mason jars and freezer bags are the easiest and most reliable options, though I personally love using my Souper Cubes for portioning soups and sauces.

How much headspace should you leave when freezing soup in jars?

Leave 1–2 inches of space so the soup can expand as it freezes. This prevents jars from cracking.

Should You Freeze Soup With the Lid On or Off?

No. Let soup cool first and keep lids loose until fully chilled, then tighten before freezing.

Can You Freeze Soup in Any Mason Jar?

Not all mason jars are freezer-safe. Use straight-sided jars labeled freezer-safe, since regular jars can crack when liquid expands.

What Soups Freeze Best

Most broth-based soups freeze beautifully.

Great options include:

• Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup Chicken noodle soup freezes well if you add the noodles later.
• Instant Pot Beef and Barley Soup
• Lentil Soup
• Dutch Oven Beef Stew - Beef stew is one of those recipes that tastes almost better when it's reheated!
• Minestrone Soup

A Thoughtful Meal to Share

Jars of homemade soup also make a wonderful gift for a friend or relative. They’re perfect for someone who just moved, welcomed a new baby, or could use a little extra support during a busy season.

And I’ll be honest - if you show up on my front porch with homemade soup in a mason jar, you’re definitely getting an invite into my kitchen for coffee or tea.

What Soups Don’t Freeze Well

Some soups change texture after freezing.

Use caution with:

• Cream-based soups
• Dairy-heavy recipes
• Soups with lots of potatoes
• Pasta that’s already cooked

If you plan ahead, you can freeze the base and add dairy or pasta later when reheating.

Common Mistakes When Freezing Soup (And How to Avoid Them)

A few small mistakes can lead to cracked jars.

Things to avoid:

• Overfilling jars
• Freezing hot soup
• Using jars with shoulders
• Tightening lids before soup is fully chilled
• Thawing on the counter for long periods

Taking a minute to do it right helps your jars last for years.

How to Thaw Frozen Soup Safely

The safest way to thaw frozen soup is in the refrigerator overnight.

If you need it faster:

• Place the jar in a bowl of cool water
• Or run lukewarm water around the outside of the jar
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave in gently simmering water

Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can crack glass.

Meal Prep Tips for Busy Families

Keeping a few jars of soup in the freezer is one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of dinner.

• Freeze in meal-size portions
• Label jars with the date
• Keep a simple freezer inventory
• Pair soup with freezer bread or muffins
• Use jars for grab-and-go lunches

On nights when everyone is hungry and time is short, having something homemade ready to heat feels like a lifesaver.

I keep a running list of freezer meals that make harvest and busy seasons easier.

How Long Does Frozen Soup Last?

Most soups keep well in the freezer for about 3–4 months when stored properly. For best flavor, use them within that window and rotate older jars to the front.

FAQs

The Bottom Line

Freezing soup is a simple, practical way to make future meals easier. Whether you use mason jars, freezer bags, or containers, the right method helps soup stay fresh and delicious for months.

With the right jars, a little headspace, and proper cooling, you can stock your freezer with ready-to-heat dinners that save time on your busiest days.

It’s one of those small kitchen habits that makes weeknights feel a whole lot more manageable!

Best Soups That Freeze Well

If you’re stocking your freezer, these soups hold up especially well after freezing and reheating.

• Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup: it's classic, cozy, and freezer-friendly
• Instant Pot Beef and Barley Soup: hearty and filling
• Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: it's creamy but reheats beautifully
• Healthier Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup – comfort food in a bowl that freezes well.
• Slow Cooker Corn Chowder – surprisingly freezer-friendly
• Tuscan White Bean Soup – perfect for batch cooking

These also make great gifts for friends or relatives! Think of someone who moved into a new home, had a new baby, or could use a thoughtful pick-me-up.

If you show up on my front porch with homemade soup in a mason jar, I promise you’re getting an invite into my kitchen for coffee or tea!