Quick answer
To freeze soup or sauce in neat portions, use the FreezeUp Food Block Maker: insert a quart-size bag, fill with up to 2 cups, freeze, then remove the silicone bands to release a uniform block. This method prevents leaks, stacks efficiently, and makes thawing predictable.
Why portioned blocks beat freezer bags
Flat, uniform blocks stack like books, so you can see what you have without digging. They also thaw faster than a bulky container because the block’s thickness is consistent. The FreezeUp Food Block Maker holds 2 cups (16 fl oz / 473 mL), a useful size for one or two servings of soup or a batch of sauce for a meal.
What to freeze and what to avoid
Soups, stews, stocks, tomato sauce, pesto, and pureed vegetables freeze well. Dairy-based sauces can separate when frozen; if you must freeze them, whisk after thawing and reheat gently. High-starch soups like potato chowder may change texture—consider blending after thawing.
Cool before you freeze
Hot food raises freezer temperature and can partially thaw nearby items. Let soup or sauce cool to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Speed cooling by dividing into shallow containers or using an ice bath. Never put a large pot of hot stock directly into the freezer.
Step-by-step: freeze soup and sauce blocks
- Set up the Food Block Maker: Place the container on a level surface. Insert a quart-size plastic food storage bag, folding the top over the rim. The stand holds the bag open so you can fill it hands-free. Checkpoint: the bag should sit snugly without gaps that could cause leaks.
- Fill with cooled soup or sauce: Pour up to 2 cups (16 fl oz / 473 mL) of cooled soup or sauce into the bag. Do not overfill; leave a little headspace for expansion. For chunky soups, use a ladle to avoid splashing. Common mistake: filling while hot—let it cool first to protect your freezer and other food.
- Seal and freeze: Press out excess air, seal the bag, and lay it flat inside the container. Place the container in the freezer. Once solid, remove the silicone bands to release the block. Store the block in the bag, labeled with contents and date. Checkpoint: blocks should be firm and uniform—if not, freeze longer before removing bands.
- Store upright in a freezer bin: Arrange blocks upright in a FreezeUp® Freezer Bin. Use adjustable dividers to separate types (soups, sauces, stocks). The bin’s handles let you pull it out easily. Next step: rotate stock by placing newer blocks behind older ones.
- Thaw and reheat safely: Thaw blocks overnight in the refrigerator or place the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring to distribute heat evenly. Checkpoint: reheat until steaming hot throughout (165°F / 74°C) for food safety.
Product facts
- FreezeUp® Food Block Maker, 2 Cup, 2-Pack: FreezeUp® Food Block Maker transforms soups, stews and sauces into tidy bags of frozen food. Insert a food storage bag into the container, fill and freeze. Silicone bands are then removed to reveal your frozen block of food. Fits quart-size plastic food storage bags to hold 2 cups (16 fl oz / 473 mL). Stands to hold bags open for mess-free filling. The stand keeps the bag open so you can pour without holding it, and the 2-cup capacity gives you consistent portions that thaw evenly.
- FreezeUp® Freezer Bin, 15": FreezeUp® Freezer Bin makes frozen food easy to find because you don’t have time for an arctic expedition before dinner. Adjustable dividers keep frozen food bags in tidy order, while handles help you slide the bin out for royal selection. Six adjustable dividers create customized compartments for all your frozen food. Sturdy handles help you slide bin in and out. After your blocks are frozen, a dedicated bin with dividers keeps them upright and sorted, so you can grab the oldest block first.
