Why You Should Never Freeze Fresh Egg Noodles

Making fresh homemade egg noodles is a luxury, so when you take the time to craft them for your perfect pesto or whip some up for your next noodle casserole or beef stroganoff, you want to ensure they don't go to waste. However, while your first inclination might be to simply pop them in a Ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for later use, that may not be the best course of action. 

The problem with freezing egg noodles is that it changes their texture, quality, and taste. Freezing fresh egg noodles can often result in mushy and rubbery leftovers. This is largely due to how the moisture of the egg noodles expands and damages the cell walls as they freeze. Of course, it isn't until you go to defrost them that you notice the problem. After the noodles thaw, you will find you are left with a soggy, sticky, and unappetizing mess — much like you'd get from overcooked pasta.

So what should you do instead to preserve all your hard work? The answer is simple: Dry your egg noodles at room temperature. 

Depending on the temperature and the humidity in your kitchen, the process takes between one and two hours and just requires you to spread them out on a floured baking sheet. But there is a caveat when drying your noodles: Watch the clock. According to Iowa State University, because egg noodles contain raw eggs, if you let them dry for longer than two hours, you put them at risk of growing salmonella. This is why after your noodles have dried, you will need to place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Once dried, you can keep your egg noodles in the freezer for between three and six months without worrying about how they will taste. 

When you are ready to use your egg noodles, avoid the microwave if you are able. It may be convenient, but your microwave is not a friend to the taste and texture of your noodles in this instance. Instead, defrost your noodles by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. Of course, if you are short on time, thawing them on the countertop is your best option and won't take longer than 30 minutes. And if you like to live on the wild side, put those frozen noodles directly into boiling water. Just be prepared to let them cook a little longer than normal.