In a nutshell: Yes, you can freeze mayonnaise for a short period, but it’s not recommended for long-term storage due to the risk of spoilage and changes in texture when thawed.
Whether used in salad, on a sandwich, or as a dip, mayonnaise is a firm favorite with its smooth texture and tangy flavor. Mayonnaise, especially when homemade, does not have a long shelf life.
Although mayonnaise does not keep its consistency well once thawed, there is a way in which mayonnaise can be frozen to extend its shelf life for a short period. Read on to find out all the dos and don’ts when freezing mayo.
Can Mayonnaise Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze mayonnaise for a short period of time under certain conditions. Freezing mayonnaise long term, is not recommended due to its temperature-sensitive ingredients which can easily spoil.
Mayonnaise will retain its consistency during freezing, however, thawed mayonnaise will split and become curdled and watery. Luckily you can fix this!
The raw egg yolk component poses a food safety risk if not stored under the correct conditions: in the refrigerator, or in the freezer for a short time.
How To Freeze Mayonnaise
Step 1: Sterilize Bottles
The best way to freeze mayonnaise is to use sterilized freezer-safe glass jars. Place the glass jars into a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes to sterilize.
Step 2: Fill
Once sterilized and cooled, fill the jars with the plain mayonnaise. Try to avoid any air bubbles while scooping the mayo into the jars. Leave a small space open at the top for the expansion of the liquids during freezing.
Filling the jar to the brim may cause it to crack from the pressure as the sauce expands.
Step 3: Remove Air
Give the jar a light tap to remove any remaining air pockets which will speed up spoiling. Close the lid and seal the jar well.
Step 4: Label and Freeze
Label the jar with the contents and date, then place it into the freezer.
How To Thaw Frozen Mayonnaise
To defrost frozen mayonnaise, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight. The creamy sauce will likely split during the thawing process leaving a watery layer.
To re emulsify thawed mayonnaise and reconstitute the creamy texture, you can either pour off the excess liquid and mix well, or beat the separated mayonnaise with an electric mixer. Adding a few drops of water to the mixture may help it emulsify, however, this may also result in a thinner consistency.
Types of Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a thick cold sauce made by emulsifying egg yolks, oil, and either vinegar or lemon juice as the acid component. The result after careful emulsifying is a creamy, thick sauce with a near-white or yellowish color.
Mayonnaise can be homemade or purchased in different varieties including full-fat, reduced-oil, flavored, or egg-free. It is also used as the base component for many other sauces such as tartar sauce which is often served with seafood, rouille, or remoulade.
Commercial mayonnaise includes stabilizers and other additions that extend its shelf life and may include artificial flavorings.
Although mostly popular to spread on sandwiches or as a salad dressing, mayonnaise can be used in marinades, baking, to make deviled eggs, with pasta, or even in pie recipes.
Finely chopping and adding onions, capers, chilies, pickles, herbs, or spices can make this creamy condiment a versatile addition to various savory dishes.
Fresh homemade mayonnaise will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, while store-bought mayonnaise can easily last one to 2 months when properly stored due to the addition of preservatives and stabilizers.
How long does frozen mayonnaise last?
Mayonnaise will only last for 5 to 6 days in the freezer. Store-bought mayonnaise may last somewhat longer, however, due to it having a longer shelf life in the refrigerator, there should not really be a need to freeze it.
How do you know if mayonnaise has gone off?
Mayonnaise that has gone bad will develop an off or very acidic odor, change in color, and off-flavor. If you notice any moldy growth in the container, discard the mayonnaise.
Can you freeze mayonnaise-based dips, salads, or leftover sandwiches?
The same separation of ingredients will occur in the thawing process regardless of how the mayonnaise is mixed with other ingredients. This means that your mayonnaise sandwich will turn soggy. If you want to freeze a dish like coleslaw or chicken mayo salad, it is best to freeze the ingredients separately before dressing it, and only add fresh mayo once the other items have thawed completely. Egg salad salad is best eaten fresh and will become unappetizing if frozen.
How can you use leftover mayonnaise?
Besides its common uses, mayonnaise can also be used in baking recipes, baked dips, casseroles, fillings for stuffed eggs or tomatoes, pizza, and pies. Leftover mayonnaise can also be used to flavor dressings. Add additional olive oil, vinegar, and herbs and mix well for a thinner salad dressing with a great tangy flavor.
Can you freeze mayonnaise in ice cube trays?
Although using the sterilized jar method is the safest, you can preserve mayonnaise in smaller quantities by using an ice cube tray. May sure the tray is completely clean. Use a clean spoon to fill each compartment and place it in the freezer until solid. Remove the cubes and pack them into a resealable sandwich bag (or airtight container). Press out as much air as possible, seal, and freeze. Now you can remove only as much as you need at any given time.
Why can’t you freeze sandwiches with mayo?
Mayonnaise contains emulsified ingredients that may separate and lead to a change in texture and taste when frozen, making it undesirable to freeze sandwiches with mayo.
Conclusion
The rich, creamy, and zesty flavor of mayonnaise makes it a great addition to savory dishes of all types. From snacks, sandwiches, and salads, to meat, vegetables, and egg dishes, mayonnaise can be added to almost anything.
Due to its varying components and textural changes that will occur on thawing, mayonnaise is always best fresh, or at least fresh out of a store-bought jar. In this case, freezing the sauce should be the last option to extend its shelf life as the quality won’t be as good after thawing.
Nonetheless, if it saves on food waste and money, go right ahead and make sure to follow the above-recommended procedures to keep mayo in the freezer. If you run out of mayo, you can always find a good mayonnaise substitute.
As a qualified Holistic Nutritionist, Helga has also combined her passion for good food and healthy living in wellness coaching. After years practicing in the catering and hospitality industries, Helga now focuses on sharing her knowledge and experience with others through writing about food tips, cooking advice, wellness, global food trends, and travel.
