How to Use Vacuum Seal Pre-cut Bags with Souper Cubes Trays for Extended Freezer Storage

Quick Answer

To extend freezer storage, freeze your food in Souper Cubes trays first, then transfer the frozen portions into vacuum seal pre-cut bags and seal them. This method prevents freezer burn, preserves flavor, and makes it easy to grab exactly what you need.

Freezing food in bulk is a smart way to save time and reduce waste, but without proper protection, freezer burn can ruin the texture and taste of your meals. Combining the convenience of Souper Cubes silicone freezer trays with the airtight seal of vacuum seal bags gives you the best of both worlds: portioned, easy-to-store food that stays fresh for months.

In this guide, you'll learn a step-by-step method to use vacuum seal pre-cut bags with your Souper Cubes trays. We'll cover everything from freezing the food to sealing the bags, plus tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or stocking your freezer for the season, this technique will help you get the most out of your freezer.

Why Combine Vacuum Seal Bags with Souper Cubes Trays?

Souper Cubes trays are designed to freeze individual portions of soups, stews, sauces, and more. Their flexible silicone material makes it easy to pop out frozen cubes, which you can then store in bags or containers. However, standard freezer bags and containers can leave air pockets that lead to freezer burn over time.

Vacuum seal pre-cut bags remove the air completely, creating an airtight barrier that locks in freshness. By freezing first in Souper Cubes trays, you get perfectly portioned blocks that fit neatly into vacuum bags. This combination is ideal for long-term storage, whether you're preserving homemade stock, baby food, or cookie dough.

• Prevents freezer burn by removing air.
• Saves space with flat, stackable portions.
• Makes meal prep easy with ready-to-grab portions.

Choosing the Right Souper Cubes Tray Size

Souper Cubes offers several tray sizes to match your portion needs. For soups and stews that you'll reheat for a single meal, the 1-cup tray is perfect. If you need smaller amounts for sauces or baby food, the half-cup or 2-tablespoon trays work well. The 2-tablespoon tray is especially handy for freezing tomato paste or pesto in small portions.

When using vacuum seal bags, consider the size of the frozen cubes. Larger cubes (like 1-cup) are easier to handle and fit into standard vacuum bags. Smaller cubes (like 2-tablespoon) can be vacuum-sealed in bulk, so you can grab just a few at a time. Choose the tray size that aligns with how you plan to use the food.

• 1-cup trays: ideal for single servings of soup or stew.
• Half-cup trays: perfect for sauces, salsa, or hummus.
• 2-tablespoon trays: great for tomato paste, pesto, or baby food.

Step-by-Step: Freezing and Vacuum Sealing

Start by preparing your food and filling the Souper Cubes trays. For liquids like soup or sauce, leave a little room at the top of each well to allow for expansion as the liquid freezes. Place the trays in the freezer and let them freeze completely, usually 4-6 hours or overnight.

Once the food is frozen solid, remove the cubes from the trays. The flexible silicone makes this easy—just push from the bottom or flex the tray. Now you're ready to vacuum seal. Place the frozen cubes into a pre-cut vacuum seal bag, leaving enough space at the open end for sealing. Use your vacuum sealer to remove the air and seal the bag according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Label each bag with the contents and date before storing in the freezer. This helps you keep track of what you have and ensures you use the oldest items first. With this method, your frozen food can last for months without losing quality.

• Always freeze food completely before vacuum sealing to prevent crushing.
• Leave headspace in the bag for proper sealing.
• Use a dry erase marker or label to write the date on the bag.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One common mistake is vacuum sealing food that isn't fully frozen. If the food is still soft, the vacuum process can squish it, ruining the shape and making a mess. Always ensure the cubes are solid before sealing.

Another mistake is overfilling the vacuum bag. Too many cubes can prevent a proper seal, leaving air inside. Leave at least an inch of space at the top of the bag for sealing. Also, make sure the sealing area is clean and dry—moisture can prevent a tight seal.

Finally, don't forget to label your bags. It's easy to forget what's inside when everything looks the same. Use a permanent marker or a label maker to write the contents and date on each bag before storing.

• Freeze cubes solid before vacuum sealing.
• Don't overfill the bag; leave room for sealing.
• Keep the sealing area dry for a perfect seal.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Step 1: Fill the Souper Cubes tray: Spoon or pour your food into the tray wells. For liquids, leave a small gap at the top to allow for expansion as they freeze. Checkpoint: Ensure each well is filled to the same level for even freezing.
2. Step 2: Freeze the tray: Place the tray on a flat surface in the freezer and freeze until the food is completely solid, at least 4-6 hours or overnight. Checkpoint: The cubes should be rock hard before you proceed.
3. Step 3: Remove the frozen cubes: Flex the tray from the bottom to pop out the cubes. If they stick, let them sit at room temperature for a minute or two. Checkpoint: Handle cubes gently to avoid breakage.
4. Step 4: Place cubes in a vacuum seal bag: Put the desired number of cubes into a pre-cut vacuum seal bag. Leave at least an inch of space at the open end for sealing. Checkpoint: Don't overfill—leave room for a proper seal.
5. Step 5: Vacuum seal the bag: Use your vacuum sealer to remove the air and seal the bag. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct sealing time. Checkpoint: Check the seal is airtight—no air should be visible inside.
6. Step 6: Label and store: Write the contents and date on the bag with a marker or label. Store flat in the freezer to save space and keep bags organized. Checkpoint: Always use the oldest bags first to rotate your stock.

Key Souper Cubes Products for This Method

• Freezer Tray - 1-Cup: Freeze and store soups, stews, sauces, and other foods in 1-cup portions. Remove, reheat, and use the exact amount you need. This tray size is perfect for single servings, making it easy to vacuum seal individual portions for quick meals.
• Freezer Tray - 2 Tablespoon: Freeze and store tomato paste, pesto, baby food, sofrito and other foods in 2 tablespoon / 1 ounce portions. Remove, reheat, and use the exact amount you need. Small portions like these are ideal for vacuum sealing in bulk, so you can grab just a little when needed.

By combining Souper Cubes trays with vacuum seal pre-cut bags, you can dramatically extend the shelf life of your frozen foods while keeping them organized and easy to use. Whether you're freezing soups, sauces, or cookie dough, this method ensures your hard work in the kitchen pays off for months. Ready to get started? Check out the Freezer Tray - 1-Cup to begin your meal prep journey.