Can Pyrex Go In the Freezer?

Pyrex has a spot in almost every Southern kitchen. These durable dishes, which range from colorful and cheerful to everyday glassware, are a must-have for any cook. Whether you have mixing bowls, serving pieces, bakeware, storage containers, or other types of Pyrex (which also includes CorningWare and Corelle), you've probably wondered whether it is safe to put in the freezer.

The short answer is yes—but there are a few rules you should follow. When using Pyrex or any glass bakeware or cookware, you should avoid extreme temperature changes—very cold dishes shouldn't be placed in a hot oven, and vice versa. Sudden changes in temperature may cause the dishes to shatter or break.

For example, if you froze a piecrust in a glass pie plate, then wanted to bake it, you shouldn't put the pie plate directly into a preheated oven. Instead, remove the pie plate from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. By the time the oven is fully preheated, you should be able to put the pie plate in the oven and bake the crust as directed. On the other hand, don't put the dish in the oven while it preheats. Exposure to the oven's heating element could cause damage to your Pyrex, causing it to crack or break.

If you baked a casserole in a Pyrex dish and wanted to freeze the leftovers, don't transfer the still-hot dish to the freezer. Instead, let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover the dish, and store it in the freezer.

A few more helpful hints from Pyrex: Allow hot glassware to cool on a cooling rack, potholder, or dry cloth (not on a wet or cool surface). Be sure to allow hot glassware to cool before washing, refrigerating, or freezing. Don't place cold glassware on a hot surface, such as the stovetop.

If you follow these simple rules, you'll keep your precious Pyrex intact.