IT’S HERE! Welcome to my final freezer meal information. Since have 3 kiddos within the span of 4 years, I do know a factor or two about how straightforward, handy, and (usually) obligatory it’s to have entry to nourishing, freezer-friendly meals. Life will get busy and cooking a satisfying breakfast every morning and a contemporary dinner each night time can really feel (and is) inconceivable at occasions.
I’m right here to offer an incredible useful resource that will help you get meals in your desk for your loved ones (or simply your self!) throughout the busy seasons of life. Belief me, you’ll LOVE these straightforward freezer meals!
Get my FREE freezer meal information
Together with this weblog publish, we created a FREE easy-to-follow, printable freezer meal information to maintain on-hand and are available again to time and time once more! It takes all the data from this publish and packages it onto two pages (or one double-sided web page) you could hold in your kitchen drawer or cling in your fridge. Really easy!
On this publish, I’ll stroll you thru freeze and reheat just about any meal. We did our greatest to incorporate TONS of various classes of recipes, together with breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and desserts, to be able to learn to freeze completely different meals! Please word that this listing doesn’t embody each recipe in every class (the weblog publish could be WAY too lengthy!) so you should definitely click on the class buttons after every meal kind to get much more inspo.
Take a look at all of my recommendations on freeze your favourite meals, and select just a few to do that week!
Why freeze your meals for later?
- Save time. Whether or not you’re a brand new mama adjusting to new child and postpartum life, a dad or mum wrangling an enormous household, or somebody with an extremely demanding job – you’ll save SO a lot time prepping and freezing meals forward of time. No must cook dinner each day of the week when you possibly can plan forward and have breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at your fingertips to reheat everytime you want them!
- Get monetary savings. Busy weeks usually result in straightforward takeout choices, which may actually add up over the months and 12 months. With selfmade meals able to go it can save you takeout for particular events! Plus, cooking and freezing in bulk for an enormous household or simply 1-2 folks will prevent tons of journeys to the grocery retailer.
- Nourishing meals on-demand. Sure, “well being” means one thing completely different for everybody, however I’m a agency believer that one of the best ways to prioritize nutrient-dense, nourishing meals is to cook dinner them proper at dwelling. Many individuals don’t have time to do that 5-7 days per week, so if you prep them and freeze them forward of time you’ll discover it SO straightforward to get pleasure from wholesome meals all week lengthy.
- Cut back waste. Freezing leftovers and even components of meals is a good way to cut back waste as a result of your meals gained’t go dangerous earlier than you end them. The vast majority of recipes sometimes last as long as 3 months within the freezer! That is particularly handy if you’re simply feeding your self or your self and a roommate or associate since you don’t have to complete the complete meal in only a few days.
Ideas for freezing each recipe
- Let the meals cool utterly earlier than freezing in order that it doesn’t develop freezer burn.
- Meals could be saved for as much as 3 months except in any other case famous.
- Not all meals has to thaw earlier than reheating – learn the directions rigorously!
- To feed extra folks, I like to recommend doubling a recipe and freezing half for later!
- For those who’re freezing a number of meals, strive choosing recipes which have related components. That method your prep time (together with grocery buying) is far simpler.
- Freeze meals within the parts you wish to eat them. That method you don’t have to fret about slicing or dividing meals once they’re frozen strong.
- Use labels in your freezer-safe luggage or containers in order that what’s in your freezer!
Varieties of recipes we DO NOT advocate freezing
- Leafy greens & veggies: I don’t advocate freezing salads or recipes that use contemporary, leafy greens as they’ll get extraordinarily mushy after being frozen.
- Recipes with garnishes & sauce drizzles: in case you plan to freeze sure recipes, I like to recommend leaving off garnishes like nuts, contemporary herbs, and many others. as a result of they gained’t keep contemporary after freezing. If the recipe requires a sauce drizzle to complete the dish, I like to recommend including this after you’ve reheated the meal and are able to eat!
Though we don’t advocate freezing meals with some of these components, you possibly can completely freeze herbs on their very own for later! Head to this information to be taught precisely freeze contemporary herbs.
Varieties of recipes that require a bit extra consideration when freezing
- Stovetop pasta dishes: this contains mac and cheese and different tremendous creamy pasta recipes. Be happy to freeze these dishes as you’ll with casseroles (like lasagna), nonetheless, if you reheat them, I like to recommend doing so on the stovetop and including a bit extra liquid (like milk).
Extra freezer guides
Instruments you’ll must freeze meals for later
The way to freeze your favourite recipes
Scroll via to take a look at all the recipe classes which are nice for freezing! You’ll discover their fundamental freezing and heating directions, plus an inventory of scrumptious recipe to strive.
Breads & Muffins
- To freeze: wrap your complete bread loaf or particular person slices tightly in foil. Place your wrapped loaf, slices, or entire muffins in a glass container or silicone bag.
- To reheat: Let the bread loaf, slices, or muffins thaw at room temperature. Microwave bread slices or muffins in 15-second intervals in case you like them heat.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
Greatest Ever Wholesome Banana Bread Recipe
Wholesome Peanut Butter Banana Muffins (dairy free + gluten free)
Blender Double Chocolate Spinach Muffins
Pistachio Poppy Seed Orange Yogurt Bread
Morning Glory Zucchini Carrot Muffins
Get all of my bread recipes right here, and all of my muffin recipes right here!
Baked Oatmeal
- To freeze: place particular person baked oatmeal slices or cups in a glass container or silicone bag and freeze. For those who’re freezing a complete baked oatmeal, wrap the complete pan effectively with foil and freeze.
- To reheat: reheat slices or cups within the microwave from frozen in 15-second intervals for 1 to 2 minutes. To reheat a complete baked oatmeal, cowl the pan with foil and reheat from frozen within the oven at 350 levels F for 20 to 25 minutes.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal
Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Cups
Orange Creamsicle Baked Oatmeal
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
Vanilla Brown Butter Pear Baked Oatmeal
Pancakes & Waffles
- To freeze: place on a parchment-lined baking sheet in order that they aren’t touching and freeze for half-hour, then place in glass containers or silicone luggage and freeze.
- To reheat: reheat pancakes for 30 to 60 seconds or bake at 350 levels F for 10 minutes. Use a toaster to reheat waffles immediately from the freezer.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
Fluffy Yogurt Pancakes (excessive protein, gluten free)
Wholesome Banana Oatmeal Pancakes (made proper within the blender!)
Sidney’s 4-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
The Greatest Fluffy Vegan Pancakes
Get all of my waffle and pancake recipes right here!
Quiches & Egg Bakes
- To freeze: place particular person slices in glass containers or silicone luggage and freeze. You too can freeze the complete quiche directly when you’ve got a big sufficient freezer-safe bag or container.
- To reheat: reheat slices from frozen or thaw within the fridge in a single day by microwaving at 15-second intervals. Reheat a complete egg bake from frozen at 350 levels F for 30 to 35 minutes.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
Butternut Squash Bacon Spinach Quiche
Maple Apple Breakfast Hen Meatballs
Savory Hen Sausage, Egg and Cheese Muffins (keto + low carb)
Spinach & Goat Cheese Quiche with Candy Potato Crust
Wholesome Breakfast Egg Muffin Cups
Jalapeño, Pepper Jack & Turkey Bacon Quiche with Potato Crust
Get all of my savory breakfast recipes right here!
Cinnamon Rolls
- To freeze earlier than baking: after the primary rise, as soon as they’re rolled up, sliced, and positioned within the pan, cowl the pan with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze.
- To bake from frozen: thaw within the fridge in a single day, then place in a heat spot till rolls have risen and doubled in measurement, 1 hour. Bake as directed.
- To freeze after baking: cool cinnamon rolls to room temperature, then double wrap the pan effectively with plastic wrap and foil effectively and freeze, or freeze particular person cinnamon rolls in a container or bag.
- To reheat from frozen: defrost at room temperature, then heat within the oven at 350°F for 10 to fifteen minutes, or within the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, then frost.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
The Greatest Cinnamon Rolls You’ll Ever Eat
Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
The Greatest Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls You’ll Ever Eat
Lemon Lover’s Lemon Blueberry Candy Rolls
Soups, Stews, Curries & Chilis
- To freeze: add to a glass container or silicone bag, leaving a bit area within the container for the liquid to broaden, and freeze. Don’t freeze recipes with noodles or rice – be happy so as to add these as soon as reheated.
- To reheat: thaw within the fridge in a single day, then reheat on the stovetop or within the microwave at 30 second intervals.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
One Pot Butternut Squash Yellow Curry
Mother’s Sluggish Cooker Beef Stew
Butternut Squash Inexperienced Chile Hen Soup
Truly, the Greatest Vegetarian Chili Ever
Creamy White Bean Hen Enchilada Soup
Get all of my soups, stews, curries & chilis right here!
Burgers, Meatloaves & Shredded Meat
- To freeze uncooked: form your meatloaf or burgers, wrap effectively in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze.
- To reheat & cook dinner from uncooked: thaw within the fridge, then bake meatloaf as directed or cook dinner burgers on the stovetop or grill as directed.
- To freeze cooked: wrap meatloaf or burgers in foil, or shred your cooked meat, then place in a glass container or silicone bag and freeze.
- To reheat from cooked: thaw within the fridge, take away the foil, and bake meatloaf at 350 levels F for 30 to 45 minutes, warmth burgers in a pan on the stovetop till heated via, or reheat shredded meat in a gradual cooker, microwave, or in a pan.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
Sluggish Cooker Italian Hen Sandwiches (freeze the meat for straightforward sandwiches later!)
Cheddar-Stuffed Candy Potato BBQ Turkey Meatloaf
Moroccan-Spiced Turkey Burgers with Creamy Feta Sauce
Sluggish Cooker Gochujang Hen Sandwiches
Cheddar-Stuffed Buffalo Hen Meatloaf
Get all of my burgers right here!
Meatballs
- To freeze uncooked: place formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for two hours till strong. Then switch to a glass container or silicone bag and freeze.
- To reheat & cook dinner from uncooked: thaw frozen uncooked meatballs within the fridge, then cook dinner as directed within the recipe.
- To freeze cooked: add cooked meatballs to a glass container or silicone bag and freeze.
- To reheat from cooked: thaw within the fridge, then cook dinner in a pan on the range till heated via.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
Firecracker Hen Meatballs with Cilantro Coconut Pineapple Rice
Juicy Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce with Burrata
Oh So Good Hen Meatballs in Pumpkin Coconut Curry Sauce
Jalapeño Coconut Curry Hen Meatball Bowls
Get all of my meatball recipes right here!
Casseroles, Pasta Bakes & Enchiladas
- To freeze unbaked: assemble absolutely, leaving off any bread crumb toppings, then double wrap with foil and freeze.
- To reheat & cook dinner from unbaked: thaw within the fridge, add bread crumbs if wanted, then bake as directed.
- To freeze baked: wrap pan in foil or add particular person slices to a glass container or silicone bag and freeze.
- To reheat from baked: thaw full casserole or slices within the fridge, then bake full casserole at 350 levels F for 30 to 45 minutes or warmth slices at 30 second intervals within the microwave. If reheating pasta bakes, add a bit milk earlier than reheating.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
Cozy Roasted Vegetable Butternut Squash Lasagna
Dreamy Refried Bean Hen Enchiladas with Selfmade Enchilada Sauce
Wholesome Tuna Noodle Casserole
Pesto Mushroom Hen Lasagna Roll Ups
Candy Potato Black Bean Enchiladas with Avocado Lime Crema
The Greatest Wholesome Turkey Lasagna You’ll Ever Eat
Get much more consolation meals recipes like these right here!
Stir-Fries & Sheet Pan Meals
- To freeze: freeze protein, veggies, and any sauce in a glass container or silicone bag.
- To reheat: thaw within the fridge, then add contents to a pan and reheat on the stovetop.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
Sheet Pan Moroccan-Spiced Hen with Candy Potatoes & Cauliflower
Candy and Bitter Pineapple Broccoli Hen Stir Fry
30-Minute Sesame Hen Inexperienced Bean Stir Fry
Sheet Pan Roasted Veggie Tacos (with yummy sauce choices!)
Ginger Cashew Hen Stir Fry with Coconut Cauliflower Rice
Get extra one pan meals right here!
Cookies (dough & baked cookies)
- To freeze cookie dough: roll into balls, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze till strong. Add frozen cookie dough balls to a glass container or silicone bag and freeze.
- To bake dough from frozen: merely add just a few additional minutes of baking time to the recipe.
- To bake dough from thawed: thaw dough within the fridge and bake as directed within the recipe.
- To freeze baked cookies: Place in a glass container or silicone bag in a single layer lined with wax or parchment paper and freeze.
- To reheat baked cookies: thaw at room temperature earlier than having fun with.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
Pistachio, Espresso & Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Wholesome Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (vegan & gluten free!)
The Greatest Bakery-Type Peanut Butter Cookies
Rattling Good Paleo Chocolate Chunk Tahini Cookies
Get all of my cookie recipes right here!
Truffles (frosted & unfrosted)
- To freeze unfrosted desserts: wrap particular person cake layers in plastic wrap and foil, then place in glass containers or silicone luggage and freeze.
- To reheat frosted desserts: thaw within the fridge, then carry to room temperature earlier than frosting and serving.
- To freeze frosted desserts: freeze full cake or slices for at the very least 2 hours to let the frosting solidify, then wrap in plastic wrap and foil, place in a glass container or silicone bag, and freeze.
- To reheat frosted desserts: thaw within the fridge, then carry to room temperature earlier than serving.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
Dad’s Extraordinary Yellow Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Rattling Good Peanut Butter Banana Cake (gluten free, grain free)
Brown Butter Apple Espresso Cake
Grain Free Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
Get all of my cake recipes right here!
Brownies & Bars
- To freeze: wrap complete pan in foil or place particular person bars in a glass container or silicone bag and freeze.
- To reheat: thaw at room temperature earlier than having fun with.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
Grain Free Tahini Brownies (one of the best brownies I’ve ever eaten!)
Ooey-Gooey Salted Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Raspberry Bars with Oatmeal Cookie Crumble
Salted Tahini Caramel Millionaire Bars (vegan + paleo)
Get all of my brownies & bars right here!
Crisps & Crumbles
- To freeze: assemble utterly however don’t bake. Wrap with plastic wrap and foil and freeze.
- To reheat: take away plastic wrap and foil and bake from frozen at 350 levels F for 1 hour or till bubbly.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
Greatest Wholesome Apple Crisp Ever!
Strawberry Crisp with Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Crumble
Gluten Free Peach Crisp with Salted Coconut Milk Caramel
Contemporary Cherry Crisp with Almond Oatmeal Crumble
Get all of my crisps and crumbles right here!
Fruit Pies
- To freeze: wrap entire pie in foil or place particular person slices in a glass container or silicone bag and freeze.
- To reheat: thaw entire pie or slices within the fridge, then reheat within the oven at 350 levels F for 20 to half-hour.
Attempt prepping and freezing these recipes:
The Greatest Tart Cherry Pie You’ll Ever Eat
Tony’s Very Favourite Dutch Apple Pie
I hope you’re keen on this straightforward freezer meal information! For those who check out any of the recipes, you should definitely depart a remark so I understand how the freezer prep went.
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