These days, the freezer has become an essential tool in my kitchen, and I’m sure I’m not alone. It’s a lifesaver for preserving food, whether you’re planning meals for the week or stocking up for the month. Not only does it help reduce food waste, but freezing also saves both time and money—two things we can all appreciate, especially during busy times.
I used to think freezing food was something only people with huge freezers and lots of time on their hands did, but over the years, I’ve learned that it’s actually one of the easiest ways to streamline meal prep. Whether you’re looking to store leftovers, bulk-buy ingredients, or prep meals ahead of time, knowing what freezes well and how to do it properly is a game-changer. That’s exactly why I’ve put together this guide to freezing food, so you can maximize your freezer’s potential.
Plus, frozen produce often retains more nutrients and tastes fresher than canned alternatives. This means you can have nutritious, homemade meals ready to go, even on your busiest days.
In this article, I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned in this guide to freezing food—from what works best in the freezer to what you should avoid, plus 25+ delicious freezer-friendly recipes that will help make your meal planning easier and more efficient.
So if you’re ready to make your freezer your best friend, let’s dive in!
Why Freezing food Is a Game-Changer
Freezing food not only saves time but also prevents food waste and preserves the nutrients in your ingredients. In fact, frozen produce can sometimes be fresher and more nutrient-rich than canned goods. By planning and prepping meals ahead of time, you can ensure you always have wholesome, homemade meals ready to go.
Benefits of Freezing Food:
- Save money by buying in bulk.
- Prep meals ahead to reduce cooking time on busy nights.
- Reduce food waste by freezing excess produce, meats, and meals.
- Preserve the nutritional quality of food.
- Ensure that you’re always prepared, no matter how busy your week gets.
What You CAN Freeze
Here’s a list of foods that freeze beautifully:
- Meat and Poultry: Beef, pork, lamb, poultry (including cooked), and ground meats.
- Fish and Seafood: Including raw fillets and cooked fish.
- Fruits: Berries (like raspberries, strawberries, blueberries), bananas, mango, peaches, and cherries.
- Vegetables: capsicum, carrots, beans, spinach, mushrooms, peas, broccoli, and zucchini.
- Grains and Pasta: Cooked rice, pasta, and grains like quinoa.
- Dairy Products: Butter, hard cheeses, and even milk (just be mindful of the scent absorption).
- Sauces and Broths: Chicken stock, pasta sauces, and homemade soups.
- Bread and Dough: Cooked bread, pizza dough, and pastry.
Pro Tip: Freeze fresh herbs in ice cube trays with olive oil or water to keep them fresh and ready to use in cooking.
What NOT to Freeze
Some foods simply don’t freeze well and will lose texture, flavour, or consistency:
- High Water Content Vegetables: Lettuce, cucumbers, and celery.
- Fruits with High Water Content: Melons, citrus fruits (though juice freezes well), and apples.
- Soft Cheeses: Ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese.
- Yogurt: Freezing changes its texture and makes it grainy.
- Fried Foods: These lose their crispiness and become soggy when frozen.
- Sauces Thickened with Flour or Cornstarch: These can separate upon thawing.
How to properly freeze your food
- Set the Right Temperature: Make sure your freezer is set to -18°C (0°F) to keep food fresh.
- Use the Right Containers: Plastic freezer bags, containers, and vacuum sealing are ideal for preventing freezer burn. If using bags, remove as much air as possible.
- Cool Food Before Freezing: Always allow cooked food to cool down to room temperature before freezing to avoid thawing nearby foods.
- Label Everything: Add the date and food type to every package so you know what’s inside and when you froze it. This is crucial for staying organised and preventing food from going unused.
- Freeze in Portions: It’s best to freeze food in single-serving or family-sized portions to make thawing and reheating easier.
Secret Tip: Use ice cube trays for smaller portions like broth, herbs, or sauces. This method is perfect for when you only need a little.
You should always freeze the food at peak quality so that it will be at its best when you defrost it. This is especially important for fruits and vegetables as they start losing their nutrients once harvested.
Another thing, make sure not to overfill your freezer—if it’s too full, the air won’t circulate which can lead to freezer burn. If you’re like me and you love freezing your meals or leftovers, try to use at least one meal from your freezer a week. You can easily forget what you freeze after some time and you definitely don’t want to wake up to a jam-packed freezer (trust me).
Thawing Your Food Safely
When it comes to defrosting food, safety is key. Thaw your meals in the refrigerator or use the microwave’s defrost setting to avoid bacterial growth. Avoid leaving food to thaw completely at room temperature!
And, avoid refreezing thawed food to maintain its quality—except for dough, like puff pastry.
In case of a power outage, don’t open the door to your freezer. The cool air inside the freezer will keep the food safe for at least 24 hours, so don’t panic. That’s enough time for you to solve the issue and save your food.
Finally, I know that this task is easy to forget but make sure to clean your freezer at least twice a year.
Freezer-friendly recipes that will make your life easier
Now for the fun part—freezer-friendly recipes! These meals are perfect for prepping ahead and freezing, so you can always have a homemade meal ready to heat up. Whether you’re looking for comforting soups or delicious desserts, this list has you covered.
Prefer to see the recipes with photos? Check out my Recipe Gallery for a visual guide to all of these freezer-friendly dishes. There, you’ll find photos of each recipe along with easy-to-follow instructions.
Cooked Meals to Freeze
These soups, sauces, and stews are ideal for freezing once they’re cooked. Simply portion them out, freeze, and reheat for a quick, hearty meal. Perfect for those nights when you don’t have time to cook but want something homemade and delicious. Keep in mind that it’s best to prepare rice or pasta fresh to accompany these dishes.
- Tomato and Noodle Soup – A comforting and easy soup to freeze in portions, ready to warm up when you need it.
- Spinach and Lentil Soup – Perfect for a healthy frozen meal packed with nutrients.
- Bolognese Sauce – Freeze this classic comfort food and enjoy a quick pasta night anytime.
- Chicken Soup – An all-time favourite for a cozy, healing meal—easy to freeze and reheat.
- Red Lentil Soup – Hearty, flavourful, and perfect for freezing. This soup is a wholesome option for a busy day.
- White Bean Stew – A freezer staple for busy nights, loaded with protein and fiber.
- Casserole of Spinach – A simple, freezer-ready dish to help you enjoy a stress-free meal.
- Green Bean Stew – A quick and easy weeknight meal that freezes beautifully for those days when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.
Note: While most of these meals can be frozen for later, it’s best to prepare rice or pasta fresh on the day of serving for the best texture.
For photos of these recipes and more detailed instructions, visit the Recipe Gallery.
Uncooked Foods to Freeze
By freezing meals before cooking, you’re saving time on meal prep and ensuring that you can have a freshly prepared dish without the time and effort required on the day of cooking. These uncooked recipes freeze beautifully and are perfect for a busy weeknight or whenever you want a stress-free homemade meal.
- Kibbeh-bel-Sanieh – Perfectly spiced layers of bulgur and ground meat. Freeze it uncooked and bake it fresh whenever you crave it.
- Homemade Tahini Sausage Rolls – After brushing them with milk and sprinkling sesame seeds, freeze these rolls before baking. You’ll thank yourself later.
- Spinach and Leek Pie – Line a tray that fits into your freezer with baking paper and place the uncooked pies on it. Once frozen overnight, transfer them into a plastic bag for a delicious, easy bake.
- Spicy Lamb Pastries – These freeze uncooked and are ready to bake at your convenience. No need to thaw—just bake and enjoy!
- Lebanese Potato Pie – Freeze these pies to have an easy, hearty dish ready for a quick meal.
- Lamb Spring Rolls – Light, crispy, and flavorful—freeze uncooked, and they’ll be ready to fry or bake anytime.
- Zaatar Croissants – A savory twist on classic croissants, freeze them after shaping for fresh-baked goodness any day.
- Mini Zaatar Mana-eesh – Cut them into your desired size and prick the dough with a fork before freezing. Fry or bake later for a warm snack.
- Kafta Grilled Kebabs – Freeze marinated kafta skewers to grill whenever you want a quick and flavourful meal.
- Lamb Patties – Perfect for freezing raw; just grill or pan-fry when you’re ready.
- Chipotle Spice Rubbed Thigh Fillets – Marinate, freeze, and grill or roast these juicy fillets whenever you need a delicious protein boost.
- Homemade Beef Lasagna – A comfort food classic that freezes well, so you can enjoy a hot lasagna with minimal prep.
- Chicken Schnitzel – Bread and freeze these schnitzels before frying or baking for a quick, crispy meal.
- Oven-Roasted Chicken Chops – Freeze marinated chicken chops for an easy, flavorful dinner that’s ready to roast whenever you are.
- Oven-Roasted Garlic and Lemon Chicken Wings – Marinate the chicken wings, freeze, and unfreeze anytime for a quick lunch or dinner.
For photos of these recipes and more detailed instructions, visit the Recipe Gallery.
Sweet Treats to Freeze
Don’t forget about dessert! These sweet treats are perfect for freezing so you can have a quick and delicious snack or dessert anytime. From cakes to cookies, these freezer-friendly sweets are just waiting to satisfy your cravings.
- Chocolate Orange Cake: Freeze by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag and storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Semolina Cake: Save time, slice and freeze semolina cake for future cravings.
- Simple Homemade Pancakes: Stack ’em high, and freeze pancakes for a quick breakfast.
- Rolled Oats Cookies: Bake once, and enjoy Rolled Oats Biscuits all month long.
- Pistachio and Coconut Chocolate Log: Indulge in this delicious log anytime—just freeze and thaw when you’re ready.
- Blackberry and White Chocolate Cheesecake – Thaw, garnish, and enjoy this creamy, fruity delight.
- Perfectly Moist Banana Bread – Savour the flavour of this scrumptious banana bread by freezing and thawing as needed for a delightful treat anytime.
- Macadamia Nut Bars – Cut them into individual portions before freezing, and enjoy these nutty bars whenever you need a quick snack.
For photos of these recipes and more detailed instructions, visit the Recipe Gallery.
Freeze Smart, Cook Smarter
Freezing food is a simple yet powerful way to stay ahead in the kitchen. With the right techniques, you can store meals for weeks or even months, cutting down on food waste and saving time. Try these tips and freezer-friendly recipes to make your freezer your best kitchen ally!
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With Love
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