How To Feed The Freezer

by: Trisha Novotny
24/7 MOMS

Over 10 years ago, I was introduced to a cooking method that I refer to as Feeding the freezer. You may call it once a month cooking, frozen assets, freezer cooking, there are multiple names for this method of cooking. It completely changed the way I cooked for my family and simplified getting dinner on the table each night.

By feeding your freezer and having a variety of meals in your freezer you will also simplify your meal preparations and get dinner back to the table. Hopefully now avoiding those last minute pizza orders, take out food items or instant frozen meals.

How to feed the freezer :

Even if you have limited freezer space or few freeze-able containers what we are about to share with you can and will work for you as well.

#1 – Choose recipes that freeze well

- Google recipes

- Search 24/7 MOMS site for recipes

- Purchase freezer cookbooks

- Check out freezer cookbooks from your local library

#2 – Make a plan

- Make a grocery list and do your shopping to prepare for your cooking time.

- Choose when you will create these meals

o Schedule a separate Cooking day or evening

o Double/triple recipes as you make your nightly dinners, freezing the 2nd or 3rd recipe you made.

#3 – Feed the freezer using TWO methods

Two simple ways to freeze your meals that take up minimal space and will now leave you with plenty of room for your Ice Cream and Eggo's

Two simple methods :


#1 Freezer Bag Method

This method is used for your meals that are liquid-based and semi solid foods that do not need to hols a particular shape. Such as soups, chilis and stews or your semi-solid foods such as meats in marinades, stroganoffs, pre-cooked meats. etc.


Step 1 – Label your bag with date, content and quantity and cooking instructions if you desire. Believe me, once it is frozen it can be very difficult to determine what is actually inside your now frozen zip bag or the quantity it will feed.

Sample :
Cranberry Chicken
3/20/2008
4 chicken Breasts

Step 2 – Insert food into freezer zip bags.

Step 3 – Squeeze out as much of the air as possible so you can store them as FLAT bags and stack them on top of each other in your freezer.

Step 4 – On serving day, remove from freezer and either place in refrigerator on a pan or plate allowing to thaw completely or use the defrost on your microwave for seedy defrosting. Then cook the meal as directed in the original recipe.

#2 Wrap method with Foil/Plastic wrap

This method is used for your solid food items that need to hold a particular shape/form such as lasagna, meatloaf, enchiladas and casseroles.

Cool your food first prior to using this method.

Step 1 – Choose the pan/Pyrex dish you want to use for the proportion/size of meal you want to freeze.

Step 2 – Line it with foil wrap first then with a layer of plastic wrap (be sure to use a large enough piece of each to cover the bottom, sides and top of the dish).

Step 3 – Fill the dish with the size meal you are wanting to freeze.

Step 4 – When food is completely cooled, seal/cover with the plastic wrap, removing as much air as possible. Then seal/cover with the foil.

Step 5 – Now place the meal still in the pan into your freezer. Once the item has become frozen solid remove it from the pan and place it into a freezer bag. (Be sure to label the bag with the contents.)

Step 6 – On serving day, remove the meal from the freezer and allow it to thaw slightly. Then remove the foil and plastic wraps and place it the original baking dish. Allow to finish thawing and bake as directed from the recipe you used.

Do you have a recipe that freezes well? email it to us at trisha@247moms.com and we will share it with the 24/7 MOMS