How to Start Freezer Cooking 101 | Menu & Recipes

You may have wanted to try freezer cooking, but you weren’t sure where to start. Well the good news is, we have compile some tips on how to start freezer cooking. Freezer cooking can be fun, easy, and frugal, you just need to know how to plan and execute your recipes accordingly. Take a look at some helpful tips to get you started.

How to Start Freezer Cooking

1. Start Small

Don’t dive into freezer cooking head first. Instead of planning a week or two of meals, try planning 3-4. This way, you aren’t quickly overwhelmed and discouraged. 3-4 is a manageable number.

Try: A Week of Freezer Meals in under an hour if you need a simple place to start! This post has a shopping list and recipes for a week of freezer meals and it’s a great place to start if you are new to Freezer cooking.

2. Find some simple recipes.

Do a Google search or ask some freezer cooking friends for some simple recipes. Trying recipes that have been tested and recommended is a great place to start.

I have a post on 30 Days of Freezer Cooking Recipes + 15 Meals for the Freezer if you’re needing suggestions!

3. Create an ingredient list ahead of time.

Don’t wait to pick out ingredients when standing in the grocery store aisles. Instead, make a list prior to shopping. Think about the meals you want to make, examine recipes, and write down an ingredient list. This way, you arrive at the store prepared and with some direction.

 

TIPS FROM THE PROS

I recommend making your Menu Plan First, Then making a Shopping list of ALL the ingredients. Once you have a Full Shopping list, Cross off any items you already have :) That will help you avoid overbuying and still ensure that you get everything you need. There’s nothing worse than starting your Freezer Cooking Session and realizing you’re missing something.

Download our FREE Menu Plan Worksheet and our Printable Shopping List if you need some forms to keep you organized.

4. Prepare your cooking space.

Clean your counters off so you have plenty of space. Organize your ingredients and lay your recipes out for easy reference. Have plenty of measuring tools, towels, and utensils on hand. This way, you are able to focus on cooking and won’t be running around looking for supplies.

5. Prep with a friend or family.

Make prep time a fun time. Invite a friend or family member to cook with you. Give them jobs such as chopping or peeling vegetables. Cooking with another person can be not only fun, but a great way to get the job done quicker.

6. Label your meals.

When done, be sure to put a simple label on your meal. The label should have the created on date, recipe name, and if you wish, simple reheating directions. If your label is small, the created on date is the most important.

 

TIPS FROM THE PROS

I also recommend putting the Finishing instructions on the outside of the bag or container. For example I write the Baking time and temperature on each bag you don’t want to be tracking down all your recipes each night to figure out how long to cook things, it’s much easier to write this down while you have the recipes in front of you.

7. Gather feedback.

Be sure to write down the favorites of yourself and your family. This way, you can continue to create the dish in the future and look for new dishes to replace the less than stellar meals.

One of our personal favorites is this Baked Spaghetti Freezer Meal, It’s a little expensive (because it contains both meat and a few kinds of cheese that I don’t typically buy) But it’s one of my families favorites and if I make several for the freezer at a time then I have found it helps bring down the cost.

Freezer cooking doesn’t have to be hard. Give these freezer cooking for beginners tips a try and see how fun and frugal freezer cooking can be.

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