Preparing meals for the freezer doesn’t have to be daunting. Learn how to make the best from scratch freezer meals with these tips and recipes. Perfect for the busy seasons of life!
These from scratch freezer meals are perfect for any busy season of life. From postpartum recovery to busy weeknights, these freezer recipes will be a hit for the whole family. Plus, they’re made with whole, real food ingredients and full of flavor, making them that much better than store bought alternatives!
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Recipes for Busy Seasons of Life
We just welcomed our third baby and I am so thankful I took the time to create these freezer meals.
After Emily was born, my husband was taking the other two kids out for playtime and lunch while I stayed back and rested. I was thrilled to go into the freezer and pick out one of my favorite soups: Chicken tortilla soup, and throw it on the stove.
Then I went to the pumpkin chili, and then the chicken gnocchi soup.
I felt like I ate like a queen for at least a week (and with no cooking at all)!
Today as I type this, I am almost two weeks postpartum, and while we have eaten through all the homemade freezer waffles and all the soups, we still have plenty of pizza doughs, meatballs, and hamburger patties leftover.
Whether you’re in a season of busyness (homeschooling, kids extracurriculars, taking care of family, postpartum, college, etc.) or just want to load up your freezer to make weeknights easier, this list will work perfectly for you and your family!
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Tips for Making the Most of your Freezer Meal Prep
When you’re already cooking three meals a day for your family, preparing extra food to go in the freezer can seem a bit daunting. Here are my tips for how to be efficient when prepping food for the freezer without feeling too burnt out.
1. Bulk prep the doughs on the same day
If you have a sourdough starter, get it out and feed it one time but a little extra. Then use that active starter to make at least 3 different doughs (like pizza dough, biscuit dough, or bread dough) at one time. This is a more efficient way of making bread doughs without feeling overwhelmed by the process or having it take days or weeks on end.
2. Don’t skimp on your favorites
Just because it comes out of the freezer doesn’t mean it needs to be boring and dull. Pull out your favorite cookbook and find your favorite recipes. For me this is my Sourdough at Home cookbook. There must be at least some, if not all, of the recipe that can be prepped and frozen. Can you chop the veggies up and throw them in a freezer bag? Or you can make a delicious brownie dough and freeze that so you can thaw it and bake it later. Don’t limit yourself to just meals that are the obvious ones for freezer prep, like soups and casseroles.
3. Get yourself some good storage containers
Soups, and many other meals or ingredients, can fit well in these bulk freeze storage containers from Amazon. I love how it comes in different sizes, and since we have so many, I don’t feel bad about letting others borrow these or even loosing one. I love using these for soups, jams, and homemade doughs.
4. Keep convenience in mind + labeling and sealing tips
These homemade waffles are one of our favorites for the freezer because we can pop them in the toaster and have breakfast in under 1 minute. It does not get faster than that.
And don’t forget to label your bags (even if you think you’ll remember what’s inside). Sometimes food gets freezer burn and its hard to see whats inside. On that note, to help prevent freezer burn, make sure all the air is out of the freezer container completely. And double bagging works too!
More From-Scratch Recipes You May Enjoy
Homestyle Corn Chowder with Bacon
Einkorn Sourdough Chicken Pot Pie
The Best From Scratch Freezer Meal Prep Recipes
1. Belgian-Inspired Homemade Einkorn Waffles
These homemade einkorn waffles are naturally sweetened and make a nourishing breakfast for those sleepy postpartum mornings. Freeze a batch and pop them in the toaster for an easy, wholesome meal during those early weeks with baby.
2. Easy Homemade Meatballs
This easy homemade meatball recipe is protein-packed and freezer-friendly, perfect for tossing into pasta, sandwiches, or soups. They’re a simple, hearty meal prep option that makes dinnertime feel less overwhelming in the postpartum season.
3. Homemade Einkorn Brownies
Sometimes, a cozy treat is just what a new mama needs. These rich einkorn brownies are chewy, chocolatey, and made with real ingredients you can feel good about—perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat to share with visitors. You can make the brownie dough ahead of time, freeze it, then thaw it out one day before you want to bake them!
4. No Yeast Sourdough Pizza Crust
This no yeast sourdough pizza crust is ideal for postpartum meal prep—just prep the dough and freeze. Add your favorite toppings for a fast, comforting meal on the nights when cooking from scratch isn’t possible.
5. Flaky Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Biscuits
Made with sourdough discard and a touch of pumpkin, these flaky biscuits are a cozy fall staple. Keep some in the freezer to reheat with dinner or serve warm with butter for an easy postpartum breakfast or snack. Or, make the dough ahead of time, freeze, and let it thaw out before shaping!
6. Freshly Milled Sourdough Dinner Rolls
These soft, whole grain sourdough rolls use freshly milled flour and make a nourishing addition to any meal. Bake ahead and freeze for a comforting, homemade side that’s ready right when you need it. Or, make the dough ahead of time, freeze, and let it thaw out before shaping!
FAQs:
How long can homemade freezer meals be stored?
Most from-scratch freezer meals will last 3–4 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. I use gallon ziplock bags for storage or these bulk freezer containers for soups and jams.
Do I need to thaw freezer meals before cooking?
It depends on the recipe. Soups, meatballs, or hamburger patties can go straight from freezer to oven, stove, or grill. But bread, pizza, or biscuit doughs work best when thawed in the fridge overnight.
What’s the best way to prevent freezer burn?
Remove as much air as possible from storage bags or containers, and use freezer-safe packaging.
7. Easy Strawberry Jam
This simple strawberry jam is a great way to use up farm fresh berries and have a yummy breakfast in no time. It uses natural sweeteners, comes together easily, and tastes delicious on toast or mixed into yogurt when you want something quick and homemade.
8. Comforting Chicken Tortilla Soup
This chicken tortilla soup is easy to throw together and freezes well, which makes it a solid option for postpartum meals. We love this flavorful dish and look forward to having it ready in the freezer when we need something easy and filling!
9. Homemade Pumpkin Chili
This pumpkin chili with lamb has a deep, cozy flavor that hits the spot and freezes well. It’s a nice change from the usual, and it comes together without a bunch of steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Just cook it once, and you’ve got several delicious servings ready to go.
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