10 Batch Cook and Freeze Recipes You Need! (2024)

FAQs

What is good to batch cook and freeze? ›

Batch cooking is a great option if you want healthy, homemade meals in no time at all, or if you know that you've got a busy few weeks coming up. It basically means cooking in bulk and storing meals in the freezer. You can then either microwave them from frozen or allow them to defrost before reheating.

If you're looking for a healthier, quicker and slightly cheaper way of enjoying delicious home-cooked food, then batch cooking for the freezer could be for you. It involves cooking larger batches of meals and then freezing some for later, ideally in separate portions. Buying ingredients in bulk is invariably cheaper.

Either cook it and then freeze it or freeze it raw. It doesn't matter which. I prefer to freeze raw, that way I'm not stuck with a specific meal when I thaw it out, and can choose what to cook when I thaw it out. Well, I've done both.

These include anything with both a high water content and a cell structure that will burst from the expansion of the freezing water. Examples include cucumbers, grapes, and all but the firmest vegetables. Some cheeses freeze well but others like ricotta or even sour cream tend to get gritty.

Chicken is a firm favourite in households across the UK thanks to its versatility, cost, flavour and health benefits. If you have leftover chicken or are preparing meals for the week ahead, freezing cooked chicken is a great way to get your protein fix without scrimping on taste.

Batch cooked food left in the fridge will need to be eaten within a few days and meals that are frozen usually need to be eaten within three months. If you already have batch cooked food in the freezer, put newer food behind it to ensure you don't eat that first.

How long can you freeze batch cooked meals for? ›

Most meals will keep for up to three months in the freezer. 9. Bring the heat: once you've defrosted your food, check how to reheat depending on the ingredients, but the golden rule is always ensure your meal is piping hot all the way through. And only ever reheat once.

If your maternity leave is short or you plan to eat out regularly, then 10-20 make-ahead freezer meals should do the trick. But if you have more time before the baby comes or if you plan on eating at home most of the time, then 30-50 freezer meals might be more suitable for your family.

A simple quick-cooking technique is to make extra food at one meal and freeze for future meals. Or, to prepare food ahead and freeze for enjoying at a later time. One easy method of freezing foods, including liquid foods such as soups and stews, is to freeze them in freezer bags.

Yes, you can. Freezing mashed potatoes is a great way to plan for the holidays or avoid wasting any leftovers.

Like with any recipe you plan to batch cook, make sure you let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing in a suitable container.