Any recommendations on meals to freeze pre-baby? I've read Merrill's posts on the subject but wanted to see if there were other recommendations!

Haley Sonneland
  • 2115 views
  • 17 Comments

17 Comments

Kristen W. February 10, 2016
Great ideas - I just want to second or third the idea of meals you can eat one-handed - that can be really helpful with a newborn.
 
Haley S. February 11, 2016
Thanks for the intel!
 
ktr February 9, 2016
I had a few meals in the freezer but mostly I relied on quick to make meals like stir fries. Also, I considered cooking as a time during the day that I could hand the baby to my husband (or anyone else that happened to be around); they got some baby time and I got some me time.
 
Haley S. February 11, 2016
I like that plan!
 
magpiebaker February 9, 2016
Lentil meatballs (double batch) from Sprouted Kitchen with lemon pesto. Easy to defrost just what you need, high in protein, and good to throw in with cooked pasta.
 
Haley S. February 11, 2016
Froze some pesto yesterday so this is a great idea!
 
navahfrost February 9, 2016
Individually wrapped home made veggie burgers, you can defrost one at a time. Make them with black beans, quinoa, chopped up veggies plus egg to bind it together. High in protein, very filling and you can eat it one handed if it's neatly stuffed into a pita.
 
Haley S. February 11, 2016
Appreciate the suggestion!
 
CanadaDan February 9, 2016
I made individual turkey pot pies a few weeks ago that froze beautifully...just stick em in the oven to reheat and they're done. Chicken and dumplings is also a great freezer-friendly meal (though i freeze the dumplings separately).
 
Haley S. February 11, 2016
Thanks, Daniel!
 
Freebird February 9, 2016
I just had a our third baby 6 months ago, so this topic is still fresh on my mind. I gravitated to substantial and hearty foods with all of my pregnancies probably due to the fact that breastfeeding requires extra calories. I was HUNGRY after each of my kids! With that said, I stocked up on freezer-friendly dishes like lasagna heavy on veggies, turkey meatloaf, enchiladas, chicken/veg stock, curries, pizza crust, soups/stews, shredded pork roast frozen into a few portions for tacos or to incorporate with other meals, and lots of healthy muffins wrapped individually for a quick snack grab. Good luck and happy preparation!
 
Haley S. February 11, 2016
All great ideas. Was just thinking about shredded pork today!
 
Nancy February 9, 2016
Include one or two indulgent meals. It may be a long time before you have enough sleep ans/or attention span to make something complicated or difficult.
Or just stock up on quality ingredients that can be portioned out and cooked easily.
 
Haley S. February 11, 2016
Thanks, Nancy!
 

Voted the Best Reply!

Cav February 9, 2016
Best guideline I was given was to cook and freeze foods that we would normally eat. But so that we could eat it with one hand. Spoon, fork or fingers. Because you never knew what your other hand might need to be doing.
 
Madhuja February 9, 2016
I made lots of curries and dals and froze them in individual portions along with rice. It is much easier to heat them up in smaller portions! Same with lasagna - I sliced it up and froze individual servings. I also made lots of hearty, chunky soup, a ton of frozen burritos and of course, cake. You gotta have cake! :)
Congratulations!
 
Haley S. February 11, 2016
Thanks for this! I agree on the cake :)
 
Recommended by Food52