9 Products That Make Freezing Food SO Much Easier
Updated: Apr. 17, 2020It's a smart idea to keep ready-to-use ingredients and meals in the freezer. Here's what you need to start freezing!
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Vacuum Food Sealer
Get the longest possible life from frozen foods with a FoodSaver vacuum sealer. Place foods (meats, bread, vegetables and more) in the bags and the sealer quickly removes all the air. Food is sealed tight, protected from freezer burn and flavors are preserved. Here’s the scoop on whether or not it is really safe to eat food with freezer burn.
Why it made our list: This FoodSaver is an investment, but will save hundreds of dollars of food from being wasted in the long haul.
Bag Holder
Ziploc bags can be challenging to fill when working with liquidy foods like soups and sauces. Using a baggy rack will make this task so much more efficient! The rack grips and holds up the bags so you can fill them quickly without a mess. Here’s how long your food actually lasts in the freezer.
Why it made our list: Amazon reviewers love using this gadget for freezer meals.
Sheet Pans
To freeze foods like berries, cut fruit, vegetables or meatballs, first arrange them in a single layer on nonstick sheet pans. Then, cover the food and put the sheet pans in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the food to bags or containers.
Why it made our list: Taste of Home cookware is all Test Kitchen approved!
Freezer Bags
Keep plenty of freezer bags on hand so you can prep and freeze foods right after shopping. Choose bags specifically made for the freezer to give foods the best protection against leaks, freezer burn and off flavors.
Editor’s Tip: Lay filled bags flat in the freezer, then stack them once they’re frozen.
Why it made our list: The zippers on Ziploc bags tend to be very reliable, Amazon reviewers report. Just be sure you aren’t trying to freeze these foods you shouldn’t keep in the freezer.
Leak-Proof Containers
Invest in a good set of resealable leak-proof containers that can go from freezer to fridge to microwave. The lids on these containers lock tight to protect foods and prevent spills. They make it easy to freeze individual portions of soups, chili, and casseroles. If you like these, you’ll love these 17 products from The Container Store that you need in your life.
Why it made our list: These Rubbermaid containers are crystal clear, so you can see exactly what’s stored in your freezer.
Baby Food Freezer Trays
Get a head start on ready-to-go foods for your little one with baby food freezer trays. Fill the stackable trays with homemade purees of fruits and veggies, cover, then freeze. The baby food portions are easy to pop out as you need them.
Why it made our list: This is perfect for freezing single portions of baby food, and it’s mom-approved!
Waxed Paper Squares
Use these like butchers do to separate hamburger patties, but you’ll find that these precut waxed paper squares have other freezer uses as well. Place them between pancakes, cookies, tortillas, veggie burgers or any other thin and delicate items you’re planning to freeze. The waxed paper makes it a cinch to separate food. Another important thing you’ll need to know: is your freezer set to the right temperature?
Why it made our list: Reviewers love the value of this product—1,000 squares are only $15.
Freezer Labels
Now that you’ve prepped and packaged all that food, make sure it’s labeled! These freezer labels are made to stick to plastic, paper, foil or glass, and make it easy for you to see what’s in the freezer at a glance. And the labels are easy to remove.
Why it made our list: The labels will stick to food both before putting in the freezer and after it’s frozen.
Food Processor
Chopping veggies and pureeing soups can be very time-consuming, which is why a food processor will be your new favorite kitchen appliance. It has a large work bowl and attachments for chopping, shredding, and slicing. It makes quick work of preparing foods for the freezer. You’ll love this just as much as these kitchen gadgets you’ll wish you had years ago.
Why it made our list: This food processor was Taste of Home‘s Test Kitchen’s #1 pick after weeks of testing.
