The only thing better than a well-stocked freezer is a fat bank account. If you’ve ever been caught in the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” moment, you know that sometimes the answer needs to be quick, easy, and satisfying. The freezer is your best friend in these times, offering a reliable stash of meals, snacks, and ingredients that can be thrown together in minutes.
Your freezer is your never-failing backup plan. But what should you fill it with to ensure you always have quick and easy options? The freezer isn’t just for leftovers or ice cream. In fact, it’s an incredibly smart way to preserve many different ingredients, making them last longer without sacrificing flavor or nutrients.
Here are 14 foods to stock up on that will cover all your bases. We rounded up our advice from trusted home sites to give you the best preservation insight.
1. Vegetables
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When fresh veggies are unavailable, frozen ones are a lifesaver. The prepackaged veggies in the freezer section at the store are flash-frozen right after harvest, locking in nutrients and flavor without the hassle of wilting produce.
You can do this yourself at home as well! Stock up on a variety of options like spinach, peas, and mixed vegetables to throw into soups, stews, or as sides to any main dish. Your family will get their daily servings of greens, even on days when fresh produce isn’t available.
2. Fruit
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Frozen fruits are perfect for smoothies, baking, or a refreshing cold snack on a hot day. You can buy prepackaged frozen fruit, which is picked at its peak ripeness and frozen immediately, so you can enjoy a variety of fruit year-round, even out of season.
You can always freeze your own fruits at home. Remember to wash your fruits before freezing. You can also pack them with sugar or syrup if you want them to last longer in the freezer. This way, you’ll always have the fruits you need for your oatmeal, yogurt, or a quick smoothie.
3. Chicken Breasts
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Chicken day is a household favorite in many families, but fresh chicken can go bad quickly. That’s why keeping chicken breasts in your freezer is a smart move. They can be thawed out and used in a variety of recipes, from grilled chicken salads to chicken stir-fry or baked casseroles.
Frozen chicken breasts allow you to plan meals without the pressure of using fresh meat before it spoils or planning ahead to get to the shops before dinner. And since they cook relatively quickly, they’re ideal for last-minute meals.
4. Fish and Seafood
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Frozen fish and seafood are convenient and often more affordable than fresh options. They can be easily stored and cooked in a variety of ways. Salmon, shrimp, and white fish fillets are all great options to have on hand.
They are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a healthy addition to your freezer. Although it’s important to keep in mind that they will not help you when you need a quick meal. Frozen fish and seafood will need to be removed from the freezer and put it in the fridge a day before you plan to cook it.
5. Frozen Pizza
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Frozen pizza has evolved over the years, moving from a convenience food to a gourmet treat. With various crust options, toppings, and even gluten-free varieties, frozen pizza now suits almost every preference.
It’s perfect for nights when you don’t feel like cooking and just want a quick meal that satisfies the whole family. There’s no need to rely on delivery when you can pull out a delicious pizza from the freezer, toss it in the oven, and enjoy a meal in under 30 minutes.
6. Burritos
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Frozen burritos are the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and easy to prepare in bulk. From beef and chicken to veggie fillings, there’s a burrito to satisfy every craving. Having a stash of burritos in the freezer will ensure you always have a great backup meal for busy weeknights.
Add a side of salsa or guacamole; you have an effortless, tasty dinner ready in minutes. For the best defrosted burrito experience, thaw it in the microwave before reheating in a skillet or fry pan.
7. Bread
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You probably didn’t know you could freeze bread, right? Seeing that freshly baked bread only lasts about three days (and is so much better than store-bought stuff that can sit on the counter all week!), storing bread in your freezer means you’ll never have to worry about running out of loaves or rolls.
Take out what you need, toast it, or defrost it, and it’s as fresh as the day it was made. This is especially handy if you only need a slice or two at a time and don’t want to waste an entire loaf.
8. Soups and Stews
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It’s about to get chilly, and you’ll want to have freezer-friendly soups and stews on hand. Go for classic options like chicken noodle soup, minestrone, or beef stew. These are filling and easy to heat up. You can even portion them out for individual servings for a quick, wholesome meal.
Having frozen soups and stews on hand also helps with meal planning, as they can last for weeks. These also work great for busy families who need to get dinner on the table fast or for that last-minute common cold remedy.
9. Dumplings
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If you aren’t a dumplings fan yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. Frozen dumplings are the ultimate snack or appetizer. Steamed, boiled, or fried, they make a tasty, bite-sized addition to any meal. Storing them frozen ensures that you always have something handy when hunger strikes.
With fillings ranging from pork to shrimp to vegetables, there’s a frozen dumpling to suit every palate. They cook quickly and are great as appetizers, but can also shine as a main dish with a side of dipping sauce.
10. French Fries
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If you have kids, you know they’re always ready for fries, but with all the potato-peeling and chopping involved, you just aren’t. Having all that done beforehand—or even better, having a prepackaged bag from the store on hand—ensures everyone is happy when the masses start chanting for fries.
French fries are a classic side dish that pairs well with just about everything, from burgers to fried chicken. With frozen fries, you can skip the greasy deep fryer and cook them in the oven for a healthier, less-messy alternative.
11. Meatballs
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Does it feel like you can almost eat anything with meatballs? Add them to spaghetti, make them into meatball subs, or use them in countless other dishes. Having them in the freezer is a godsend—they’re ready to heat and serve in no time!
Frozen meatball options range from beef and turkey to plant-based varieties, offering something for every taste. You can make meatball sliders for a fun dinner party snack or enjoy them in a rich tomato sauce over pasta for a family dinner.
12. Veggie Burgers
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Your kids will be happy you had these. Frozen veggie burgers are a must-have for anyone looking for a plant-based or lighter meal option. You can throw them on the grill or cook them in a skillet, and in minutes, you have a healthy, hearty meal.
For those days when you want something lighter or meat-free, veggie burgers provide a satisfying alternative. Pair them with your favorite burger toppings, add a side of sweet potato fries, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will enjoy.
13. Frozen Tofu
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Frozen tofu is a must-have for plant-based eaters and anyone who loves trying out new vegetarian dishes. When you freeze tofu, it transforms its texture, making it firmer and ideal for grilling, stir-frying, or baking. It’s an amazing source of protein and great at soaking up the flavors of your meal.
You can season frozen tofu and toss it into anything from curries to stir-fries, or even use it as a meat substitute in your favorite recipes.
14. Pastries
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You don’t have to start baking at 10 PM anymore. Frozen pastries are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen in the lead-up. These treats can be baked fresh from the freezer, from croissants and brownies to Danish pastries and cookie dough.
Wrap the pastries in resealable bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Your impromptu coffee date at home won’t mean getting wrapped in flour as you rush to bake the perfect macarons anymore.