11 food staples to always keep in your freezer

Frozen food can sometimes be seen as something bad. However, frozen food can be just as nutritious and flavorful as fresh one. I always go for fresh food when I can, but with our busy lives, it is always better to be prepared and have something at hand, rather than resulting in fast food for convenience. It is also very convenient to stock up on items that are hard to find or can only be found seasonally.

Here is a list of things you should consider always keeping in your freezer to make your life easier

Vegetables

I always keep some in my freezer. I love adding frozen peas to pasta, soup and stews for example. Frozen corn is also tastier than in a can. Stay away from mix that are pre-seasoned, they tend to have too much sodium content and sometimes even added sugar. I also avoid anything that contains carrots. They develop a weird taste once frozen which I really dislike.

Fruits

For a quick smoothie in the morning, just throw some frozen fruits and milk in your blender and you’re good to go. You can also use them in muffins, scones etc

Grounded meat

I tend to buy big bulk of it and portion it for future use. I also buy it from Wild Fork, it comes in pebbles, and it is easy to use only what you need without having to defrost a big batch (I am not affiliated with them, I just really love their products, here is the ground beef )

Fish and seafood

It is hard to find good fish and seafood that is fresh. I have my go to places but during the week I don’t always have the time to go buy fresh seafood, that’s why I always keep some white fish, shrimps or squid for easy use

Bread & Brioche

When I make bread and brioche, I usually do more, slice it and freeze it. You then just have to take what you need and toast it for a quick snack or breakfast.

Cheese

We don’ always think about it but cheese freeze very well. For example, we have a special cheese dish in France called Raclette. We buy a big wheel of the cheese, portion it and freeze it for future use.

Tart dough

When I prepare dough, I sometimes double the recipe to freeze some. This way when I want to do a quick dessert, I have some dough available. Three ways to freeze it: just as a ball of dough, already prepared in your tart pan ready to bake, or already prebaked. Make sure to always wrap it properly.

Cookies

Cookies are great to have in the freezer for when you have a craving and nothing at hands. You only have to leave them a few minutes at room temperature, and they are ready to eat. If you like warm cookies freshly out of the oven, you can also freeze the raw dough ready to bake

Fresh herbs

I don’t know about you, but it happens quite often to me that I need some dills or parsley for a recipe and realize I don’t have any. Having some fresh herbs in the freezer allows you to have them available year long.

Homemade dinner

When you have leftover do not hesitate to portion it and freeze it. Instead of buying a sandwich for lunch, take your Tupperware with you for a homemade lunch at work.

Ginger and garlic

To enhance the flavors of any dish, add garlic or ginger. Grate your ginger/garlic and freeze it in ice cube container. Once frozen, place them in a Ziploc bag. Just add a cube in your recipe.