In the world of busy mamas, having a well-stocked freezer can be a game-changer. My 10 freezer staples save me time popping into the shops on a daily basis, and precious time cooking. Let’s dive into the world of freezer staples. These essentials are about to become your best friends, and they can make dinnertimes and meal prep a breeze.

1. Bread

Bread is a must-have in the world of freezer staples. I like to keep a few rolls and buns that my kids enjoy for their school lunches, and when you think outside the loaf, you’ll find the incredible versatility of Naan and pitta bread. Pop them in the freezer, and you have the base for impromptu sides, whether it’s dipping into a savoury curry or making a speedy pizza.

2. Ham

Forget rushing to the grocery store for sliced ham. Freeze it instead. When defrosting, place a paper napkin underneath it to absorb all ice defrosting into water. Sliced bacon, gammon, or mortadella freeze just as well too.

3. Cheese

Aah, cheese! Grated cheddar and mozzarella are prized for their meltability, making them essential for anything from gooey lasagnas to cheesy quesadillas, to a quick wrap. You can use them right from the freezer. Same with grated parmesan, pecorino, and other varieties that are usually sprinkled over pasta. Oh, and sliced cheese, particularly edam. What sets edam apart (for sliced cheese) is its exceptional freezing quality. It doesn’t get as crumbly as some other cheeses, such as cheddar, which means it’s perfect for keeping on hand so you never run out of sliced cheese. Cheese is one of these freezer staples that is a must to have!

4. Oven chips/fries

These are one of my easy go-to sides (I like to add 1 carb and vegetables or salad). They go from the freezer to the oven or air fryer in a snap, ensuring you have a delightful accompaniment to your meal without the hassle of chopping and frying.

5. Bananas

When bananas start to get too ripe, don’t toss them. Instead, freeze them for future use. Frozen bananas are perfect for baking banana bread and making smoothies.

6. Bolognese sauce

This is one recipe I batch and make (5) portions of at one go. It is a classic family favourite and it’s versatility trumps all other freezer meals. From spaghetti bolognese, to lasagne, to bolognese ziti, to shepard’s pie, or sloppy joes, there are so many meals you can make from this one Italian classic. There are more recipes you can make, these are just a few. Which proves that this one staple is a must to have in your freezer.

7. Pulled pork

…or pulled chicken, or pulled beef…
This is another recipe I like to make a batch of. Again, it’s versatility is a winner. From sandwiches, to wraps, to nachos, to tacos, salad, or pies…pulled pork is one of those freezer staples every busy mama should have in her freezer.

8. Burgers (or other patties)

Sometimes, you just need a quick, tasty meal, and burgers are one of those things that I consider a complete meal. They include carbs in the burger bun, greens in the salad, and protein in the patty.
What’s more, you can grill them straight from the freezer, and dinner is served in no time. What’s more, I can easily announce a last-minute, unplanned barbecue or cookout once these freezer staples are on hand…because remember, I also have buns and cheese stashed away and frozen too!

9. Frozen asparagus

If you’re looking for a healthy, convenient veggie side, frozen asparagus is your answer. It’s flash-frozen to lock in that fresh flavour, making it a fantastic addition to any meal, whether you’re roasting them with garlic, air frying them or adding them to a stir-fry. Yum!

10. Frozen, grilled aubergine

From Mediterranean or Middle Eastern-inspired dishes to simple sides, frozen grilled aubergine is a time-saver. You don’t have to worry about grilling it yourself, which means you can have that delightful smoky flavour anytime you want. Parmeggiana, anyone? 😀

With these 10 essentials stocked in your freezer, you really can save yourself a lot of headache. You’ll have more time to tick off your to-do list, and are saving time shopping or feeling stressed in the kitchen. So, stock up on these essentials – your future self will thank you!