I am in full on baby prep mode around here! Maybe it is the nesting hormones or the fact that I only have a few weekends left before baby boy could make his arrival, but I am feeling the pressure to get things put to order ASAP. This includes stocking up our newly purchased chest freezer with lots of meals and ready to go items for those first few weeks of sleep deprivation and finding a new routine.
Below are a few of the recipes that are on my checklist to make in the next few weeks. I will definitely be making at least one of my meatloaves (recipe here!) and a few other comfort foods to have around. My plan is to take a day and do lots of cooking and baking to stock the freezer and get ready for baby. Let me know if you have any recipes you’d recommend!
Casseroles
Being a good Midwest Girl, I am making up enough casseroles to last me through at least the first three months after baby is born, if not more! I love casseroles for new moms because they are so easy and quick to reheat and have such a variety that you won’t get bored with them. You just have to remember to pull them out of the freezer to thaw!
I’ve been slowly making double of some of my weekly meals to freeze in foil casserole pans so I have some things already made, but I’m planning at least one big cooking day to really stock up on some casserole favorites. Below are some of my favorite casserole freezer meals to make ahead of time and store away in that deep freezer for a night you just don’t want to cook.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Such a staple that husband’s especially love (at least mine does!). You can make just basic Mac and Cheese or spice it up by adding bacon, green chilis, or breadcrumbs for a more gourmet meal. Recipe via The Chunky Chef.
Shepherd’s Pie
A savory and filling meal, Shepherd’s Pie is perfect for the colder months when you want comfort food and something hearty to keep you full throughout the night. I keep it simple with freezer Shepherds Pie and just load it up on the vegetables. You can make one large pan or several smaller ones depending on how many people you are feeding. Recipe via The Wholesome Dish.
Lasagna/Pasta Bakes
Another classic that is easy to make ahead and reheat. You can cheat and get a couple good Costco Lasagna’s if you don’t want the work of making your own. I am making up a few pans of Penne alla Vodka with Italian Sausage in addition to the lasagna just for something different to have. Recipe/Image via Dinner at the Zoo.
Breakfast Options
A lot of new moms gave me some great advice to not only have dinner options in the freezer, but breakfasts as well since you are likely to have a few all nighters in those first few months and cooking anything besides cereal may be the last thing on your mind. Having some options for breakfast stashed away can be a life saver so I am making up a few options to keep in the freezer. Here is some of what I’m making:
- Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake-Recipe Via Alexandra’s Kitchen
- Healthy Southwest Egg Cups-Recipe Via Zested Lemon
- Classic Egg Bake-Recipe via Joy Food Sunshine
- Freezer-Friendly Apple Carrot Muffins-Recipe via Feast for a Fraction
Crock Pot “Dump” Meals
I am a huge fan of crockpot meals so making up a bunch of things I can just “dump” into the crockpot in the morning to set and go throughout the day is ideal for life with a new baby. These meals give you a little more variety than a traditional casseroles since you can make up soups, meats, and other meals all in one gallon zip lock bag you can just defrost and put straight into the crockpot when you need an easy meal.
Since baby boy is due towards the beginning of Fall, I wanted to make a few heartier meals for this time, even though in the heat of summer it is difficult to even think about heavy food. Here are some of the recipes I’m planning on putting together for my crockpot:
