20 Of Grandma's Favorite Freezer-Friendly Recipes

Grandma approves of these freezer-friendly favorites.

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

A freezer full of goodies is a knowing grandmother’s trick to always having a homemade meal just minutes away. With some prep ahead of time, Grandma will always be able to welcome you with open arms and a bowl full of something cozy and satisfying to enjoy within minutes of your arrival. Here are grandma-approved recipes to make ahead and keep in the freezer—this way you can be the one surprising her with delicious food the next time she comes around.

Beth Dreiling Hontzas

A recipe that's easy to make and freezer-friendly? Sign us up. Store-bought rotisserie chicken, canned biscuits, and a can of cream of chicken soup lend themselves to a snappy and dependably delicious meal.

Brittany Conerly; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin

Grandma loves a one-dish meal as much as we do. This one is creamy like a Grandma-approved pot pie, flavorful like her best recipes, easy like a spaghetti casserole, and comforting as can be.

If Grandma's comfort food of choice is a classic grilled cheese and tomato soup, this freezer-friendly staple will make her day. Serve it with crusty, toasted bread or go one step further and make her a cheesy sandwich for dipping.

This may not be the tuna casserole that Grandma is used to, but one bite and she'll be a convert. We've updated this classic Southern recipe with sharp cheese, savory vegetables, and a crunchy topping.

Lasagna tucked away in the freezer will feel heaven-sent after a long day when you just don't feel like cooking. Make it one day when lasagna is on the menu, then freeze your luscious leftovers for later.

For chili this good, this recipe comes together shockingly quick. When prepared in advance and stored in the freezer, it's ready to be served in hardly any time at all.

Southern Living

To make this old school dish in advance, put it all together, cover with foil, and pop it in the freezer. This way, for the next month, you'll have one of Grandma's favorite dishes just a thaw and a bake away.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

When in need of a reliable recipe to satisfy a crowd, Hashbrown Casserole will always deliver, especially when you've planned ahead. Prepare your casserole ahead of time and either freeze before baking, or bake, cool, then freeze.

A warm bowl full of Grandma's chicken soup is the best kind of medicine out there. That liquid gold can cure just about any bug that's got you down. Keep a Tupperware full of Homemade Chicken Soup in your own freezer, ready for the next time Grandma needs a boost to return the favor.

Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Good ole' greens is a classic Southern side that has graced Grandma's dinner table on many occasions, but she may have actually prepared it up to a couple of weeks in advance. Stored in air-tight freezer bags, collards can be prepared way ahead of time.

Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

No one can make mac and cheese like a Southern grandma or aunty. The secret to this fantastic recipe is pockets of bursting, gooey cheese in every bite.

Will Dickey; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

This freezer-friendly meatloaf is always in Grandma's freezer, ready for Grandpa's dinner request. This is one quick meal that they've probably shared countless times over the years.

Hector Sanchez

We've given tomato pie a few tweaks to make it better than ever. This is one meal you'll have to resist eating before it even makes it into the freezer.

Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

This meat-and-three staple is also a frequent flyer in Grandma's household. A casserole dish of Old-School Squash Casserole is a must-have for the freezer, ready for any occasion.

A no-fuss meal that packs in oodles of comfort is Grandma's bread and butter. This freezable recipe includes some of her classic casserole go-tos like egg noodles and a can of cream of mushroom soup, but also has secret, flavorful ingredients like chive-and-onion cream cheese.

We said it once and we'll say it again: Lasagna is an all-star, freezer-friendly meal. This recipe includes an easy but impactful jar of pesto that adds a flavorful twist to classic lasagna.

Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

A batch of Cheese Dreams ready to go in the freezer is a grandmother-approved secret to welcoming family and friends on short notice. There's no better way to greet guests than with a cheese dream fresh from the oven.

When Grandma's holiday dinner or Sunday supper menu includes a side of green bean casserole, there's a good chance that she made it ahead. This classic recipe freezes like a dream and wows every time.

Picture this: Just when you think supper couldn't possibly get any more delicious, Grandma breaks out a tray of yeast rolls. With this recipe up her sleeve and in her freezer, yummy dinner rolls will delight for many meals to come.

Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Steak and gravy is a classic Grandma dinner move. Best of all, she can make her centerpiece patties up to three months in advance when she puts her freezer to work.