After cooking a full entrée for your family, how can you have time for the sides? For those busy mornings or last-minute potlucks, it can be hard to cook the perfect side dish that’s both quick and healthy. Luckily, there are some easy side dishes you can prep, freeze, and reheat whenever you need them.
Fluffy Biscuits
Biscuits are a family favorite that you can pair with soups and salads or serve alone with jam. Once baked, let your biscuits cool completely before you freeze them in an airtight container. This is one of the most important tips for freezing and reheating biscuits. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat the treats in the oven for a warm, buttery side.
Sweet Potato Mash
Sweet, creamy, and nutrient-packed, sweet potato mash offers all the nutrients your family needs. Simply cook the potatoes, mash them with milk and a touch of olive oil, and freeze in individual portions. Whether you reheat this side in the microwave or on the stovetop, you can serve a tasty dish for everyone to enjoy.
Mac and Cheese Bites
Prepare a batch of these crowd-pleasers for any event using your favorite mac and cheese recipe. Spoon the mixture into a muffin tin, bake, and serve as a delicious side dish to any meal. If there are any leftovers, freeze the individual bites and reheat them as snacks for busy days.
Roasted Veggie Medley
Roasted vegetables are one of the best, versatile, nutrient-packed side dishes you can freeze and reheat anytime. Toss carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers in olive oil and seasonings, then roast until caramelized. Once the medley cools, freeze in portions and reheat on a baking tray to maintain its crisp texture.
Herb-Infused Rice Pilaf
Cook your rice with vegetable broth, herbs, and sautéed onions, then freeze it into portions for your lunch or dinner plans. Freezing rice locks in moisture, so it reheats fluffy and fresh every time. When you need an extra side dish, throw it in the microwave and serve it by itself or alongside your vegetables and meats.
Green Bean Casserole
This freezer-friendly casserole adds an extra vegetable to your dinner table. Also, it’s a one-pan baked dish, so all you do is assemble the ingredients, put it in the oven, and wait for it to cool before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, pop it back in the oven to heat through and add a crispy onion topping for delicious flavor.
Just because it’s frozen doesn’t mean it loses its nutritional value or scrumptious taste. These easy-to-make side dishes will save you time and reduce food waste as you finish your last-minute food prep. Give your family a full meal they’ll love by preparing these side dishes ahead of time.
Image Credit: Stephanie Frey, #242827421
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